Empresarios

Instructions: Read the text and underline the words you don´t know. Paste it on your notebook and make a conceptual map.

Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity
Rome expanded across theMediterranean and grew into a huge, diverse empire.
The Roman world takes shape
Roman began as a small city-state in Italy. The Romans were an Indo-European people who settled along the Tiberriver in small villages. Their neighbors, the Etruscans, ruled much of central Italy, including Rome. After the Romans threw over the hated Etruscan king in 509 b.C, they resolved never to be ruledby a monarch again. Instead, they set up a republic, a government in which officials are chosen by the people. At first, the most powerful people in government were patricians. Eventually,plebeians also gained the right to be elected to the Roman senate.
Rome´s armies expanded Roman power across Italy. By about 270 b.C., Rome occupied all of Italy. Furthermore, Rome generally treatedits defeated enemies with mercy. By 133 b.C. Roman power reached from Spain to Egypt.
From republic to Empire
Military victories put the Romans in control of busy trade routes. Incredible richesflooded into Rome from conquered lands. This new wealth increased corruption, and self-interest replaced virtues, hard work and devotion to duty. For 100 years, Rome faced a series of civilwars.
Roman general named Octavian restored order, he exercised absolute power, taking the name of Augustus. He ruled from 31 b.C. to a. D 14 and brought the 500-year-old republic to an end.
A newage dawned the age of the Roman Empire.
Augustus laid the foundation for a stable government and undertook economic reforms. It began with Augustus and ended with emperor Marcus Aurelius isknown as the Pax Romana or Roman peace. During that time, Roman emperor brought peace, order, unity and prosperity to the land under their control. People moved easily spreading ideas and knowledge.