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298–299 Picture Finders Ltd./eStock

Roman
Civilization
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

100 B.C. A.D. 100 A.D. 300 A.D. 500

c. 10 B.C. A.D. 395 A.D. 527
Livy writes his Roman Empire Emperor
History of Rome divided into eastern Justinian
and western parts begins rule
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Chapter Preview Chapter Overview Visit

jat.glencoe.com for a preview
The Romans developed a civilization as well as an of Chapter 9.
empire. Read this chapter to find out about Roman
achievements that still influence your life today.
View the Chapter 9 video in the World History:
Journey Across Time Video Program.

Life in Ancient Rome

The Romans learned from the Greeks but changed
what they borrowed to suit their own needs. The
lives of rich and poor Romans were very different.

The Fall of Rome

Rome finally fell when Germanic invaders
swept through the empire in the A.D. 400s. Roman
achievements in government, law, language, and
the arts are still important today.

The Byzantine Empire

As the Western Roman Empire fell, the Eastern
Roman, or Byzantine, Empire grew rich and
powerful. The Byzantines developed a culture
based on Roman, Greek, and Christian ideas.

Organizing Information Make this foldable to help you organize and analyze
information by asking yourself questions about Roman civilization.

Step 1 Fold a sheet of Step 2 Turn the paper Reading and Writing
paper into thirds from horizontally, unfold, and As you read the chapter,
top to bottom. label the three columns write the main ideas for
as shown. each section in the
appropriate columns
of your foldable. Then
Life in write one statement
The Fall The
Ancient of Rome ine that summarizes the
R ome Byzant main ideas in each
Empire
column.

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Responding
& Reflecting
Your Point of View
An important part of reading involves thinking about and
responding to the text from your own point of view.
Read the following paragraph about daily life in Rome and
look at how one student reflects as she reads.

“Reminds me
The city of Rome was crowded,
of a city I noisy, and dirty. People tossed
visited once” “What would
garbage into the streets from their that look like?
apartments, and thieves prowled What would
the streets at night. Most people in it smell like?”

Rome were poor. They lived in

apartment buildings made of stone
and wood. High rent forced families “Were they
like apart-
to live in one room. ment build-
ings today?”
—from page 306

ant
i l e y o u do not w re “Sounds like it
Wh
d r e a m as you a would be very
y o
to da
, y o u d o want t uncomfortable
reading t the text
.
a b o u re and crowded!”
think e r s ’ minds a
a d
Good re s t “talking
a l m o
busy, as
c k ” t o the text
ba
d.
they rea

300
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Reflect and Respond Read to Write

In Section 2, you will
Read the following paragraph. Take a few minutes read why historians
to reflect on what you have read and then respond by believe the Roman
exchanging thoughts with a partner. Some suggested Empire fell. Choose one
topics are listed below. of the reasons and
respond to it, explaining
why you think this is
the most likely reason
for the decline of the
Between the ages of 14 and 16, a
Roman Empire.
Roman boy celebrated becoming a
man. He would burn his toys as
offerings to the household gods.
Then he would put on a toga, a loose-
fitting robe that Roman men wore.
Once he came of age, a man might
join his family’s business, become a
soldier, or begin a career in the gov-
ernment. Roman women did not
become adults until they married. A
woman usually wore a long flowing
robe with a cloak called a palla.
—from pages 307–308

• Do boys do anything today to show that

they have become men?
• What does a toga look like? What does a
palla look like?
• Why did a woman have to wait until she
married to become an adult?
• Why were boys and girls treated so
differently?

As you read, keep a reader’s note-

book. Record responses to facts or
ideas that you find interesting.
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Life in
Ancient Rome
What’s the Connection? Building Your Vocabulary
You have already learned about vault (VAWLT)
Rome’s rise to power. Life in Rome satire (SA • TYR)
was not easy, but as the empire grew, ode (OHD)
its people accomplished many things anatomy (uh • NA • tuh • mee)
in art, science, and engineering.
Forum (FOHR • uhm)
Focusing on the gladiator (GLA • dee • AY • tuhr)
• In addition to their own developments paterfamilias
in science and engineering, Roman (PA • tuhr • fuh • MIH • lee • uhs)
artists and writers borrowed many rhetoric (REH • tuh • rihk)
ideas from the Greeks. (page 303)
• The rich and poor had very different Reading Strategy
lives in the Roman Empire, as did Compare and Contrast Use a Venn
men and women. (page 306) diagram like the one below to show
similarities and differences between
Meeting People the rich and the poor in Rome.
Virgil (VUHR • juhl)
Horace (HAWR • uhs)
Galen (GAY • luhn) Roman Roman
Rich Poor
Ptolemy (TAH • luh • mee)
Spartacus (SPAHR • tuh • kuhs)

100 B.C. A.D. 1 A.D. 100

BRITAIN
GREECE 73 B.C. c. 10 B.C. c. A.D. 80
GAUL Spartacus leads Livy writes his Colosseum
SPAIN ITALY revolt of History of Rome completed
Rome Constantinople enslaved people
PALESTINE
EGYPT

302 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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and included wrinkles, warts, and other

Roman Culture
Nik Wheeler/CORBIS

less attractive features.

In addition to their own developments In building, the Romans also turned to
in science and engineering, Roman artists and writ- the Greeks for ideas. They used Greek-style
ers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks. porches and rows of columns called colon-
Reading Focus Are there people in your life that you nades. But they also added their own fea-
admire? What have you learned from them? Read to tures, such as arches and domes. Roman
find out what the Romans learned from the Greeks. builders were the first to make full use of
the arch. Arches supported bridges, aque-
The Romans admired and studied Greek ducts, and buildings. Rows of arches were
statues, buildings, and ideas. They copied often built against one another to form a
the Greeks in many ways. However, they vault (VAWLT), or curved ceiling. Using this
changed what they borrowed to suit their technique, the Romans were able to build
own needs. In one important way, the domes from many rings of shaped stone.
Romans were very different from the The Romans were the first people to
Greeks. The Greeks loved to talk about ideas. invent and use concrete, a mixture of vol-
To the Romans, ideas were only important if canic ash, lime, and water. When it dried,
they could solve everyday problems. this mix was as hard as rock. Concrete
made buildings sturdier and allowed them
What Was Roman Art Like? The Romans to be built taller.
admired Greek art and architecture. They Rome’s concrete buildings were so well
placed Greek-style statues in their homes built that many still stand today. One of the
and public buildings. Roman artists, how- most famous is the Colosseum, completed
ever, carved statues that looked different about A.D. 80. It was a huge arena that could
from those of the Greeks. Greek statues seat about 60,000 people. Another famous
were made to look perfect. People were building is the Pantheon, a temple built to
shown young, healthy, and with beautiful honor Rome’s gods. The Pantheon’s domed
bodies. Roman statues were more realistic roof was the largest of its time.

This Roman bridge still stands in Spain. In what other

structures were arches used?
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The Book of
Epodes Roman writer Ovid wrote works that were
based on the Greek myths. The poet Catullus
In this poem excerpt, Horace praises the
also admired Greek writings. He wrote short
lifestyle of those who farm their fam-
ily’s land. poems about love, sadness, and envy.
“Happy the man who, far from Like the Greeks, Rome’s histori-
business and affairs ans recorded the events of their civi-
Like mortals of the early lization. One of Rome’s most famous
times, historians was Livy. He wrote his
May work his father’s fields History of Rome about 10 B.C. In this
with oxen of his own, book, Livy describes Rome’s rise to
Exempt [free] from profit, power. Livy greatly admired the
loss, and fee, deeds of the early Romans, and he
Not like the soldier roused by believed that history had important
savage trumpet’s blare, moral lessons to teach people.
Not terrified by seas in rage, Livy celebrated Rome’s great-
Avoiding busy forums and the Horace ness, but the Roman historian Tacitus
haughty doors took a darker view. He believed that
Of influencial citizens.” Rome’s emperors had taken people’s free-
—Horace, The Book of Epodes dom. Tacitus also thought Romans were
losing the values that made them strong.
He accused them of wasting time on sports
and other pleasures.
According to Horace, what kinds of things
does the farmer avoid? Also like the Greeks, the Romans
enjoyed plays. Roman plays were often
based on Greek tragedies and comedies.
Playwrights such as the tragedy writer
Seneca and the comedy writers Plautus and
Roman Literature Roman authors based Terence wrote plays for religious festivals.
much of their writing on Greek works. For Romans especially liked plays with humor.
example, the Roman writer Virgil (VUHR • Roman authors influenced later writers
juhl) drew some of his ideas from Homer’s in Europe and America, but the language of
Odyssey. Virgil’s epic poem, the Aeneid (uh • the Romans, Latin, had an even bigger
NEE • uhd), describes the adventures of the impact on future generations. Latin became
Trojan prince Aeneas and how he came to Europe’s language for government, trade,
Italy. Virgil presents Aeneas as the ideal and learning until about A.D. 1500. Latin
Roman—brave, self-controlled, and loyal to became the basis of many modern
the gods. European languages, such as Italian,
Rome’s other famous writers also French, and Spanish, and shaped many
looked to the Greeks for inspiration. Using others. Many of the English words we use
Greek models, the poet Horace (HAWR • uhs) today come from Latin as well.
wrote satires (SA • TYRZ). These works poked
fun at human weaknesses. Horace also Roman Science and Engineering The
composed odes (OHDZ), or poems that Romans also learned from Greek science. A
express strong emotions about life. The Greek doctor named Galen (GAY • luhn)

