HIST 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Ponte Milvio, Roman Currency, Roman Britain
5 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
Rome: empire after julio-claudians, expanded from northern scotland to the middle east, expanded from germany to africa, most important institution is the roman army. Legion (5000-6000 soldiers) are very disciplines, efficient, and expansionist. Initially roman men only (it was an honor to be in the army) Conquered men willing to fight for rome to gain citizenship. Evolved into mercenaries (those hired to fight in exchange for pay: wealth. All over the empire, but most ended up in rome itself. Slaves are mostly conquered people (usually peasants, women, and children) or abandoned children. Slavery is lifelong, of the city of rome alone is slaves, were a source of entertainment with blood sports. Blood sports diverted public attention from corruption and war ( keep people happy with bread and circuses . Cheap food and cheap entertainment (fights animal v animal, animal v man, man v man. Gladiators were men captured in war or slaves. Win and live or die and lose.
