Highlands Ranch High School - Mr. Sedivy
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

World History
Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

The Pax Romana
(27 BC - 180 AD)

During the Pax Romana period there were 200 years of peace within Rome. Results of the Pax Romana:

Extended borders to Asia Minor and secured frontiers.

Order and good government.

Prosperity. They Improved harbors, cleared forests, drained swamps, and turned unused land into farms.

Roads were built.

Products from all over the empire flowed into Rome.

They built cities and expanded old ones.

View of the Ancient City of Pompeii

Greek Culture Brought from Rome

Greeks came after the conquests. They were brought as slaves to live with the Romans and teach them laws and legal traditions of Greece. Romans added organization, engineering, and a talent for government and law.

Poets
Virgil wrote Roman propaganda; Aenid. Horace criticized lives of wealthy Romans. Ovid spoke for the wealthy people. Juvenal criticized cities.

Realism
They now made realistic sculptures.

Statue of Apollo and Arch of Nero, Both in Pompeii

Architecture
Romans used the arch, saved on building costs, used concrete, and built structure to last. Some things built by the Roman Empire are still in use today.

Science
The Romans used science for practical things.

Ptolemy: mathematics, geography, and astronomy. They understood that there was a system of planets. In their system, the earth was at the center. This theory was believed until the 16th century.

Galen: medicine. Basis for Western medical knowledge until modern times.

Stoicism
Philosophy - Marcus Aurelius: People should live simple lives, control their emotions, and be self-sufficient.

Law
The Romans thought law should reflect principles of reason and justice, and should protect the citizen's person and property. Their idea that law could be based on just and rational principles could apply to all people, regardless of nationality was a major contribution.

Back to the Top

Class Activity
Roman Aqueduct Project

Further Topical Reading
Historical Jesus

More Information
The Emperors of Rome