304 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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brought many medical ideas to Rome. For engineers built an astonishing system of
example, he emphasized the importance of roads and bridges to connect the empire.
anatomy (uh • NA • tuh • mee), the study of Have you ever heard the saying “All roads
body structure. To learn about inner organs, lead to Rome”? Roman engineers built
Galen cut open dead animals and recorded roads from Rome to every part of the
his findings. Doctors in the West studied empire. These roads were well built, and
Galen’s books and drawings for more than some have survived to this day.
1,500 years. The Romans also used advanced engi-
Another important scientist of the neering to supply their cities with fresh-
Roman Empire was Ptolemy (TAH • luh • water. Engineers built aqueducts to bring
mee). Ptolemy lived in Alexandria, in Egypt. water from the hills into the cities.
He studied the sky and carefully mapped Aqueducts were long troughs supported by
over 1,000 different stars. He also studied rows of arches. They carried water
the motion of planets and stars and created over long distances. At one time, 11 great
rules explaining their movements. Even aqueducts fed Rome’s homes, bathhouses,
though Ptolemy incorrectly placed Earth at fountains, and public bathrooms. Roman
the center of the universe, educated people cities also had sewers to remove waste.
in Europe accepted his ideas for centuries.
While Roman scientists tried to under- Explain How was the
stand how the world worked, Roman character Aeneas an ideal Roman?

The Roman Colosseum

A system of cages, ropes, and
The Colosseum in Rome could hold some 60,000 people.
pulleys brought wild animals up
The arena even had a removable canvas awning to protect
to the Colosseum floor from
spectators from the hot Roman sun.
rooms underground.
What was concrete
made from?

305
 Daily Life in Rome

Pierre Belzeaux/Photo Researchers

The rich and poor had very different
lives in Rome, as did men and women.
Reading Focus Do you think there is a big difference
Ancient Roman Sports Sports were in the lives of boys and girls you know today? Why or
important to the Romans. Paintings on why not? Read to learn how the lives of Roman boys
vases, frescoes [moist plaster], and stone and girls were very different from each other.
show Romans playing ball, including a
version of soccer. Roman girls are shown What was it like to live in Rome over
exercising with handheld weights and 2,000 years ago? Rome was one of the
throwing an egg-shaped ball. Balls were largest cities in the ancient world. By the
made of different materials such as wool, time of Augustus, over a million people
hair, linen, sponges, and pig bladders lived there. Rome was carefully planned, as
wrapped in string. were many Roman cities. It was laid out in a
square with the main roads crossing at right
Some Roman sporting events took
angles. At its center was the Forum (FOHR •
place in the Colosseum, amphitheaters,
um). This was an open space that served as a
and the Circus Maximus. Wild beast
marketplace and public square. Temples
fights, battles between ships, and and public buildings were built around it.
gladiator contests attracted Roman Wealthy Romans lived in large, comfort-
spectators by the thousands. Chariot able houses. Each home had large rooms,
racing was held in the Circus Maximus, fine furniture, and beautiful gardens. In the
and the drivers wore team colors of center was an inner court called an atrium.
red, white, green, and blue. Wealthy Romans also had homes called vil-
las on their country estates.
The city of Rome was crowded, noisy,
and dirty. People tossed garbage into the
streets from their apartments, and thieves
prowled the streets at night. Most people in
Rome were poor. They lived in apartment
buildings made of stone and wood. High
rent forced families to live in one room.
Roman apartments were up to six stories
high. They often collapsed because they were
so poorly built. Fire was a constant danger
Scene showing gladiators in battle because people used torches and lamps for
lighting and cooked with oil. Once started, a
fire could destroy entire blocks of apartments.
To keep the people from rioting, the
Connecting to the Past Roman government provided “bread and cir-
1. How do we know sports were important to
the Romans? cuses,” or free grain and shows. Romans of all
2. How are today’s sports different from classes flocked to the chariot races and gladi-
Roman sports? How are they similar? ator contests. Gladiators (GLA • dee • AY • tuhrz)
302-310 CH 9 S1-824133 3/25/04 12:52 PM Page 307

Chariot races were held in an arena called the Circus Maximus,

one of the largest arenas ever made. Besides chariot races,
what other types of shows attracted Romans?

fought animals and each other. Most gladia- Older girls did not go to school. Instead,
tors were enslaved people, criminals, or poor they studied reading and writing at home.
people. Gladiators were admired, much like They also learned household duties.
sports heroes are today. Between the ages of 14 and 16, a Roman
boy celebrated becoming a man. He would
What Was Family Life Like? Family life burn his toys as offerings to the household
was important to the Romans. Their families gods. Then he would put on a toga, a loose-
were large. They included not only parents fitting robe that Roman men wore. Once he
and young children but also married chil- came of age, a man might join his family’s
dren and their families, other relatives, and business, become a soldier, or begin a career
enslaved servants. The father was the head
of the household. Called the paterfamilias A Roman teacher and student
(PA • tuhr • fuh • MIH • lee • uhs), or “father of the
family,” he had complete control over fam-
ily members. For example, he punished chil-
dren severely if they disobeyed. He also
arranged their marriages.
In some cases, the paterfamilias made
sure his children were educated. Poor
Romans could not afford to send their chil-
dren to school. Wealthy Romans, however,
hired tutors to teach their young children at
home. Some older boys did go to schools,
where they learned reading, writing, and
rhetoric (REH • tuh • rihk), or public speaking.

307
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in the government. Roman women did not standing. Wealthy women had a great deal

Scala/Art Resource, NY
become adults until they married. A of independence. They could own land, run
woman usually wore a long flowing robe businesses, and sell property. They man-
with a cloak called a palla. aged the household and had enslaved peo-
ple do the housework. This left the women
Women in Rome Women in early Rome free to study literature, art, and fashion.
had some rights, but they were not full citi- Outside the home, they could go to the the-
zens. The paterfamilias looked after his wife ater or the amphitheater, but in both places
and controlled her affairs. However, he they had to sit in areas separate from men.
often sought her advice in private. Women Women with less money had less free-
had a strong influence on their families, and dom. They spent most of their time working
some wives of famous men, including in their houses or helping their husbands in
emperors, became well-known themselves. family-run shops. They were allowed to
For example, the empress Livia (LIHV • ee • leave home to shop, visit friends, worship at
uh), wife of Augustus, had a say in Rome’s temples, or go to the baths. A few women
politics. She was later honored as a goddess. did work independently outside the home.
The freedoms a Roman woman enjoyed Some served as priestesses, while others
depended on her husband’s wealth and worked as hairdressers and even doctors.

A Roman House
Wealthy Romans often lived in spacious houses with central
courtyards. The houses had high brick walls without windows. A Roman
Many of the rooms opened into the courtyard to allow in light couple
and fresh air. How is a Roman home similar to homes in your
neighborhood? How is it different?
Guests and business
Rainwater from the associates were
gutters collected in entertained in the
the pool below. living room/study.

Courtyard
Kitchen
Some homes had shops
or workshops that
opened onto the street.

Library

In the dining room, family members

Bedrooms ate while reclining on couches.
302-310 CH 9 S1-824133 3/30/04 7:47 PM Page 309

A Roman family at
the dinner table

These apartments were built of brick

and stone for wealthy Romans. What
sort of buildings did poor Romans live in?

