Rome free essay sample

By the time of Jesus, Rome controlled much of Europe and the Mediterranean. In 300 A. D. , Rome’s population was over one million. A Roman city started with a grid layout, with major buildings in the center and the whole area surrounded by walls. There were aqueducts to supply water, temples, markets, theaters and amphitheaters, public baths, and playing fields. The province of Gaul, now France, was brought under Roman control by Julius Caesar. Many of the Celtic people of Gaul, particularly the Druids, were not happy to be ruled by Rome. The fictional city of Verbonia exemplifies a conquered Gallic settlement. One can still see aqueduct ruins in France. Aqueducts rested on a series of arches and used gravity to bring water from mountains to cities. Water was stored in reservoirs before being funneled to the homes of the rich, to the public baths, and to the public fountains. Verbonia has reservoirs made of concrete. The fictional city of Verbonia exemplifies a conquered Gallic settlement. One can still see aqueduct ruins in France. Aqueducts rested on a series of arches and used gravity to bring water from mountains to cities. Water was stored in reservoirs before being funneled to the homes of the rich, to the public baths, and to the public fountains. Verbonia has reservoirs made of concrete. The gluttonous Roman official taxes the Gauls cruelly. Excavations at Pompeii revealed wealthy citizens’ homes with their gardens, atriums, and pools. Wealthy lifestyles were supported by slave labor. Ostia, unlike Pompeii, was a working-class town. Continued taxation leads the tax collector’s countrymen to report him to Caesar Augustus, who recalls him to Rome to become a food taster. Even so, Celts continue to revolt at Verbonia and are harshly punished by the Romans. The Romans loved the depraved entertainment at amphitheaters such as the Colosseum, where gladiators fought, prisoners were executed, and defeated enemies were killed publicly. The architect of Verbonia asks Caesar Augustus to pardon the chieftain who has been punished after Celtic uprisings. Caesar grants his wish. Later, the chieftain’s daughter halts an assassination attempt and 4 she and her father are rewarded with Roman citizenship. During the Roman Empire, many conquered peoples became assimilated and gained status. The Roman city was a crucible of thought and change, as well as being livable and thoughtfully designed. The designers tried to limit cities’ sizes. Though much of the Romans’ vision of life was brutal and repulsive, part of it was brilliantly progressive. Roman technology and city planning were unparalleled in the ancient Western world. 5 People/Gods Julius Caesar Romulus and Remus Jupiter and Juno Slaves G ladiators Druids Places Amphitheater Atrium Forum Gaul Pompeii and Herculaneum Ostia Rome Palatine Hill Colosseum Things Keystone Aqueduct Colonnade DIRECTIONS: Write the correct answer by the definition: People/Gods 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Roman gods Most famous Roman Lowest class of Roman society Men trained to fight to the death for public entertainment Legendary founders of Rome Priests of an ancient Celtic religion Places 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Towns buried by volcanic ash and mud A commercial city and seaport of the Roman Empire Territory now known as France Open area around which a house is built Central public place of an ancient Roman city An oval building with tiered seats around an open space, used for contests or games in ancient Rome 7. Center of Roman Empire 8. Site of emperor’s home in Rome 9. Famous amphitheater in Rome Things 1. A row of columns supporting a horizontal beam or a roof 2. A pipeline built to carry water 3. W edge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch that holds the other pieces in place