Learn on PengiCalifornia myWorld Interactive, Grade 7Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires

Lesson 4: Roman Culture and its Legacy

In this Grade 7 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students explore Roman culture and its lasting legacy, examining how ancient Rome functioned as a site of encounter where multicultural exchange shaped Greco-Roman civilization. Students analyze Roman achievements in art, mosaics, Latin language, oratory, and satire, as well as how roads, colonies, and citizenship spread culture across the empire. The lesson also traces Rome's enduring influence on modern Romance languages, government, and concepts of citizenship.

Section 1

Rome Connects a Diverse Empire

Key Idea

The city of Rome was the capital of a vast empire, drawing people from many diverse cultures. Merchants, soldiers, scholars, and enslaved people from places like Greece, Egypt, and Persia all traveled to the city. This constant flow of people made Rome a major center of activity.

This gathering turned Rome into a site of encounter. In the city's busy markets and public spaces, people exchanged goods, technologies, and ideas. This interaction and cultural mixing shaped life in the empire and laid the foundation for a new, blended culture.

Section 2

Romans Blend Cultures Across the Empire

Key Idea

The Romans greatly admired Greek art, philosophy, and theater. They did not simply copy these ideas. Instead, they blended them with their own unique practices, such as emperor worship. This created a new, hybrid culture known as Greco-Roman culture.

This blended culture spread far and wide across the empire. Roman soldiers and colonists carried these ideas along the vast network of roads. New cities from Britain to Syria featured Roman-style buildings, like public baths, alongside Greek-inspired theaters and art.

Section 3

Romans Adapted and Innovated in Arts and Sciences

Key Idea

Romans admired Greek culture and built upon its achievements. In philosophy, many educated Romans adopted Stoicism, which taught the importance of duty and self-control. In science, thinkers like the astronomer Ptolemy developed complex theories about the universe, while physicians like Galen made new discoveries about the human body.

At the same time, Romans developed their own unique styles. Roman artists created very realistic sculpture that showed people as they truly were, unlike the perfect figures in Greek art. Roman writers also created new forms of literature, such as satires that made fun of politics and daily life.

Section 4

Romans Stage Mass Entertainment

Key Idea

Roman leaders hosted massive public events to entertain the people of the empire. These spectacles were a central part of city life and a way for emperors to gain popularity.

Violent contests were a favorite form of entertainment. Gladiators fought each other and wild animals in huge arenas like the Colosseum. Romans also loved the danger and excitement of chariot races, which took place in giant stadiums. These events showcased the empire's power.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

Rome Connects a Diverse Empire

Key Idea

The city of Rome was the capital of a vast empire, drawing people from many diverse cultures. Merchants, soldiers, scholars, and enslaved people from places like Greece, Egypt, and Persia all traveled to the city. This constant flow of people made Rome a major center of activity.

This gathering turned Rome into a site of encounter. In the city's busy markets and public spaces, people exchanged goods, technologies, and ideas. This interaction and cultural mixing shaped life in the empire and laid the foundation for a new, blended culture.

Section 2

Romans Blend Cultures Across the Empire

Key Idea

The Romans greatly admired Greek art, philosophy, and theater. They did not simply copy these ideas. Instead, they blended them with their own unique practices, such as emperor worship. This created a new, hybrid culture known as Greco-Roman culture.

This blended culture spread far and wide across the empire. Roman soldiers and colonists carried these ideas along the vast network of roads. New cities from Britain to Syria featured Roman-style buildings, like public baths, alongside Greek-inspired theaters and art.

Section 3

Romans Adapted and Innovated in Arts and Sciences

Key Idea

Romans admired Greek culture and built upon its achievements. In philosophy, many educated Romans adopted Stoicism, which taught the importance of duty and self-control. In science, thinkers like the astronomer Ptolemy developed complex theories about the universe, while physicians like Galen made new discoveries about the human body.

At the same time, Romans developed their own unique styles. Roman artists created very realistic sculpture that showed people as they truly were, unlike the perfect figures in Greek art. Roman writers also created new forms of literature, such as satires that made fun of politics and daily life.

Section 4

Romans Stage Mass Entertainment

Key Idea

Roman leaders hosted massive public events to entertain the people of the empire. These spectacles were a central part of city life and a way for emperors to gain popularity.

Violent contests were a favorite form of entertainment. Gladiators fought each other and wild animals in huge arenas like the Colosseum. Romans also loved the danger and excitement of chariot races, which took place in giant stadiums. These events showcased the empire's power.