How Did Romans Treat Enslaved People? Roman armies. The revolt was finally
Slavery was a part of Roman life from early crushed two years later. Spartacus and
times. But the use of slave labor grew as 6,000 of his followers were crucified, or put
Rome took over more territory. Thousands to death by nailing on a cross.
of prisoners from conquered lands were Roman Religion The ancient Romans
brought to Italy. Most spent their lives per- worshiped many gods and goddesses. They
forming slave labor. By 100 B.C., about 40 also believed that spirits lived in natural
percent of the people in Italy were enslaved. things, such as trees and rivers. Greek gods
Enslaved people did many different and goddesses were popular in Rome,
jobs. They worked in homes, fields, mines, although they were given Roman names.
and workshops. They helped build roads, For example, Zeus became Jupiter, the sky
bridges, and aqueducts. Many enslaved god, and Aphrodite became Venus, the god-
Greeks were well educated. They served as dess of love and beauty. Roman emperors
teachers, doctors, and artisans. Enslaved also were worshiped. This practice
people who earned wages usually were strengthened support for the government.
able to buy their freedom. Romans honored their gods and god-
For most enslaved people, life was miser- desses by praying and offering food. Every
able. They were punished severely for poor Roman home had an altar for their house-
work or for running away. To escape their hold gods. At these altars, the head of the
hardships, enslaved people often rebelled. family carried out rituals. Government offi-
In 73 B.C. a slave revolt broke out in Italy. cials made offerings in temples. There the
It was led by a gladiator named Spartacus important gods and goddesses of Rome
(SPAHR • tuh • kuhs). Under Spartacus, a force were honored. Some Roman priests looked
of 70,000 enslaved people defeated several for messages from the gods. They studied

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization 309

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Greek and Roman Gods

Greek God Roman God Role
Ares Mars god of war
Zeus Jupiter chief god
Hera Juno wife of chief god
Aphrodite Venus goddess of love
Minerva, Artemis Diana goddess of the hunt
goddess of
wisdom Athena Minerva goddess of wisdom
Hermes Mercury messenger god
Hades Pluto god of the underworld
Poseidon Neptune god of the sea
Hephaestus Vulcan god of fire

the insides of dead animals or watched the Those that did faced severe hardships. You
flight of birds, looking for meaning. will read about one of these religions—
As the empire grew larger, Romans Christianity—in the next chapter.
came into contact with other religions. Contrast Describe the free-
These religions were allowed, as long as doms of upper-class women that were not avail-
they did not threaten the government. able to women of other classes.

Homework Helper Need help with the

material in this section? Visit jat.glencoe.com

What Did You Learn?

Reading Summary 1. What were some of Ptolemy’s
scientific achievements?
4. Analyze Explain the impor-
tance of the language of the
Review the
2. How were the Roman and Romans.
• Roman art, literature, and science
borrowed much from the Greeks. Greek religions similar? 5. Describe Describe the educa-
Roman engineers made advances, tion of Roman children.
Critical Thinking
including the development of 3. Compare and Contrast 6. Conclude The Romans bor-
cement, the arch, aqueducts, and Draw a chart like the one rowed ideas from other peo-
domes. below. Fill in details to com- ples. Do you think our culture
pare and contrast Roman and today borrows ideas from
• Religion and family were impor- Greek art and architecture. other peoples? Explain your
tant parts of Roman life. Enslaved answer.
people carried out many different Greek Art Roman Art
7. Responding and
tasks in Roman society.
Reflecting Look at the art
Greek Roman
showing the Roman house on
Architecture Architecture page 308. Write five things that
come to mind as you view this
picture.

310 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

Reunion des Musees Nationaux/Art Resource, NY
311-316 CH9 WL-824133 3/17/04 3:18 PM Page 311

Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean

Before You Read
The Scene: This story takes place in ancient Rome in the legendary time
when gods visited Earth to interact with humans in person.
The Characters: Philemon and Baucis are the man and woman who
welcome guests to their home. Clio is their goose. Jupiter and Mercury are
two ancient Roman gods.
The Plot: A husband and wife welcome two guests into their cottage. They
have no food for the guests, but they do have a pet goose. As the pair try to
provide their guests with food, the guests reveal their identities and reward
the host and hostess for their generosity.

Vocabulary Preview
fowl: bird ramshackle: falling apart
wielding: controlling disintegrated: broke
gaped: hung open into small pieces
quills: feathers gilded: decorated
with gold
hospitality: friendliness and
generosity toward guests preening: grooming
and making pretty

Do you know a person who is

always friendly and generous, no
matter what the circumstances?
In this story, a good-natured
husband and wife are rewarded
when they receive special guests
into their home.
311-316 CH9 WL-824133 3/17/04 3:19 PM Page 312

As You Read
Keep in mind that this story is a myth. Like the
Greeks, Romans passed myths from one generation
to the next to explain some aspect of the world.
Often, the stories involved gods and goddesses as
well as humans.

A knock at the door. A pair of passing

strangers. Philemon and Baucis did not know
the two men on their doorstep, but they had
never yet failed to offer a warm welcome to
anyone who called at their little cottage.
“Come in! Sit down! My wife will cook you
supper!” said Philemon.
His wife tugged at his sleeve. She did not
need to say more. Both of them knew there
was no food in the house. Not a bite. Baucis
and Philemon themselves had been living on
eggs and olives for days. There was not even
any bread.
Philemon smiled sadly at Baucis, and she
smiled sadly back. “It’s the goose, is it?” he said.
“The goose it is,” she replied.
Clio was all they had left. She was more
like a pet than a farmyard fowl. And yet, guests
are a blessing sent by the gods, and guests
must be fed. So Philemon fetched his sharp ax
and Baucis began to chase the goose, trying to
drive it into the cottage.
Jupiter sat back in his chair and waited
patiently for dinner. “Do you think we should
help?” he said to Mercury, hearing the
commotion in the yard.
“I know we shall have a wait,” replied
Mercury.
“Here—you try,” said Baucis, passing the
ax to Philemon.
The goose was squawking, Baucis was
yelping, and Philemon was coughing as he ran
311-316 CH9 WL-824133 3/17/04 3:20 PM Page 313

about wielding the ax. He struck at Clio, but the goose moved, and he demolished a bush.
He swung again and hit the wooden pail. The goose shrieked with outrage, then with terror,
and slapped about on her big, triangular feet—plat, plat, plat—skidding into their
1
homemade altar piled high with flowers, into the fish-drying rack, into the washing on
2
the tree. Olives rained down on the roof of the shack.
“Do you think we should go?” said Jupiter, as he and Mercury listened to the
wild-goose chase and their hungry stomachs growled quietly.
At last Philemon and Baucis cornered the goose against the cottage door. Her
orange beak gaped. Philemon raised the ax . . . and Clio bolted backward into the shack,
running around the room like a black-footed pillow fight until she caught sight of Jupiter.
Now, animals are not so easily fooled by disguises, and although Jupiter and Mercury
were dressed as peasants, in woolen tunics and straw hats, she instantly recognized the
King of the gods and threw herself on his mercy. Neck outstretched, eyes bulging, she ran
straight between his knees and into his lap. He was overrun with goose.
“A thousand pardons, friend,” gasped Baucis, crawling in at the door, her hair stuck
with goose quills. “Won’t you take an olive while you wait?”
3
Jupiter stroked the goose, which stood paddling on his thighs, and spat out a few
feathers. “Shield me! Save me! Protect me!” said the goose, in the language of geese.
1
fish-drying rack: large wooden structure on which fish are hung to dry
2
washing on the tree: laundry hung on the tree branches to dry
3
paddling: moving its feet

313
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Jupiter tickled it under the beak. “Your hospitality is a marvel, dear Philemon,
gentle Baucis. In all my long travels over the face of the world, I have never met
such unselfish hosts. Here is your only goose, and you were ready to cook it for us!
Your generosity surpasses that of the gods themselves!”
“Now, sir,” said Baucis sternly. “You may be a guest, but I’ll have no ill spoken
of the gods in this house. Though we have little to offer, the gods have been good
to us, have they not, my love?”
“They have, they have,” said Philemon. Mercury concealed a grin.
“And they shall be good to you ever after!” declared Jupiter, rising to his feet.
He rose and rose, ’til his head touched the rafters, and his face brightened ’til the
room was light as day. His disguise fell away and Mercury folded it small and
smaller ’til it fit inside one fist and was gone.
“As you see, I am Jupiter, King of the gods, and this is my messenger, Mercury.
We like to travel the world and visit the people whose sacrificial smoke perfumes
the halls of Heaven. But travel where we may and stay where we might, we never
met with such hospitality as yours! Name any favor and it shall be your reward. A
small kingdom, perhaps? A palace? A chest of sea treasure from the vaults of
4
Poseidon? Wings to fly or the gift of prophecy? Name it!”
Mercury looked uneasy. He had seen the greed and ambition of mortals all too
often. This mild-looking couple would probably demand to be gods and to dine at
the table of the gods; would ask for immortality or a banner of stars wide as the
Milky Way, spelling out “Philemon the
5
Philanthropist,” “Baucis the Beautiful.”
Baucis looked at Philemon, and
Philemon smiled back and wrung his
hat shyly between his hands.
“Almighty Jupiter, you have
done our little house such an
honor today that we have

