Learning Targets:
1. I can analyze development of Christianity affect the Roman Empire. 2. I can cite text-based evidence to explain the development of Christianity affect the Roman Empire. Christianity is often blamed for the downfall of the Roman Empire. It was illegal to be a christian in Rome because, simply put, it was too much freedom. Romans believed solely in their gods and their emperor. Roman religion was considered more of a contract, and the Romans believed that being a christian took attention away from their emperor. Rome was like this for many years, but as Rome evolved, its religious views grew and changed along with it. Christianity is based off of the life of Jesus Christ, and is a monotheistic religion. Christianity gave hope to the poor citizens of Rome during the time of its rein. Roman religion wasn't a very spiritual experience, it was more of a contractual agreement between the people of Rome and the forces they believed created existence. After the development of Christianity, it was made illegal because the popularity of Rome began to stop worshipping the emperor. For years, Christians were publicly humiliated, tortured, and murdered. "Burning alive was used for arsonists and treachery..Being fed to the beasts in the arena (damnatio ad bestias) was part of the morning program in the arenas of the Empire...Damnatio ad gladium sent one into the arena to die in combat. In the more extreme form, the condemned man was forced to keep fighting a new opponent until one finally killed him."(carolashby.com) Around 64 AD, a fire broke out in Rome. It is known as The Great Fire of Rome. The emperor Nero Caesar, blamed the great fire on the Christians, causing the Romans and the Christians to turn on eachother. Nero is said to have blamed the Christians because they lived near the area that the fire was started. To add, their homes weren't destroyed, and because Nero couldn't target the thousands of Jews living near and with the Christians, he decided to blame the much weaker and smaller group of Christians. Nero began to persecute Christians even more violently than before. "Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations"(Livius.org) After Nero's reign, Constantine, the first Christian emperor came into power. This began the end of Christian persecution. In 380 AD Theodosius made all religions except Christianity, illegal. Because they adopted Christianity, years of Roman culture and tradition were thrown away. "Under Constantine's rule, Pagan temples were abolished and the wealth was appropriated."(Prezi.com) Gladiator games were also abolished as Christian rule continued. When the Roman Empire finally collapsed, the Christians were blamed for greatly weakening the empire. Even today the Christians are blamed for the downfall. The Christians are credited with making Rome less violent and brutal, and cut the ties between the old Pagan religion and the government, but for what historians know, the bond between the Romans and Christians wasn't ever 100% positive.
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Learning Targets: 1. I can explain how the Roman Empire changed the way we live today. 2. I can cite-text based evidence to support how the Roman Empire changed the way we live today. The Romans were one of the most powerful empires of all time. They have contributed countless inventions, traditions, and aspects of our daily lives.Rome's innovations and inventions give historians a look at what Rome considered necessities. They also give light to the materials that were available to them, and how they believed their society should be set up and run. The Roman Government has a heavy influence in our world today. "Rome had been ruled by a monarchy, (It expanded greatly during its republican period that lasted until Caesar became emperor)." Members of the senate also held the most power, Roman inventions and innovations are seen constantly throughout our world today. The first of these inventions are the famed Roman numerals. " The history of Roman numerals follows the history of ancient Rome itself, from its beginnings at the Latin Palatine Hill in 8th and 9th century B.C."(romannumerals.co.uk) The Romans were also the first civilization to use newspapers. These newspapers included births, deaths, and human stories. "Known as Acta Diurna, or “daily acts,” these early newspapers were written on metal or stone and then posted in heavily trafficked areas like the Roman Forum."(history.com) In Rome, architecture was a very big deal. Arches and aqueducts were some of the most popular. Rome was the first civilization to use the power of columns and arches to support their buildings. This also allowed for prettier designs and large archways. Another architectural feat was the invention of concrete. This allowed them to create sturdy buildings that would last. The use of concrete is why places like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum are still standing today. "Roman concrete was considerably weaker than its modern counterpart, but it has proved remarkably durable thanks to its unique recipe, which used slaked lime and a volcanic ash known as pozzolana to create a sticky paste."