World History 173: The Foundation of Empires
Resources for the Foundations of Empire assignment
Artifacts
A Roman relief portraying gladiators and lions fighting in the circus, 1st Century CE
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For more on Roman public games with animals, click HERE
Figure of Isis-Aphrodite, Egypt, Roman Period 2nd century CE
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For more information on this piece and Eastern religions in the Roman world, click HERE
Augustus of Primaporta, 20 BCE
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For more on the Augustus of Primaporta and the Roman Emperors' uses of art as propaganda, click HERE
Mosaic Floor with Head of Medusa, about 115–150 A.D., Roman, made in Italy. Stone tesserae, 106 1/2 × 106 1/2 in.
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For an awesome overview of Roman mosaics, click HERE
Deeper Dives
Deeper Dives
- Ancient Rome quizTest your knowledge of ancient Rome with this quiz written by Peter Heather, professor of medieval history at King’s College London.
- The Complete History Of The Roman Empire (Full Series)For centuries, the Roman Empire was one of the defining powers of the ancient world. But how did this all begin and what caused it to fall apart? Join Mary Beard as she delves into the history of this incredible Empire that shaped the world we know today.
- Roman Cults and Worship
When their traditional virtues which for centuries had been rooted in patriotism began to crumple as a succession of Caesars seized control of the state, the Romans along with many of those around them turned for solace to mysticism, philosophy and exotic religions. - PBS - Roman City - David Macaulay (55:40)
The glories of Ancient Rome are explored in ROMAN CITY, based on David Macaulay's acclaimed book.
Roman Empire
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General Overviews
- Roman Empire
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Society under the Emperors & the Rise of the Roman Empire
- The Roman Empire (27 B.C.–393 A.D.)
Includes images of art and artifacts - Warfare in Rome
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- Conquest
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- Augustus: The Expansion on the Roman Empire (14 CE)
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Augustus describes his military and political acheievements.
Politics and Government
- Roman Citizenship
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- Slaves in Ancient Rome
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- Imperial Power
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- A Look at the Lives of the First 12 Roman Emperors
An exciting bunch.
Economy & Trade
- Trade in Rome
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- Economic Life - Work
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- A handbook to shopping in ancient RomeIf you fancied some serious retail therapy in the ancient world then, as Claire Holleran reveals, the streets of Rome were the place to be...
Religion & Philosophy
- Religions before Christianity in Ancient Rome
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- Eastern Religions in the Roman WorldIncludes photos of artifacts
- 10 excerpts from Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” to unlock your inner Stoic
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Page is cluttered with videos but Marcus Aurelius is worth the hassle.
Technology & the Arts
Technology
- Aqueducts (3:08)
Rome delivered fresh water to its people by building massive aqueducts that are still an engineering marvel today. - Sextus Julius Frontinus: on aqueducts and water purity (first century CE)
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Art
- Roman PaintingIncludes photographs.
- Reading an Ancient Comic Strip (Trajan's Column)
Interactive exploration of Trajan's Column (113-116 CE)
Decline & Legacy
- The Visigoths sack Rome
Richard Cavendish describes the attack, on August 24th 410, that signalled the beginning of the end of the Western Roman empire
Legacy
- The big question: what have the Romans ever done for us?Seven experts discuss the enduring legacies of Roman expansionism, including humour, food and government.
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