4
Poseidon: Roman god of the sea
5
philanthropist: someone who is
charitable
311-316 CH9 WL-824133 3/17/04 3:22 PM Page 315

hardly breath enough to speak our thanks. Our greatest joy in life has always been
to worship at our humble little altar—out there in the yard. What more could we
ask than to go on doing that—oh, and both to die at the same hour, so that we
may never be parted. My Baucis and I.”
Jupiter complained of a speck of dust in his eye and went outside. He could be
heard blowing his nose loudly. When he ducked back through the door, his eyes
were quite red-rimmed. “Come, priest and priestess of my shrine! Your temple
awaits you!”
All of a sudden, the drafty, ramshackle little hut disintegrated, like a raft of
leaves on a river. Around and above it rose the pillars of a mighty temple. The
6
simple cairn of stones that had served for an altar still stood there, piled with
firewood and swagged with flowers, but now it stood on a marble floor, and from
that floor rose forty marble pillars cloaked with beaten gold, supporting a roof
gilded with stars. The living quarters for priest and priestess were piled with
feather mattresses and silken pillows, and priestly robes of soft cotton hung
7
waiting about the shoulders of Carrara statues.
6
cairn: mound
7
Carrara: an Italian city known for its white marble
quarries and statues

315
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Already, from all corners of the landscape, pilgrims were

setting out at a run to visit the marvelous new temple of
Jupiter, whose red roof signaled to them across miles of
open countryside. Philemon and Baucis would be kept busy
receiving their sacrifices, tending the sacrificial flame,
sweeping up the ashes.
But they thrived on the hard work, just as they had
always done. The worshipers brought not only flowers for
the altar but baskets of delicious food for the priest and
priestess whose fame spread far and wide. Tirelessly they
worked until, being mortal, even Baucis and Philemon
became exhausted. Watching from the terraces of Heaven,
Jupiter saw them pause now, each time they passed one
another, and lean one against the other for a moment’s rest,
Baucis laying her head on Philemon’s shoulder.
“They are weary,” said Mercury.
“You are right,” said Jupiter. “It is time for them to rest.”
So instead of breathing in the fragrance from the altar
below, he breathed out—a breath that wafted away the white
robes of priest and priestess and left behind two noble trees at
the very door of the temple. One was an oak, the other a
linden tree, and they leaned one toward another, their branches
intertwined, casting welcome shade over the threshold.
Clio the goose liked to rest there at noon,
preening her . . . feathers and singing.

¢
Responding to the Reading
1. Why do Philemon and Baucis fail to recognize their guests? Which character
does recognize them?
2. Jupiter said that he and Mercury like to “visit the people whose sacrificial
smoke perfumes the halls of Heaven.” Who does he mean?
3. Cause and Effect What is the result of Jupiter’s gift to Philemon and Baucis?
4. Analyze Why do Philemon and Baucis not ask the gods for fame and power?
5. Read to Write Imagine that friends who live in another town visit
you. What would you provide for them? Would it be different from the things
you provide for yourself? Imagine you are Philemon or Baucis, and write one or
two paragraphs explaining how you would have treated their guests.

316
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The Fall
of Rome
What’s the Connection? Meeting People
In Section 1, you learned about Diocletian (DY • uh • KLEE • shuhn)
Roman life and achievements when Constantine (KAHN • stuhn • TEEN)
the empire was at its height. Over Theodosius
time, however, the Roman Empire (THEE • uh • DOH • shuhs)
began to have problems, and it Alaric (A • luh • rihk)
gradually grew weaker. Eventually, Odoacer (OH • duh • WAY • suhr)
Rome fell to outside invaders.
Building Your Vocabulary
Focusing on the plague (PLAYG)
• Poor leadership, a declining economy,
inflation (ihn • FLAY • shuhn)
and attacks by Germanic tribes weak-
ened the Roman Empire. (page 318) barter (BAHR • tuhr)
reform (rih • FAWRM)
• Rome finally fell when invaders
swept through the empire during
the A.D. 400s. (page 322)
Reading Strategy
Sequencing Information Create a
• Rome passed on many achievements diagram to show the events that led
in government, law, language, and up to the fall of the Western Roman
the arts. (page 325) Empire.

Locating Places Fall of the

Roman
Constantinople Empire
(KAHN • STAN • tuhn • OH • puhl)

A.D. 250 A.D. 350 A.D. 450

BRITAIN
A.D. 284 A.D. 395 A.D. 476
GAUL Diocletian tries Roman Empire Rome’s last
SPAIN ITALY to reform empire divided into eastern emperor
Rome Constantinople and western parts overthrown
GREECE
EGYPT

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After Commodus, emperors called the

The Decline of Rome Severans ruled Rome. Much of their time
Poor leadership, a declining economy, was spent putting down revolts and pro-
and attacks by Germanic tribes weakened the tecting Rome’s borders. The Severans
Roman Empire. stayed in power by paying the army well,
Reading Focus What do you do when you face a diffi- but they ignored the growing problems of
cult problem? Do you try to solve it yourself? Do you ask crime and poverty.
other people for help? Read to learn about the problems
the Roman Empire faced and how its leaders responded. Political and Social Problems When the
last Severan ruler died in A.D. 235, Rome’s
In A.D. 180 Marcus Aurelius died. His government became very weak. For almost
son, Commodus (KAH • muh • duhs), became 50 years, army leaders fought each other for
emperor. Commodus was cruel and wasted the throne. During this time, Rome had 22
money. Instead of ruling Rome, Commodus different emperors.
spent much of his time fighting as a gladia- Poor leadership was not Rome’s only dif-
tor. In A.D. 192 the emperor’s bodyguard ficulty. Fewer Romans honored the old ideals
killed him. Nearly a century of confusion of duty, courage, and honesty. Many govern-
and fighting followed. ment officials took bribes. As problems

The Decline of Rome

Weak Roman Government Social Problems Declining Economy
• Dishonest government officials • Famine and disease spread • Income and wages fall.
provide poor leadership. throughout the empire. • Wealthy fail to pay taxes.

Reform Fails and Rome Divides in Two

• Government fails to keep order.
• Violence and tension increase.
• Diocletian divides the empire.

Eastern Roman Empire Western Roman Empire

• Constantinople becomes the new capital. • Numerous attacks threaten the empire.
• The empire survives attacks and prospers. • Territory is slowly lost to invaders.

Byzantine Empire Rome Falls

• This empire is created from the Eastern Roman Empire • The city of Rome falls in A.D. 476.
and lasts nearly 1,000 years. • The Western Roman Empire is divided
into Germanic kingdoms by A.D. 550.

Many issues, including a weak government, lack

of food, and fewer jobs, led to Rome’s decline.
1. According to the flow chart, what occurs
after reform fails?
2. Cause and Effect What were the final effects
of the Roman Empire being split in two?
318
CORBIS
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Scala/Art Resource, NY
increased, talented people often refused to
serve in government. Many wealthy citizens
even stopped paying taxes. Fewer people
attended schools, and a large number of the
empire’s people were now enslaved. Wealthy
Romans supported slavery because it was a Slavery in the Roman Empire Public
cheap way to get work done. and private slavery were common in
Roman society. Public slaves were
Economic and Military Problems During owned by the state. They took care of
the A.D. 200s, Rome’s economy began to fall important buildings and served
apart. As government weakened, law and government officials. Educated public
order broke down. Roman soldiers and slaves were used to help organize the
invaders seized crops and destroyed fields.
governments of conquered areas.
Farmers grew less food, and hunger began
Private slaves were owned by
to spread.
As the economy worsened, people
individuals. They were often forced to
bought fewer goods. Artisans produced work long hours and could be sold at
less, and shopkeepers lost money. Many any time. Wealthy Romans had
businesses closed, and the number of work- hundreds or even thousands of
ers dropped sharply. Many workers had to enslaved people. Most enslaved
leave jobs and serve in the army. A plague people worked on farms.
(PLAYG), or a disease that spreads widely, Most enslaved people were men.
also took its toll. It killed one out of every This was probably because their work
ten people in the empire. required great strength. Some
Rome also began to suffer from inflation enslaved men also became gladiators.
(ihn • FLAY • shuhn), or rapidly increasing Enslaved women made clothing and
prices. Inflation happens when money loses cooked for their owner’s family.
its value. How did this happen? The weak
economy meant fewer taxes were paid.
With less money coming in, the Roman Roman slaves
government could not afford to defend its at work
territories and had to find a way to pay its
soldiers and officials. One way for the gov-
ernment to get the money it needed was to
put less gold in its coins.
By putting less gold in each coin, the
government could make extra coins and
pay for more things. People soon learned
that the coins did not have as much gold in
them, and the coins began losing value.
Prices went up, and many people stopped Connecting to the Past
1. What was the main difference between
using money altogether. They began to
public and private enslavement?
barter (BAHR • tuhr), or exchange goods
2. Which jobs were probably considered the
without using money. most desirable by enslaved people?
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What Were Diocletian’s Reforms? In

