Ancient Rome: Lesson 4: A Vast Empire Lesson 4

​Main ideas

1. The Roman Empire expanded to control the entire Mediterranean world.

2. Trade increased in Rome, both within the empire and with other people.

3. The Pax Romana was a period of peace and prosperity in the cities and the country.

4. The Romans were very religious and worshipped many gods.

​The Empire Expands

Rome ruled most of the Mediterranean world when it became an empire. Within 150 years it controlled large areas of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The empire expanded through military might. It expanded to control hostile neighbors and prevent attacks. It also conquered for economic reasons, because conquered people had to pay taxes. In addition, many territories had gold, good farmland, and other resources

Multiple Choice

Rome ruled most of the Mediterranean world when it became an empire. Within 150 years it controlled large areas of Europe, Africa, and ______________.

• Asia

• North America

• South America

• Australia

Open Ended

What is one reason why the empire expanded?

​The empire grew after Augustus died. By the early 100s, the Romans had taken over Gaul and much of central Europe. By the time of the emperor Hadrian, the Romans had conquered most of Britain. Its people, the Celts, had fought fiercely but lost. The Romans had also taken over Asia Minor, the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, and all of the northern African coast. Romans called the Mediterranean Mare Nostrum, meaning “Our Sea.”

​TRADE INCREASES

As the empire expanded, Romans wanted foreign goods. Traders went to the provinces to bring back metals, cloth, and food. In return, the Romans traded jewelry, glass, and clothing. Traders went to eastern Africa, India, and what is now Vietnam for other goods. Some went to China for silk. Romans used money, or currency. The empire had a uniform currency so trade could grow.

Multiple Choice

Traders went to the provinces to bring back metals, cloth, and weapons.

• True

• False

Draw

Draw a picture of currency.

Open Ended

Why did the Roman Empire have the same currency?

​THE PAX ROMANA

The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, lasted about 200 years. It was a time of peace and prosperity, and the population grew. An effect of the time was an improvement in the people’s quality of life.

​Many people in cities were wealthy, but others lived in crowded apartment buildings. Many people lived in rural areas and were farmers. Some spoke languages other than Latin and did not follow Roman customs. Villas, or country homes, were scattered among the farms. Wealthy Romans used villas when they wanted a break from the city

Draw

Draw a villa.

​ROMANS ALLOW MANY RELIGIONS

The Romans were religious. Myths about Rome’s founding and rulers often connected past rulers to a god or goddess. Many of Rome’s most popular gods came from people they had conquered. For example, many Romans worshipped Greece’s Olympian gods because they had learned about Greek mythology. These gods became Rome’s main gods, but with different names. Roman mythology influences culture today, as evidenced by our planets being named after Roman gods.

Open Ended

Where did many of Rome’s most popular gods originate?

Open Ended

What is one interesting thing you learned about ancient Rome?