JULIANO, Christian

BSEd Social Studies – 2B

Exploring the Roman World Empire

The Roman Empire has significantly impacted the modern world. We see evidence of their
influence in our art, architecture, technology, literature, language, and law. The Romans built bridges and
stadiums and wrote books; their language left a lasting impression on our conversations. Their legacy is
still appreciated today. Roman influence on art and architecture is tremendous. Their curved roofs and
large-scale arches could support more weight than the Greeks' post-and-beam construction. These arches
were the foundation for massive bridges and aqueducts. The Romans also built large amphitheaters like
the Colosseum. In addition, Ancient Romans pioneered advances in many areas of science and
technology, establishing tools and methods that have ultimately shaped the way the world does certain
things. The Romans were extremely adept engineers. They understood the laws of physics well enough to
develop aqueducts and better ways to aid water flow. They harnessed water as energy for powering mines
and mills. They also built an expansive road network, a great achievement at the time. Their roads were
built by laying gravel and then paving with rock slabs. In terms of political aspects, although the law of
the Roman Empire is no longer in use, many modern legal systems around the world are based on
principles of law that were developed during that time. Some Latin terminology used during the Roman
Empire is still used today. The basic structure of jurisprudence, including the trial process with a judge,
plaintiff, and defendant, is similar to what was established during the Roman Empire and is used in many
jurisdictions today. These developments will continue to influence today's society and in the future
generations Furthermore, these developments gave us an idea of how we can incorporate science and
technology into our daily lives, express ourselves through the form of art, build sophisticated architecture,
and establish our political system.
One of the ancient Romans' best innovations was their aqueducts. These channels transported
fresh water to highly populated areas, and they were amazing feats of engineering given the time period.
Aqueducts require extensive planning and construction. They were made from a series of pipes, tunnels,
canals, and bridges. Gravity and the land's natural slope allowed aqueducts to channel water from a
freshwater source, such as a lake or spring, to a city. Once the water flowed into the cities, it was used for
drinking, irrigation, and to supply hundreds of public fountains and baths. The Roman aqueduct systems
were built over a period of about 500 years, from 312 B.C.E. to C.E. 226. Both public and private funds
were used for the construction of these systems. The most recognizable feature of Roman aqueducts may
be the bridges constructed using rounded stone arches. Some of these can still be seen today traversing
European valleys. The invention of aqueducts helped the Romans maintain their health by efficiently
transporting used water and waste and providing irrigation water to farms.
Let’s talk about the rise of the Roman Empire, starting with its founding in 753 BCE by the
legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus. Rome's strategic location on the Italian peninsula gave it an
advantage in trade and defense. During its early years as a monarchy, Rome's institutions and social
structures were established, with Romulus being one of its most influential early kings. In about 509
BCE, Rome shifted to a republic, which paved the way for its conquests. These conquests brought wealth,
resources, and slaves to Rome, fueling its growth and military strength. However, these conquests also led
to conflict with Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, culminating in the Punic Wars fought in
the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. Rome's victory over Carthage marked its dominance over the western
Mediterranean and the eventual destruction of Carthage itself. In the 1st century BCE, Rome faced
internal strife and civil unrest as powerful individuals like Julius Caesar and Pompey competed for
control. Caesar's rise to power signaled the end of the Roman Republic. Later, Caesar's nephew and
adopted son Octavian, or Augustus, became the first Roman emperor in 27 BCE, marking the beginning
of the Roman Empire. Under the emperors, Rome achieved its greatest territorial extent, economic
prosperity, and cultural achievements.
Over time, the Roman Empire faced numerous threats from barbarian tribes such as the Visigoths,
Vandals, and Huns. These invasions weakened Roman military power and stretched its resources thin,
leading to its gradual decline. The Roman Empire also suffered from frequent leadership changes, civil
wars, and political instability, worsening the situation. Assassinations of Emperors were common, and
power struggles were rampant, leading to ineffective governance. Additionally, the Roman Empire
encountered economic challenges such as inflation, taxation issues, and a reliance on slave labor. The
economy became increasingly unsustainable, resulting in financial strain and declining living standards
for many Romans. Lastly, in 285 CE, Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman Empire into the Western
and Eastern halves, each with its own capital. While the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire)
continued to thrive for several centuries, the Western Roman Empire faced mounting challenges and
eventually collapsed.
The Punic Wars, which occurred between Rome and Carthage from 264 BC to 146 BC, are the
most well-known conflicts in the history of Roman Civilization. Carthage was a significant city located
on the coast of North Africa, which was just a short sea journey from Rome across the Mediterranean Sea.
Both cities were major powers at that time and were expanding their empires. As their empires grew, they
began to clash, and soon, war broke out. The Punic wars were divided into three significant parts: the
First Punic War (264 - 241 BC), the Second Punic War (218 - 201 BC), and the Third Punic War (149 -
146 BC). The wars were mainly caused by the issue of control of the independent Sicilian city-state of
Messana (modern Messina). The Romans emerged victorious in the first and second Punic Wars, and
combined with the simultaneous victories in Greece and the pacification of Hispania, the end of the Third
Punic War left Rome as the dominant military, naval, economic, and political power of the Western
Mediterranean. The victory and subsequent destruction of the city of Carthage marked the end of the
Punic Wars and represented Rome's replacement of Carthage as the dominant power of the Western
Mediterranean, a position it would hold for the next several centuries.
The three Punic Wars had a significant impact on the socio-economic structure of Rome. The
wars led to the elimination of the middle class or farmer/soldier class, which affected the distribution of
wealth by directing more money to the upper socio-economic classes. Additionally, the wars led to
changes in religious and political institutions as Rome acquired new land and had more contact with the
East. In addition, because of the Romans's numerous successful wars, they accomplished a remarkable
feat in history: they united the lands and cultures of Western Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern
Mediterranean under one polity. By the mid-second century CE, the reach of Rome's empire extended
from the highlands of Scotland to the Persian Gulf, and from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the steppes
of Russia. No other empire in history has managed to connect Europe and the Middle East, and Rome
achieved this and much more in just five centuries.
During the Punic Wars, both Rome and Carthage experienced significant losses, including
soldiers and innocent civilians. Thousands suffered and died. History often overlooks the individual lives
impacted by events. The ancient world, like ancient Rome, was brutal and cruel, with countless atrocities.
Many famous figures achieved their status through the sacrifice of numerous human lives. This forgotten
aspect of history serves as a reminder to show compassion, learn from past mistakes, condemn brutality,
and value every life. By doing so, we can commemorate all the sacrifices made by the Romans and
continue to be inspired in our everyday lives.
References:

Cause, course, and consequence: The Punic Wars (264 BCE to 146 BCE) | Wellesley College

Digital Repository. (n.d.). https://repository.wellesley.edu/object/ir894#:~:text=The

%20wars%20changed%20the%20socio,with%20the%20East%20and%20the

Roman aqueducts. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/roman-aqueducts/

Traces of ancient Rome in the modern world. (n.d.).

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/traces-ancient-rome-modern-world/