Distrust of A.D. 284 a general named Diocletian
Money (DY • uh • KLEE • shuhn) became emperor. To
As the Roman Empire stop the empire’s decline, he introduced
declined, people refused reforms (rih • FAWRMZ), or political changes
to trust the value of to make things better. Because the empire
money issued by each was too large for one person to rule,
emperor. Diocletian divided it into four parts. He
“Whereas [because] the named officials to rule these areas but kept
public officials have assem-
bled and have accused the
authority over all.
bankers of the exchange Diocletian also worked to boost the
banks of having closed economy. To slow inflation, he issued rules
them because of their that set the prices of goods and the wages to
unwillingness to accept be paid to workers. To make sure more
the divine coin of the goods were produced, he ordered workers
emperors, it has become
to remain at the same jobs until they died.
necessary to issue an
order to all owners of the Diocletian’s reforms failed. The people
banks to open them and ignored the new rules, and Diocletian did
to accept and exchange all not have enough power to make them obey.
coin except the absolutely
spurious [false] and coun- Who Was Constantine? In A . D . 305
terfeit—and not alone
to them but to those who
Diocletian retired from office. After a
engage in business Roman coins period of conflict, another general named
transactions of any kind.” Constantine (KAHN • stuhn • TEEN ) became
—“Distrust of Imperial Coinage,” emperor in A.D. 312. To aid the economy,
Oxyrhynchus Papyrus, no. 1411, Vol. 2, Constantine issued several orders. The
A.S. Hunt, trans.
sons of workers had to follow their
fathers’ trades, the sons of farmers had to
What do you think was happening to the work the land their fathers worked, and
economy of the empire as people stopped the sons of soldiers had to serve in the
using the official money? army.
Constantine’s changes did not halt the
empire’s decline in the west. As a result,
Constantine moved the capital from dying
Rome to a new city in the east. He chose the
Meanwhile, invaders swept into the
site of the Greek city of Byzantium (buh •
empire. In the west, Germanic tribes raided
ZAN • tee • uhm). There he built a forum, an
Roman farms and towns. In the east, armies
amphitheater called the Hippodrome, and
from Persia pushed into the empire’s terri-
many palaces. The city became known as
tory. As fighting increased, the government
Constantinople (KAHN • STAN • tuhn • OH • puhl).
could no longer enlist and pay Romans as
Today, Constantinople is called Istanbul.
soldiers. It began using Germanic warriors
in the army. However, these Germanic Explain How did Diocletian
soldiers were not loyal to Rome. try to reverse the decline of Rome?

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CO.N. 28S0–T33A7NTINE THE GREAT

c. A D
First Christian Roman Emperor become a
peror to
Constantine was the first Roman Em
d until near his death in
Christian, although he was not baptize
A.D. 337. He first came to bel
ieve in Christianity many years
er. Constantine believed he
earlier, when he was a military lead
that said, “By this sign thou
had seen a flaming cross in the sky
y was victorious in an
shall conquer.” The next day his arm
cross was a call to the
important battle. He believed that the
Christian God.
d new opportunities to
During his reign, Constantine grante
er of the early Catholic
Christians and helped advance the pow
.D. 325, he encouraged
Church. At the Council of Nicea in A
the Trinity (Father, Son, and
discussion about the acceptance of
itical positions and power of
Holy Spirit). He also boosted the pol
nt.
bishops within the Roman governme
political and religious
Even though Constantine had many
troversy and tragedy.
successes, his life was filled with con
ed Fausta. His eldest son
Constantine married a woman nam
Crispus. Fausta accused Constantine
from a previous marriage was named es
Crispus of crim
and claimed that he was planning
to seize the throne. Constantine was
d.
so shocked that he had his son kille
Constantine later discovered that
Fausta had lied because she wanted
her own son to be in line for the
throne. He then had Fausta killed.

gion was
Constantine believed freedom of reli
pire and
important for the success of his em
longer be
made sure that Christians could no
Modern-day Constantinople stitution
persecuted. What part of the U.S. Con
protects freedom of religion?

321
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317-326 CH9 S2-824133 3/17/04 4:39 PM Page 322

Rome Falls Theodosius (THEE • uh • DOH • shuhs) finally

gained control and ended the fighting.
Rome finally fell when invaders swept Ruling the empire proved to be difficult.
through the empire during the A.D. 400s. Theodosius decided to divide the empire
Reading Focus How would you feel if a favorite after his death. In A.D. 395, the Roman Empire
place—a shop, park, or recreation center—was closed split into two separate empires. One was the
after being open for many years? Read to learn how the Western Roman Empire, with its capital at
Romans had to face an even greater loss when their city Rome. The other was the Eastern Roman
and empire fell. Empire, with its capital at Constantinople.

Both Diocletian and Constantine failed Rome Is Invaded As Rome declined, it was
to save the Roman Empire. When no longer able to hold back the Germanic
Constantine died in A.D. 337, fighting broke tribes on its borders. Many different
out again. A new emperor called Germanic groups existed—Ostrogoths,
Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Angles, and
Saxons. They came from the forests and
marshes of northern Europe.
These Germanic groups were in search
Rome Is of warmer climates and better grazing land
Attacked for their cattle. They also were drawn by
In this excerpt from one Rome’s wealth and culture. In addi-
of his letters, the tion, many were fleeing the Huns,
Christian leader Jerome fierce warriors from Mongolia in
describes attacks on the Asia.
Roman provinces.
In the late A.D. 300s, the Huns
“Who would believe that
entered Eastern Europe and defeated
Rome, victor over all the
world, would fall, that she the Ostrogoths (AHS • truh • GAHTHS). The
would be to her people Visigoths, fearing they would be next,
both the womb and the asked the Eastern Roman emperor for
tomb. . . . Where we cannot protection. He let them settle just
help we mourn and mingle Saint Jerome
inside the empire’s border. In return they
with theirs our tears. . . . There promised to be loyal to Rome.
is not an hour, not even a moment, when we are
not occupied with crowds of refugees, when the
Before long, trouble broke out between
peace of the monastery is not invaded by a horde the Visigoths and Romans. The empire
of guests so that we shall either have to shut the forced the Visigoths to buy food at very
gates or neglect the Scriptures for which the gates high prices. The Romans also kidnapped
were opened.” and enslaved many Visigoths.
—Jerome, “News of the Attacks”

Does Jerome think the gates of the

monastery should be shut? Explain. Web Activity Visit jat.glencoe.com and
click on Chapter 9—Student Web Activity to
learn more about Roman civilization.

322 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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Germanic Invasions of Rome c. A.D. 200–500

North 0 500 mi.
Sea
0 500 km
BRITAIN Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area
projection
N

ATLANTIC E
W
OCEAN
S

Ca
GAUL s

pi
an
40°
N

Se
Da
n Black Sea

a
ub e
R.
Adrianople
SPAIN Rome
Constantinople
ITALY ASIA
MINOR
GREECE

Mediterranean Sea
AFRICA
Alexandria
0°
EGYPT
A number of invasions led to the
fall of the Roman Empire.
1. Who attacked both Britain and
northern France? 40°E
20°N 20°E
2. Why do you think the Eastern
Roman Empire experienced very KEY
few invasions? Western Roman Empire Angles/Saxons Ostrogoths
Find NGS online map resources @ Eastern Roman Empire Franks Vandals
www.nationalgeographic.com/maps Battle Huns Visigoths

Finally, the Visigoths rebelled against France. The Romans were too weak to force
the Romans. In A.D. 378 they defeated them back across the border.
Roman legions at the Battle of Adrianople In A.D. 410 the Visigoth leader Alaric
(AY • dree • uh • NOH • puhl). After that defeat, (A • luh • rihk) and his soldiers captured Rome
Rome was forced to surrender land to the itself. They burned records and looted the
Visigoths. treasury. Rome’s capture by Alaric was a
The Germanic tribes now knew that great shock to the empire’s people. It was
Rome could no longer defend itself. More the first time Rome had been conquered in
and more Germanic warriors crossed the 800 years.
borders in search of land. In the winter of Another Germanic group known as the
A.D. 406, the Rhine River in Western Europe Vandals overran Spain and northern Africa.
froze. Germanic groups crossed the frozen They enslaved some Roman landowners
river and entered Gaul, which is today and drove others away. Then the Vandals

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization 323

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An image showing the Visigoths invading Rome. What

leader did the Visigoths overthrow to take control of Rome?

