In this Grade 5 World History and Geography lesson, students examine the Early Roman Empire from Augustus's reign through A.D. 180, exploring how emperors like Trajan and Hadrian shaped Roman governance, expansion, and public works. Students learn key concepts including the Pax Romana, urbanization, and the role of the paterfamilias, while analyzing both the achievements and problems of imperial rule. The lesson draws on Chapter 7 of the textbook to help students understand how political power shifted from the Senate to the emperors and how succession challenges affected the stability of the empire.
Section 1
Emperors Lead Rome to Peace and Prosperity
After Augustus, Rome was ruled by a series of emperors, including five "good emperors" who maintained the Pax Romana—a 200-year period of peace and prosperity with expanded trade and stable government.
Section 2
Romans Adapt Greek Culture to Create Lasting Arts
Romans integrated Greek artistic styles while creating practical engineering innovations. They built massive structures using concrete, arches and domes, and established a vast network of roads, bridges, and aqueducts.
Section 3
Families Structure Roman Society Around Male Authority
The paterfamilias (dominant male) headed Roman households that included wives, children, and slaves. Though men held authority, upper-class women gained rights to own property and experienced more freedom than Greek women.
Section 4
Cities Connect Empire Through Standardized Design
Provincial cities throughout the empire featured similar temples, markets, and public buildings. These urban centers helped spread Roman culture, law, and the Latin language while accommodating local customs.
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Section 1
Emperors Lead Rome to Peace and Prosperity
After Augustus, Rome was ruled by a series of emperors, including five "good emperors" who maintained the Pax Romana—a 200-year period of peace and prosperity with expanded trade and stable government.
Section 2
Romans Adapt Greek Culture to Create Lasting Arts
Romans integrated Greek artistic styles while creating practical engineering innovations. They built massive structures using concrete, arches and domes, and established a vast network of roads, bridges, and aqueducts.
Section 3
Families Structure Roman Society Around Male Authority
The paterfamilias (dominant male) headed Roman households that included wives, children, and slaves. Though men held authority, upper-class women gained rights to own property and experienced more freedom than Greek women.
Section 4
Cities Connect Empire Through Standardized Design
Provincial cities throughout the empire featured similar temples, markets, and public buildings. These urban centers helped spread Roman culture, law, and the Latin language while accommodating local customs.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter