Roman army:
The Romans are winning more and more wars and begin to found the Roman Empire with a strong and well-organized army. Indeed, the soldiers fight in very disciplined groups. A group of 100 soldiers is called a centuria . Centuries form cohorts and 10 cohorts constitute a legion . During the republic, any man with land could be mobilized to fight for a certain time. But most soldiers are well-trained professionals who make careers in the military.
Life in Roman cities:
The Romans imposed their culture on the conquered countries. Each region, or province of the Roman Empire, is administered by a governor who makes sure people pay their taxes, obey Roman laws and respect the Roman gods. While most city dwellers crowd into apartments , rich people live in villas beautifully decorated rooms, surrounded by shady gardens. Some even have underfloor heating and a water supply.
Games and entertainment:
Wealthy Romans had plenty of time for leisure, because slaves work for them. There are so many slaves in Rome that many poor Romans cannot find work. To please them, the emperor distributes food to them for free and organizes thrilling shows, the “games”. There are the gladiator fights :Gladiators are slaves or criminals trained to fight to entertain crowds. At the end of a fight, the spectators decide the life or death of the loser. This barbaric sport cost the lives of thousands of men. The fights take place in huge stone stadiums, the amphitheatres. Chariot Races :The most popular games are chariot races organized on a racetrack called a circus. They are very dangerous, as the drivers are often ejected and killed.
IN 27 B.C. AD
Octavian takes the title of Augustus (which means “venerable”) and becomes the first Roman emperor:
The Republic is replaced by the Principate , which means that Augustus is the “princeps” (first citizen), “emperor” and absolute ruler of the Roman Empire. Thus, Rome controls almost all of the lands located around the Mediterranean. Over the next 150 years, the Romans further expanded their territory, creating a vast empire.
AROUND 29 AD. AD
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ:
The Romans, fearing that the teachings of Jesus Christ do not lead to rebellion, have him arrested in Jerusalem. He is crucified there. under the orders of Pontius Pilate (governor of a Roman province).
EN 48-58 AP. AD
Christianity spreads through the Roman Empire:
The Christians refuse to honor the Roman gods and completely break with Roman traditions. Some emperors consider them rebels and thousands are arrested and killed. Some are thrown to the lions to entertain the public. In order not to be arrested, the Christians secretly gather in the catacombs to worship their god in secret. This gives rise to incredible speculation:The Christians would indulge in mysterious orgies, horrible rituals, bloody sacrifices in underground hiding places, drowning of children during religious baptisms, they would devour the pulpit of the dead to commemorate the death by crucifixion of their idol, they would drink blood from cups to become immortal… But the worst offense perceived by the Romans at that time, remains in the fact that Christians refuse to practice the imperial cult. This is unacceptable because every Roman has an obligation to venerate the emperor.
IN 70 AP. AD
The second temple in Jerusalem is destroyed by Titus:
The Jews (formerly called the Hebrews) are driven out of Jerusalem and scattered again.
EN 72-80 AP. AD
Construction of the Colosseum in Rome:
It is the largest place dedicated to games and entertainment Romans. It has 50,000 seats and 80 entrances that allow spectators to get in and out quickly. All Romans can attend the games for free, which are organized by high dignitaries to look good.
EN 79 AD. AD
The city of Pompeii is destroyed:
Pompeii was a large and prosperous city in southern Italy , until an erupting volcano buried it under center clouds and molten lava flows.
EN 117 AP. AD
Apogee of the Roman Empire:
During the reign of Emperor Trajan , the Roman Empire stretched from present-day England to the Middle East.