sailed to Italy. In A.D. 455 they entered Odoacer controlled Rome for almost 15
Rome. They spent 12 days stripping build- years. Then a group of Visigoths seized the
ings of everything valuable and burning city and killed Odoacer. They set up a king-
them. From these attacks came the English dom in Italy under their leader, Theodoric
word vandalism, which means “the willful (thee • AH • duh • rihk). Elsewhere in Europe,
destruction of property.” other Germanic kingdoms arose.
By A.D. 550, the Western Roman Empire
Rome Falls By the mid-A.D. 400s, several had faded away. Many Roman beliefs and
Germanic leaders held high posts in Rome’s practices remained in use, however. For
government and army. In A.D. 476 a example, Europe’s new Germanic rulers
Germanic general named Odoacer (OH • duh • adopted the Latin language, Roman laws,
WAY • suhr) took control, overthrowing and Christianity. Although the Western
the western emperor, a 14-year-old boy Roman Empire fell to Germanic invaders,
named Romulus Augustulus (RAHM • yuh • the Eastern Roman Empire prospered. It
luhs aw • GUHS • chah • luhs). After Romulus became known as the Byzantine Empire
Augustulus, no emperor ever again ruled and lasted nearly 1,000 more years.
from Rome. Historians often use this event to Identify Which event usu-
mark the end of the Western Roman Empire. ally marks the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

324 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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our ideas about government come from the

The Legacy of Rome Romans. The same is true for our system of
Rome passed on many achievements in laws and our knowledge about building. As
government, law, language, and the arts. you will read in the next chapter, the peace
Reading Focus Do you know where the words and order brought by Roman rule also
“doctor,” “animal,” “circus,” and “family” come from? allowed the Christian religion to spread.
These words come from the Latin language spoken by
the Romans. Read to discover other things we have Roman Ideas and Government Today
borrowed from the Romans. Roman ideas about law, as first written in the
Twelve Tables, are with us today. We, like the
Romans, believe that all people are equal
Our world would be very different if the under the law. We expect our judges to
Roman Empire had never existed. Many decide cases fairly, and we consider a person
words in the English language and many of innocent until proven guilty.

Roman and Modern Architecture

The Rotunda at the
Early Romans borrowed architectural ideas University of Virginia
from the Greeks, but they also developed their own
style. Roman designs often included vaults,
columns, domes, and arches. New
architectural ideas meant that buildings
could be constructed in new ways.
Because of concrete and a new design,
Roman theaters did not have to be built
on natural slopes to have tiered seating.

Columns, domes, and arches

still appear in many modern
buildings. Banks, homes, and
government buildings often use a
Roman style. What Roman architectural
styles do you see in your neighborhood?
The Pantheon in Rome

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization 325

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317-326 CH9 S2-824133 3/17/04 4:47 PM Page 326

Roman ideas about government and cit- Ancient Rome also left a lasting mark
izenship are also important today. Like the on building in the Western world. We still
early Romans, Americans believe that a use concrete today for much of our con-
republic made up of equal citizens is the struction, and Roman architectural styles
best form of government. We also believe are still seen in public buildings today.
that a republic works best if citizens do When you visit Washington, D.C., or the
their duty, participate in government, and capital city of any state, you will see capi-
work to make their society better. tol buildings with domes and arches
inspired by Roman architecture.
Roman Influence on Culture Today the
alphabet of the Latin language, which Christianity As you probably know,
expanded from 22 to 26 letters, is used Christianity is one of the major religions in
throughout the Western world. Latin shaped the world today. Christianity began in the
the languages of Italy, France, Spain, Roman Empire. When Rome’s government
Portugal, and Romania. Many English words adopted Christianity in the A.D. 300s, it
also come from Latin. Scientists, doctors, and helped the new religion to grow and
lawyers still use Latin phrases. Every known spread. After Rome’s fall, many Roman
species of plant and animal has a Latin name. ideas blended with those of Christianity.
Today, we also still admire the works of great Compare Which aspects of
Roman writers such as Virgil, Horace, Livy, the Roman Empire are reflected in present-day
and Tacitus. cultures?

Homework Helper Need help with the

material in this section? Visit jat.glencoe.com

What Did You Learn?

Reading Summary 1. What social problems helped
cause the empire’s decline?
4. Cause and Effect How did
inflation affect Rome?
Review the
• A series of weak emperors, inva- 2. Why did the Roman govern- 5. Describe Who were the
sions by outsiders, disease, and a ment use Germanic warriors in Visigoths, and how did they
number of other factors led to a its army? contribute to the fall of Rome?
greatly weakened Roman Empire. Critical Thinking 6. Identify Give examples of
3. Summarizing Information Roman ideas in language and
• Numerous invasions by Germanic Draw a diagram like the one architecture that exist today.
peoples led to the fall of Rome in below. Fill in details about 7. Persuasive Writing Imagine
A.D. 476. Rome’s legacies in the areas of you are living in Rome around
government, law, and citizenship. the time of the fall of the
empire. Write an editorial for a
• Roman ideas about government
newspaper identifying what
and Roman architecture are just
you think is the main reason
some of the legacies of ancient Roman Legacies
for the decline and fall of the
Rome.
empire, and what might have
been done to prevent it.

326 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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The
Byzantine Empire
What’s the Connection? Locating Places
In the last section, you learned Black Sea
that even though the Roman Empire in Aegean Sea (ih • JEE • uhn)
the West fell, the Eastern Roman
Empire survived and prospered. It Meeting People
became known as the Byzantine Justinian (juh • STIH • nee • uhn)
Empire. The Byzantines developed a Theodora (THEE • uh • DOHR • uh)
new civilization based on Greek, Belisarius (BEH • luh • SAR • ee • uhs)
Roman, and Christian ideas. Tribonian (truh • BOH • nee • uhn)

Focusing on the Building Your Vocabulary

• The Eastern Roman Empire grew rich mosaic (moh • ZAY • ihk)
and powerful as the Western Roman saint (SAYNT)
Empire fell. (page 328)
regent (REE • juhnt)
• The policies and reforms of Emperor
Justinian and Empress Theodora Reading Strategy
helped make the Byzantine Empire Cause and Effect Complete a chart
strong. (page 329) to show the causes and effects of
Justinian’s new law code.
• The Byzantines developed a rich
culture based on Roman, Greek, and Causes
Christian ideas. (page 332)
New Code of Laws

Effects

A.D. 525 A.D. 550 A.D. 575

BALKAN A.D. 527 A.D. 537 A.D. 565
PENINSULA
Emperor Justinian Hagia Sophia Justinian
SPAIN ITALY Constantinople begins rule completed dies
Rome
ASIA MINOR
PALESTINE
EGYPT

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The Rise of the Byzantines Why Is Constantinople Important? In

the last section, you learned that Emperor
The Eastern Roman Empire grew rich Constantine moved the capital of the
and powerful as the Western Roman Empire fell. Roman Empire from Rome to a new city
Reading Focus Think of your own community. How called Constantinople. Constantine’s city
have groups of people from different backgrounds con- became the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
tributed to its character? What would your town or city By the A.D. 500s, Constantinople was thriv-
be like without these contributions from all the differ- ing and had become one of the world’s
ent groups? Read to learn about the different groups great cities.
that made up the Byzantine Empire.
One reason for Constantinople’s success
was its location. It lay on the waterways
The Eastern Roman, or Byzantine,
between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea
Empire reached a high point in the A.D. 500s.
(ih • JEE • uhn). Its harbors offered a safe shel-
At this time, the empire stretched west to
ter for fishing boats, trading ships, and war-
Italy, south to Egypt, and east to the border
ships. Constantinople also sat at the
with Arabia. Greeks made up the empire’s
crossroads of trade routes between Europe
largest group, but many other peoples were
and Asia. The trade that passed through
found within the empire. They included
made the city extremely wealthy.
Egyptians, Syrians, Arabs, Armenians,
Constantinople had a secure land loca-
Jews, Persians, Slavs, and Turks.
tion. Lying on a peninsula, Constantinople
was easily defended. Seas protected it
on three sides, and on the fourth side,
a huge wall guarded the city. Later a
huge chain was even strung across the
city’s north harbor for greater protec-
tion. Invaders could not easily take
Constantinople.

Influence of Greek Culture The

Byzantines at first followed Roman
ways. Constantinople was known as
the “New Rome.” Its public buildings
and palaces were built in the Roman
style. The city even had an oval arena
called the Hippodrome, where chariot
races and other events were held.
Byzantine political and social life
also were based on that of Rome.
Emperors spoke Latin and enforced
Roman laws. The empire’s poor peo-
ple received free bread and shows.
Wealthy people lived in town or on
large farming estates. In fact, many of
The ancient walled city of Constantinople them had once lived in Rome.