(history.com) Without all of Rome's inventions, it probably wouldn't have any remains left standing. Rome's culture has influenced many of our traditions and ways of life in America today. One of the most important being architecture. The Romans adopted some of the Greek style of architecture, but they added their own style to it. The Romans were in debt and owed the Etruscans, who offered them the knowledge to understand the importance of arches and hydraulics, which helped influence future architecture forever. "In fact, because of their superior engineering skills and architectural ideas possessed by the Romans, and respected by others, that allowed them to conquer, influence, and rule such a vast area of the world, for such an extended period of time."(prezi.com) Roman influence can be seen in buildings such as the white house, the Federal Hall in New York City, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, because they all have columns as a big part of their design. Roman architecture has had huge impact on our buildings today, and it is seen constantly throughout the U.S. Thomas Jefferson Memorial White House Federal Hall Colosseum
What was the Colosseum's main purpose? Also, what types of events took place in the Colosseum?1/18/2018 Learning Targets: I can describe the Colosseums main purpose in Ancient Rome. I can explain what types of events took place in the Colosseum. I can describe who a gladiator was and what their role was in in Ancient Rome. The Colosseum is one of the most talked about buildings of all time. Its massive size and time it was built proves how Roman Architecture was ahead of its time. It harnesses the power and beauty of columns and arches, and was given to the Roman people as a gift.
The Colosseum measures 620 by 513 feet, making the Colosseum the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. Many amphitheaters before the Colosseum were dug into the ground for aqueduct support. The Colosseum was free-standing and made of stone and concrete, which made it stand out. The Colosseum had many different aspects and features of design that made it special. Columns and arches are the most obvious and reflect the style of Roman Architecture. " The distinctive exterior had three stories of arched entrances–a total of around 80–supported by semi-circular columns. Each story contained columns of a different order (or style): At the bottom were columns of the relatively simple Doric order, followed by Ionic and topped by the ornate Corinthian order. Located just near the main entrance to the Colosseum was the Arch of Constantine, built in A.D. 315 in honor of Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at Pons Milvius."(History.com) The Colosseum had seating for over 50,00 people. There is a possibility they were organized by social class, but evidence based on other Roman Amphitheaters suggests they were packed into the building in no specific order. "Awnings were unfurled from the top story in order to protect the audience from the hot Roman sun as they watched gladiatorial combats, hunts, wild animal fights and larger combats such as mock naval engagements (for which the arena was flooded with water) put on at great expense."(History.com) Most of the people competing in gladiator games were men, but there are some records of female gladiators. Gladiators weren't typically free, they were slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war. Gladiators were willing to risk their lives for possible fame and glory. The Colosseum was used for four centuries until the struggles of the Western Empire and change in public taste began to change put the games to an end. By the century 6 A.D the Colosseum was no longer in use. "Even by that time, the arena had suffered damaged due to natural phenomena such as lightning and earthquakes." In centuries to come, the Colosseum was completely abandoned and used as a quarry. It was used in "cathedrals of St. Peter and St. John Lateran, the Palazzo Venezia and defense fortifications along the Tiber River." In the 18th century, popes began to want to conserve the area as a sacred Christian site. "though it is in fact uncertain whether early Christian martyrs met their fate in the Colosseum, as has been speculated."Most often, hungry animals fought other hungry animals. But sometimes hungry animals fought against gladiators in contests called venationes ("wild beast hunts"). On rare occasions, the animals were allowed to maul and eat a live human who was tied to a stake."(UsHistory.org) By the 20th century two thirds of the original Colosseum, its marble features, and countless design elements had been destroyed by neglect, vandalism, and natural disasters. Restoration began in the 1990s and has proceeded over the years. The Colosseum still remains to be a leading tourist attraction that people from all over the world go to. S.N.A.P Poster Learning Targets: I can create a high quality informational SNAP poster that answers a guiding question regarding Rome and its history. Project Information- S- Summary including textual evidence (2-2 paragraphs) N- New information learned A- Alerady knew P- Picture Ancient Rome MapLearning Targets:
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