Day 1

Main Ideas: Rome began as a republic, a government in which elected officials represent the people. The absolute rulers called emperors seized power and expanded the empire. The Roman Empire touched three continents-Europe, Asia, and Africa. Rome brought peace and prosperity to its empire eventual collapse. Out of Judea rose a monotheistic, or single-god, religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome and beyond.

Timeline: 509 B.C: Rome becomes a republic. 264 B.C: First Punic War begins. 218 B.C: In the second Punic War, Hannibal invades Italy. 31 B.C: Octavian defeats the forces of Antony and Cleopatra. 284 A.D: Diocletian becomes emperor of Rome. 476 A.D: Western Roman Empire falls.