328 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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As time passed, the Byzantine Empire

became less Roman and more Greek. Most
Emperor Justinian
Byzantines spoke Greek and honored their The policies and reforms of Emperor
Greek past. Byzantine emperors and offi- Justinian and Empress Theodora helped make the
cials began to speak Greek too. The ideas of Byzantine Empire strong.
non-Greek peoples, like the Egyptians and Reading Focus Do you sometimes rewrite reports to
the Slavs, also shaped Byzantine life. Still make them easier to understand? Read to learn how
other customs came from Persia to the east. Justinian rewrote and reorganized the Byzantine law code.
All of these cultures blended together to
form the Byzantine civilization. Between Justinian (juh • STIH • nee • uhn) became
A.D. 500 and A.D. 1200, the Byzantines had
emperor of the Byzantine Empire in A.D. 527
one of the world’s richest and most- and ruled until A.D. 565. Justinian was a
advanced empires. strong leader. He controlled the military,
Explain Why did the made laws, and was supreme judge. His
Byzantine Empire have such a blending of cultures? order could not be questioned.

The Byzantine Empire A.D. 527–565

0° 20°E 40°E
ATLANTIC Danu
N
be R.
OCEAN Ca
W E s
OSTROGOTHS

pi
an
40° S
N
ITALY Black Sea

Se
SPAIN Corsica BALKAN

a
Rome PENINSULA Constantinople
Sardinia ASIA MINOR
Ti

PERSIAN
gr
is

EMPIRE
R

Me Sicily
.

Carthage Eu
d it
erra
SYRIA ph
ra t
Cyprus
0 500 mi. nean Crete es R
.
Sea Jerusalem
0 500 km Alexandria
Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area projection
ARABIA
EGYPT
Ni
le
KEY
R.

Re

Byzantine Empire
d

before Justinian, A.D. 527

Se

20°N
a

Area added to Byzantine

Empire during Justinian's
conquests, A.D. 565
Justinian attempted to restore the
Roman Empire in the Mediterranean.
1. Describe the area of the Byzantine
Empire before Justinian’s
conquests.
2. How far west did the empire
extend after Justinian’s conquests?

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization 329

327-334 Ch9 S3-824133 3/21/04 10:39 AM Page 330

however, told him to stay and fight.

Theodora Refuses Justinian took Theodora’s advice. He
stayed in the city and crushed the uprising.
to Flee
Justinian’s court historian recorded
Theodora’s opinion about whether to Justinian’s Conquests Justinian wanted to
escape or fight during the A.D. 532 revolt. reunite the Roman Empire and bring back
“My opinion then is that the present time . . . is Rome’s glory. To do this, he had to conquer
inopportune [not a good time] for flight, even Western Europe and northern Africa. He
though it brings safety. . . . For one who has ordered a general named Belisarius
been an emperor, it is
(BEH • luh • SAR • ee • uhs) to strengthen
unendurable to be a
fugitive. . . . May I not and lead the Byzantine army.
live that day on When Belisarius took command,
which those who he reorganized the Byzantine army.
meet me shall not Instead of foot soldiers, the Byzantine
address me as army came to rely on cavalry—sol-
empress. If, now, it is
diers mounted on horses. Byzantine
your wish to save
yourself, O Emperor, cavalry wore armor and carried bows
there is no difficulty.” and lances, which were long spears.
—Procopius, ”The Nika During Justinian’s reign, the
Riot” Byzantine military conquered most
of Italy and northern Africa and
Theodora
defeated the Persians in the east.
However, Justinian conquered too much
too quickly. After he died, the empire did
not have the money to maintain an army
Why did the empress not wish to escape?
large enough to hold the territory in the
west.

Justinian’s wife, the empress Theodora Justinian’s Law Code Justinian decided
(THEE • uh • DOHR • uh), helped him run the that the empire’s laws were disorganized
empire. Theodora, a former actress, was and too difficult to understand. He
intelligent and strong-willed, and she ordered a group of legal scholars headed
helped Justinian choose government offi- by Tribonian (truh • BOH • nee • uhn) to reform
cials. Theodora also convinced him to give the law code.
women more rights. For the first time, a The group’s new simplified code
Byzantine wife could own land. If she became known as the Justinian Code.
became a widow, she now had the income Officials, businesspeople, and individuals
to take care of her children. could now more easily understand the
In A.D. 532 Theodora helped save empire’s laws. Over the years, the Justinian
Justinian’s throne. Angry taxpayers threat- Code has had a great influence on the laws
ened to overthrow Justinian and stormed of almost every country in Europe.
the palace. Justinian’s advisers urged Explain What did Justinian
him to leave Constantinople. Theodora, accomplish during his reign?

330 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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EMP. 50R0–E54S8S THEODORA

c A.D
s of
Theodora began life in the lower clas
k of
Byzantine society but rose to the ran
rec ord ed the
empress. The historian Procopius
events of her early life. According to
as a bear
Procopius, Theodora’s father worked
death,
keeper at the Hippodrome. After his
ice and
Theodora followed her mother’s adv
was not
became an actress. A career in acting
a job of
as glamorous then as it is now. It was
ich
the lower class, like wool spinning, wh
was Theodora’s other job.
er
Even though Theodora was of the low
tinian
class, she began dating Justinian. Jus
and
was attracted to Theodora’s beauty
to
intelligence. Because Justinian wanted
or,
marry Theodora, his uncle, the emper
er-class
changed the law that prevented upp
two
nobles from marrying actresses. The
were married in A.D. 525.
Justinian considered Theodora his r Justinian.
intellectual equal. In his writings, Jus
tinian Empress Theodora advises Empero
on laws
said he asked for Theodora’s advice
and policies. At Theodora’s urging, he
granted “She was extremely
ns believe
more rights to women. Some historia
royal court, clever and had a
Theodora had great power within the
perhaps more than Justinian. For exa
mple, nearly biting wit.”
all the laws passed during Theodora’s
reign as —Procopius, The Secret History
ra and
empress mention her name. Theodo
en
Justinian had no children together. Wh
,
Theodora died from cancer in A.D. 548
Justinian was overcome with grief. He Name a modern-day female political
leader
t incorporate d into ma ny king
had her portrai tha t you think has great influence in ma
works of art, including numerous and changing laws. Explain your cho
ice.
Byzantine mosaics.

331
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327-334 Ch9 S3-824133 3/21/04 10:42 AM Page 332

Byzantine Civilization The Importance of Trade From the A.D. 500s

to the A.D. 1100s, the Byzantine Empire was
The Byzantines developed a rich cul- the center of trade between Europe and
ture based on Roman, Greek, and Christian ideas. Asia. Trade goods from present-day Russia
Reading Focus Do you think a multicultural popula- in the north, Mediterranean lands in the
tion adds to a country’s interest and success? Read to south, Latin Europe in the west, and Persia
learn how the diverse groups of the Byzantine Empire and China in the east passed through the
contributed to its culture. empire. From Asia, ships and caravans
brought luxury goods—spices, gems, met-
The Byzantine Empire lasted approxi- als, and cloth—to Constantinople. For these
mately 1,000 years. For much of that time, items, Byzantine merchants traded farm
Constantinople was the largest and richest goods as well as furs, honey, and enslaved
city in Europe. The Byzantines were highly people from northern Europe.
educated and creative. They preserved and This enormous trade made the
passed on Greek culture and Roman law to Byzantine Empire very rich. However, most
other peoples. They gave the world new Byzantines were not merchants. Instead
methods in the arts. As you will learn, they they were farmers, herders, laborers, and
also spread Christianity to people in artisans. One of the major Byzantine indus-
Eastern Europe. tries was weaving silk. It developed around

Sculpture showing chariot

racing at the Hippodrome

Byzantine jewelry

The style of the Hagia Sophia, shown here, and other

Byzantine churches influenced the architecture of
churches throughout Russia and Eastern Europe.
What does the name “Hagia Sophia” mean?

332
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327-334 Ch9 S3-824133 3/21/04 10:43 AM Page 333

