Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

443

Colosseum

emperors paid for

expensive public games,

such as chariot racing,

in order to be popular

with the crowds. In

Rome a massive theater

called the Colosseum

held 45,000 people,

who watched gladiators

and wild animals fight

to the death.

Roman baths

The Romans loved

bathing. They scraped

off the dirt, rubbed oil

into their skin, relaxed

in steam rooms, swam

in warm pools, and

plunged into icy water.

Two Thousand yeaRs ago, a single government and way of life united

most of western europe, the middle east, and the northern coast of africa.

The Roman empire was based on good organization and centralized control.

Towns in different countries were planned in exactly the same way. a network

of stone-paved roads (parts of which remain today) connected every area to

Rome. The reign of the first emperor, augustus, began a long period of

stability known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, which lasted for about

200 years. strong border defenses manned by the Roman army protected the

empire, while a skilled civil service governed it. Trade flourished and the

people were united. The empire reached the height of its power in about

200 ce and then began to decline slowly. It was divided into two parts in 395.

In 476, barbarian tribes conquered Rome, putting an end to the western

empire. The eastern empire (based in Constantinople, now

called Istanbul, Turkey) continued until 1453.

CITy lIfe

Roman cities were carefully planned with straight streets,

running water, and sewers. The forum, or central market-

place, was surrounded by stores, law courts, and the town

hall. The rich, always Roman citizens, lived in fine villas; the

poor lived in apartment-style buildings. There were many

temples. most of the hard work was done by slaves, who had

none of the rights granted to citizens, such

as access to the baths.

The hypocaust system circulated

hot air under the floors and through

the walls to heat houses and baths.

gRaffITI

The Romans were fond

of making fun of each

other. This caricature was

found on a wall in Pompeii.

It is a mockery of a leading

local citizen—probably a

noble, judging from his

Traders sold their laurel wreath.

wares at market stalls.

Roman Empire 443-

People rubbed oil,

which they carried

in oil flasks, on

their bodies.

Public

baths

Bathers scraped the

sweat and dirt off their

bodies with strigils.

Temple

where people

worshiped

their gods.

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