Ancient Civilizations：古代文明.ppt

Rome Pax Romana – “Roman Peace” was a time of peace and prosperity (golden age). Trade - Through vast road networks and the Mediterranean Sea. People freely traded with others in the empire and with other parts of the world, Goods – grain from Nile River Valley, ivory and gold from Africa, spices and gems from India and silk from China Rome Religion - 313 CE Emperor Constantine legalizes Christianity - Edict of Milan Rome Engineering Roads – allowed for trade and military expansion Arches – engineering technique that allowed Rome to create large buildings Concrete – material used for constructing large buildings Aqueducts – bridge-like structures that used the Roman arch to carry water from the hills to the cities Dome – a half, sphere-like roof Coliseum – Stadium built in Rome that was used for Gladiator fights, chariot races and executions (Bread and circuses) Rome Rome Fall of the Roman Empire Political Causes People stop supporting the government Corrupt officials Divided empire becomes too weak Economic Causes Heavy taxes Military Causes Constant invasions Borders are too big to defend Hire foreign soldiers Social Causes Gap between the rich and the poor widens * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Han Dynasty Han Dynasty Science Acupuncture – needles are inserted under the skin to relieve pain and to treat illnesses Han Dynasty Arts Temples and palaces Jade and Ivory carvings Bronze artworks Silk Literature – “Lessons for a Woman” – Roles for men and women Han Dynasty Han Dynasty Fall of the Han Dynasty Political Causes – Weak rulers after the death of Wudi; unable to control powerful warlords Economic Causes – Did not maintain canals and roads which were vital for trade to prosper; Increased taxes on the peasants, led to a revolt Military Causes – Warlords overthrew the last Han emperor in 22 CE, the empire was split into several kingdoms; invaders overran the Great Wall and set up their own kingdoms Greece Greece (1750 BCE – 133 BC) Geographic setting Regio