A.D. 550. At that time, Byzantine travel-

The Art Archive/Haghia Sophia Istanbul/Dagli Orti

ers smuggled silkworm eggs out of

China. Brought to Constantinople, the
silkworms fed on mulberry leaves and
produced silk threads. Weavers then
used the threads to make the silk cloth Byzantine Mosaics Imagine taking bits
that brought wealth to the empire. of glass and turning them into beautiful
masterpieces. Byzantine artists did just
Byzantine Art and Architecture that starting around A.D. 330. Roman
Justinian and other Byzantine emperors mosaics were made of natural-colored
supported artists and architects. They marble pieces and decorated villas and
ordered the building of churches, forts, buildings. Byzantine mosaics were
and public buildings throughout the different. They were made of richly
empire. Constantinople was known for colored, irregular pieces of glass and
its hundreds of churches and palaces. decorated the ceilings, domes, and
One of Justinian’s greatest achievements floors of Byzantine churches.
was building the huge church called Byzantine mosaics were created to
Hagia Sophia (HAH • jee • uh soh • FEE • uh),
honor religious or political leaders. The
or “Holy Wisdom.” It was completed in
centers of domes—because they were
A.D. 537 and became the religious center
of the Byzantine Empire. It still stands
the highest points of the churches—
today in Istanbul. were commonly reserved
Inside Hagia Sophia, worshipers for images of Jesus.
could see walls of beautiful marble and Mosaics were
mosaics. Mosaics (moh • ZAY • ihks) are expensive. They were
pictures made from many bits of colored ordered and paid for by
glass or stone. They were an important emperors, state officials,
type of art in the Byzantine Empire. or church leaders. Many
Mosaics mainly showed figures of mosaics are still intact
saints (SAYNTS), or Christian holy people. and can be seen today
inside churches,
Byzantine Women The family was the monasteries, and
center of social life for most Byzantines. museums.
Religion and the government stressed the
importance of marriage and family life.
Divorces were rare and difficult to get. Mosaic from the
Byzantine women were not encour- Byzantine Empire
aged to lead independent lives. They
were expected to stay home and take care
of their families. However, women did
gain some important rights, thanks to
Connecting to the Past
1. Why do you think the name of the
Empress Theodora. Like Theodora her- person who paid for the mosaic—
self, some Byzantine women became well rather than the name of the person
educated and involved in politics. Several who made the mosaic—was often
recorded in the inscription?
2. What types of art do present-day
artists make with glass?
327-334 Ch9 S3-824133 3/25/04 1:03 PM Page 334

royal women served as regents. A regent

(REE • juhnt) is a person who stands in for a
ruler who is too young or too ill to govern. A
few ruled the empire in their own right.

Byzantine Education Learning was

highly respected in Byzantine culture. The
government supported the training of
scholars and government officials. In
Byzantine schools, boys studied religion,
medicine, law, arithmetic, grammar, and This Byzantine religious text is beautifully
other subjects. Wealthy Byzantines some- illustrated. What did Byzantine boys
times hired tutors to teach their children. study at school?
Girls usually did not attend schools and
were taught at home.
Most Byzantine authors wrote about writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
religion. They stressed the need to obey Without Byzantine copies, many important
God and save one’s soul. To strengthen works from the ancient world would have
faith, they wrote about the lives of saints. disappeared forever.
Byzantine writers gave an important gift to Identify What church is
the world. They copied and passed on the one of Justinian’s greatest achievements?

Homework Helper Need help with the

material in this section? Visit jat.glencoe.com

What Did You Learn?

Reading Summary 1. What is a mosaic, and where
were mosaics found in the
4. Describe What were some of
the trade items that were
Review the Byzantine Empire? exchanged between merchants
• With its capital at in Constantinople?
Constantinople and strong Greek 2. How did silk weaving develop
influences, the Byzantine Empire in the Byzantine Empire? 5. Explain Why were divorces
grew powerful and wealthy. difficult to get in the Byzantine
Empire?
• The Byzantine emperor, Justinian, Critical Thinking
6. Analyze What important
reconquered much of the land 3. Organizing Information
service did Byzantine writers
that had been held by the old Draw a diagram like the one
provide to the rest of the
Roman Empire in the Mediter- below. Fill in details about
world? Explain its significance.
ranean. It also issued a new law Constantinople’s location.
code known as the Justinian 7. Persuasive Writing Which
Code. civilization do you think was
Location of the most advanced—that of
• As the Byzantine Empire grew Constantinople the Greeks, the Romans, or the
wealthy from trade, art, architec- Byzantines? Write a speech
ture, and education flourished. explaining your answer.

334 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization

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335-337 CH9 CRA-824133 3/17/04 5:29 PM Page 335

Section Life in Ancient Rome

Vocabulary Focusing on the
vault • In addition to their own developments in science and engineering, Roman
satire artists and writers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks. (page 303)
ode • The rich and poor had very different lives in the Roman Empire,
anatomy as did men and women. (page 306)
Forum
gladiator
paterfamilias
rhetoric
A Roman family at
the dinner table

Section The Fall of Rome

Vocabulary Focusing on the
plague • Poor leadership, a declining economy,
inflation and attacks by Germanic tribes weakened
barter the Roman Empire. (page 318)
reform • Rome finally fell when invaders swept through the empire during
the A.D. 400s. (page 322)
• Rome passed on many achievements in government, law, language,
and the arts. (page 325)

Section The Byzantine Empire

Vocabulary Focusing on the
mosaic • The Eastern Roman Empire grew rich and powerful as the Western Roman
saint Empire fell. (page 328)
regent • The policies and reforms of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora
helped make the Byzantine Empire strong. (page 329)
• The Byzantines developed a rich culture based on Roman, Greek, and
Christian ideas. (page 332)

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civilization 335

Giraudon/Art Resource, NY
Review Vocabulary Review Main Ideas
Match the definitions in the second column to Section 1 • Life in Ancient Rome
the terms in the first column. 9. What did the Romans borrow from the
___ 1. plague a. pictures made of Greeks? What did they develop on their
many bits of colored own?
glass or stone 10. What were the lives of the rich and poor
___ 2. anatomy b. rapidly increasing like in Rome?
prices Section 2 • The Fall of Rome
___ 3. inflation 11. What weakened the Roman Empire?
c. father of a family
12. What caused the fall of Rome in the
___ 4. gladiator d. emotional poem A.D. 400s?
about life’s ups
and downs Section 3 • The Byzantine Empire
13. What policies and reforms helped make
___ 5. regent e. study of the body’s the Byzantine Empire strong?
structure
14. What different groups of people
___ 6. mosaic f. a disease that spreads contributed to the Byzantine culture?
widely
___ 7. paterfamilias g. a person who stands Critical Thinking
in for a ruler who 15. Cause and Effect Why did Alaric’s cap-
cannot govern ture of Rome shock the Roman people?
___ 8. ode h. a warrior who fought 16. Predict What do you think would have
animals and people happened if Theodosius had not divided
in public arenas the Roman Empire?

Responding and Reflecting Your Point of View

17. Read the following paragraph from page 330. Write at least five things you might reflect
on as you read this information.

In A.D. 532 Theodora helped save Justinian’s throne. Angry

taxpayers threatened to overthrow Justinian and stormed the
palace. Justinian’s advisers urged him to leave Constantinople.
Theodora, however, told him to stay and fight. Justinian took
Theodora’s advice. He stayed in the city and crushed the
uprising.
To review this skill, see pages 300–301.

336 CHAPTER 9 Roman Civiliziation

335-337 CH9 CRA-824133 3/17/04 5:35 PM Page 337

Self-Check Quiz To help you prepare for

Geography Skills the Chapter Test, visit jat.glencoe.com
Study the map below and answer the follow-
ing questions.
18. Place Which areas were conquered by Linking Past and Present
Justinian’s military? 23. Analyzing In the chapter, you learned that
19. Human/Environment Interaction Why the culture of the Byzantine Empire was
do you think Justinian decided to conquer greatly influenced by the Romans and
lands to the west of his empire? Greeks, as well as the Egyptian, Slavic, and
20. Movement What made it difficult for the Persian cultures. Think about the culture of
Byzantine Empire to hold on to Justinian’s the United States, in which many cultures
conquests? have blended. Work with a classmate to
identify aspects of the U.S. culture that
were originally part of other cultures.

Byzantine Empire Building Citizenship Skills

24. Analyzing Growing political and social
0° 10°E Danu 20°E
ATLANTIC b e R. problems helped set the stage for Rome’s
OCEAN final fall. Traditional Roman ideas of duty,
courage, and honesty lost their importance.
SPAIN ITALY Why do you think duty, courage, and hon-
40° Corsica
N
esty are important in keeping a society and
Rome
Constantinople political system strong?
Sardinia

Carthage Me Sicily
d it
erra
0 500 mi. nean Crete
Sea
30°N
0 500 km
Analyze
Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area projection
The Roman Empire did have some laws
KEY
Byzantine Empire before Justinian, N
to prevent the extreme abuse of slaves.
A.D. 527
Byzantine Empire after Justinian's W E “At the present time neither Roman citi-
conquests, A.D. 565 zens nor any other persons who are under
S
20°N the rule of the Roman people are permit-
ted to treat their slaves with excessive and
baseless [reasonless] cruelty. . . . A man who
kills his own slave without cause is ordered
Read to Write to be held just as liable as one who kills
21. Descriptive Writing Suppose you are a another’s slave.”
newspaper reporter living in the time of —Gaius, “Legislation Against the
the Roman Empire. Write a front-page arti- Abuse of Slaves”
cle about the slave revolt in 73 B.C., the
content of Theodosius’s will, or the
removal of Romulus Augustulus.
Remember to include a headline. 25. How does this law pertain to people
22. Using Your Use the information passing through the empire?
you wrote in your foldable to create a brief 26. How does this statement leave a
study guide for the chapter. For each sec- loophole in the regulation of abuse
tion, your study guide should include at against slaves?
least five questions that focus on the main
ideas.

CHAPTER 9 Roman Civiliziation 337