The Weekly News
The Roman World
Julius Caesar
Rome emphasized the values of discipline, strength, and loyalty. They honored strength more than beauty, power more than grace, and usefulness more than elegance. They were practical people. In 59 B.C. a military leader named Julius Caesar was elected consul. Caesar was a strong leader and a genius at military strategy. Following tradition, he only served one year as consul. He then appointed himself governor of Gaul. His success made him popular with the people of Rome. In 44 B.C. he was named dictator for life. On March 15, 44 B.C. he was stabbed to death in the senate chamber.
Agriculture and trade
Agriculture was the most important industry in the empire. The percent of people who were engaged in farming was about 90% of the population in Rome. The Romans had a vast trading network. They would trade grain, olive oil, slaves, wine, metals, textiles, and wild animals.
Gods And Goddesses of Rome
The earliest Romans worshiped powerful spirits called numina's. Lares were closely related to numina's, they were the guardian spirits of each family. The Romans would give names to the powerful gods and goddesses and they would honor them to gain favor and to avoid misfortune. The most powerful gods were Jupiter (father of the gods) and Juno (his wife).
Society and Culture
Wealth and social status made a huge difference in how people lived. During the time of the empire though, most of the cities population was unemployed. The government would give daily rations of grain to theses people. The government would also provide free games, races, mock battles, and gladiator contests. By A.D 250, there were 150 holidays a year.