Roman History Overview

Overview

This lecture provides an overview of Roman history, focusing on Rome’s origins, the Punic Wars, Roman society, and especially on slavery and slave resistance.

Origins and Growth of Rome

• Rome was traditionally founded in 753 BC, near the Tiber River for trade and defense.
• Early Rome was ruled by kings (monarchy), then became a Republic in 509 BC after overthrowing the monarchy.
• Rome expanded in Italy by conquering neighboring peoples and faced rivals like the Etruscans and Gauls.

The Punic Wars and Roman Expansion

• Rome fought Carthage in three Punic Wars (264–146 BC) for control over Sicily and the western Mediterranean.
• Romans eventually won using innovation like the corvus in naval battles, securing Sicily and other territories.
• Hannibal, Carthage’s general, invaded Italy but was eventually defeated by Roman persistence.
• The Third Punic War ended with the destruction of Carthage and Roman supremacy.

Roman Society and the Republic

• Roman society was divided between patricians (aristocrats) and plebeians (commoners); power favored the wealthy.
• Repeated wars increased inequality as generals amassed wealth and slaves, while many citizens struggled.

The Roman Empire and Achievements

• Augustus became the first emperor in 31 BC, starting the Roman Empire.
• The Pax Romana was a period of relative peace and prosperity, with achievements in engineering, law, and architecture.
• Roman innovations included roads, aqueducts, arenas, and the spread of Latin, law, and Christianity.

Slavery in Rome

• Slaves came from war, natural reproduction, criminal punishment, kidnapping, or being sold by their families.
• Slavery was matrilineal, but natural reproduction didn’t sustain the population due to poor conditions.
• Enslaved people worked in agriculture, households, mines, navy, construction, and even as skilled professionals.
• Roman law allowed manumission (freedom), symbolized by a liberty cap, but also inflicted harsh punishments like crucifixion.

Gladiators and Public Games

• Gladiators were mostly slaves forced to fight in arenas as entertainment, a practice that began as religious sacrifice.
• Games served political purposes (“bread and circuses”) to pacify and control the populace.
• Gladiators had varied roles and equipment; some free men volunteered due to fame, but most fights were deadly.
• Other public spectacles included animal hunts and mock naval battles.

Slave Resistance and Revolts

• Resistance included running away, suicide, and, rarely, revolts.
• Three major slave revolts occurred; the most famous was Spartacus’ revolt (73–71 BC), which was eventually crushed.
• Spartacus became a symbol of resistance and inspired later revolutionaries and popular culture.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Republic — Government without a king, where officials are elected or appointed.
• Patricians — Roman aristocratic class.
• Plebeians — Common people of Rome.
• Pax Romana — Period of peace and stability across the Roman Empire (27 BC–180 AD).
• Latifundia — Large Roman agricultural estates worked by slaves.
• Manumission — Legal process by which slaves were freed.
• Gladiator — A slave or person forced to fight for public entertainment.
• Corvus — Boarding device used by Romans in naval battles.
• Lanista — Trainer and owner of a gladiator school.
• Panem et circenses — Roman phrase meaning "bread and circuses," referring to food and entertainment provided by the state.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Watch the film “Spartacus” (1950s) for historical context.
• Prepare for the next lecture on ancient religions.
• Optional reading: Mary Beard’s "SPQR" for more on Roman political culture.