The Romans invented many useful items. They even focused on comfort and beauty. Many credit them with inventing lipstick and other make up. They were the first to start making left and right shoes so they would be more comfortable. We are going to read about some inventions that changed their empire.
On your study guide we will identify each picture.
Underneath write what is was used for.
1. Columns in their buildings were popular (just like the Greeks). These columns helped support their large temples and other buildings. It was also used for decoration or "just for looks." Many buildings like this exist in the United States - court houses, state capitols, and even museums use columns.
2. The Romans also came up with the idea of SPQR. This was their logo or motto. When translated means "the Senate and People of Rome." It was a reminder to them of how special the Roman empire was. These letters (SPQR) were engraved or chiseled into everything, like public buildings, armor, coins, park benches. It stood for the Roman government kind of like a flag today.
3. Technology was very important to the Romans and they proved this with inventions like concrete. Concrete was used for buildings and roads. They could make very strong buildings that stood the test of time. They also developed an amazing system of roads. They were important for quick travel and were built in straight lines.
4. They also used concrete or cement to make aqueducts. Aqueducts were built to move water. They built these all over Europe. Above ground they look like arch ways, but underground there were tunnels that could bring water from as far away as 60 miles. This was how the rich people got fresh water right to their home.
5. The Romans also used cool decorative domes at the top of their buildings - like the Panthenon. These styles were used by the United States in our government buildings.
6. The Romans also like to keep track of how many people lived in the Roman Empire so they invented the census. A census is a total count of people. The United States uses this every 10 years to count our population. Then it is used for future planning on schools, parks, or housing needs.
Other cool ideas from ancient Rome
Roman numerals are written as combinations of the seven letters in the table below. The letters can be written as capital letters (XVI) or lower-case letters (xvi).
You can use a Roman numerals chart or conversion table to lookup Roman numerals or you can easily learn how to calculate them yourself with a few simple rules.
How to Translate Roman Numerals
Roman numerals consist of a combination of the I, V, X, L, C, D and M letters.
I = 1 V = 5 X = 10 L = 50
The position of the letters in relationship to each other is what determines the value of the actual Roman numeral. For example:
If smaller numbers follow larger numbers, the numbers are added. For example, the Roman numeral XII calls for the addition of ten and two, resulting in the value of twelve. XII = 10+2
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger. For example, the Roman numeral IIX calls for the subtraction of two from ten, resulting in the value of eight. IIX = 10-2
MCMLXXXIV = 1000+(1000-100)+50+30+(5-1) = 1984
The ancient Romans loved live theatre. Plays were usually only performed during religious ceremonies, holidays, and festivals. The Romans celebrated over 200 holidays a year so plays were performed often. The plays were performed in the Forum (the open marketplace in center of town).
The actors were all men and each actor usually had several roles. They wore simple costumes they could easily change. Actors often used pantomime which was a play without words. They would hold up happy and sad faces to make it easier for the audience to follow the story. The audience could talk and be loud throughout the performance. They would even boo if they did not like the play.
Actors in Rome were not very respected. It could be a sad job since people might yell and shout at you to get off the stage. The audience might even throw things at you.
The Twelve Tables were a list of rules or laws for Rome. They were written down so people were not confused or surprised. History calls these laws the "Twelve Tables" because they were organized into 12 sections. The laws covered everything from property, crime, family, theft, marriage, and inheritance. The laws tried to be fair and were engraved on tablets or metal or cement and put on display in the Forum. The laws applied to everyone - rich or poor. Below are some examples of the laws that have been reworded to make them easier to understand.
1. If you are called to court, you must go or you'll be taken by force to court.
2. If a witness for you does not show up to testify, you may go once a day for three days and shout in front of his house.
3. If it is your tree, it is your fruit, even if the fruit is on another man's land.
4. No dead person can be buried or burned within the city limits.
5. Marriage should not take place between plebians and patricians. (As time went on, this changed)
Roman ideas were not all amazing. One doctor shared information that was not true about the human body and science that people believed for many years. Watch the video.