The Roman Empire: Mixed Sophistication And Brutality
Arndrayla Etame
English 10 H
LeMaster, Per. 5
17 September 2014
The Roman Empire
I. The Roman Empire
a. The Roman Empire was both a place of “mixed sophistication and brutality” because it “could suddenly lurch from civilization, strength, and power to terror, tyranny, and greed.”
II. Emperors
a. Hereditary rule is about being born into the right family. During the time, emperors were chosen by being born into the “right family,” as opposed to a person’s traits such as honesty or ability. The throne was passed to children and stepsons, brothers, and even “favored courtiers.”
b. Being an emperor was a risky job because they were often assassinated. They had their position and power for life even though many emperors abused it, so assassination …show more content…
Most Romans were part of the lower class. They ate simple meals such as porridge and bread. When they had enough money, they would buy meats and vegetables. The lower class was housed in “insulae.” Insulae were small shops in which the owners lived above. They were usually badly built and not many had running water or heating. For the rich and famous upper class, living conditions were much nicer. The upper class lived in a “domus.” A domus was a house built around an atrium. The atrium was like a modern-day living room, and the house had the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and dining room. The wealthiest Romans had private baths and libraries. Wealthy families threw dinner parties with many elaborate courses to impress their guests. Seating was arranged by status with the best seat to the right of the host. Some of the foods they ate included eggs, shellfish, vegetables and meat. They usually ate a three-course meal including dessert consisting of fruit or a pastry. The upper and lower classes lived very different lifestyles but also had a few things in common when it came to dinner rituals. Dinner was taken very seriously and was considered “an integral part of being a Roman.”
V. Religion in Ancient Rome: Worship
a. The gods were so important to Ancient Romans because they believed that the gods were “actively involved in their daily lives.” They believed that during religious festivals, when they had sacred meals, the god was there with them. They set a place and put food on the plate for the god.
VI. Baths
a. Baths were so important to Ancient Romans because they made them feel like they were “superior to the rest of the world” and made them “feel Roman.” Bathing was important to both the rich and the
English 10 H
LeMaster, Per. 5
17 September 2014
The Roman Empire
I. The Roman Empire
a. The Roman Empire was both a place of “mixed sophistication and brutality” because it “could suddenly lurch from civilization, strength, and power to terror, tyranny, and greed.”
II. Emperors
a. Hereditary rule is about being born into the right family. During the time, emperors were chosen by being born into the “right family,” as opposed to a person’s traits such as honesty or ability. The throne was passed to children and stepsons, brothers, and even “favored courtiers.”
b. Being an emperor was a risky job because they were often assassinated. They had their position and power for life even though many emperors abused it, so assassination …show more content…
Most Romans were part of the lower class. They ate simple meals such as porridge and bread. When they had enough money, they would buy meats and vegetables. The lower class was housed in “insulae.” Insulae were small shops in which the owners lived above. They were usually badly built and not many had running water or heating. For the rich and famous upper class, living conditions were much nicer. The upper class lived in a “domus.” A domus was a house built around an atrium. The atrium was like a modern-day living room, and the house had the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and dining room. The wealthiest Romans had private baths and libraries. Wealthy families threw dinner parties with many elaborate courses to impress their guests. Seating was arranged by status with the best seat to the right of the host. Some of the foods they ate included eggs, shellfish, vegetables and meat. They usually ate a three-course meal including dessert consisting of fruit or a pastry. The upper and lower classes lived very different lifestyles but also had a few things in common when it came to dinner rituals. Dinner was taken very seriously and was considered “an integral part of being a Roman.”
V. Religion in Ancient Rome: Worship
a. The gods were so important to Ancient Romans because they believed that the gods were “actively involved in their daily lives.” They believed that during religious festivals, when they had sacred meals, the god was there with them. They set a place and put food on the plate for the god.
VI. Baths
a. Baths were so important to Ancient Romans because they made them feel like they were “superior to the rest of the world” and made them “feel Roman.” Bathing was important to both the rich and the