Essential Question: What were the lasting characteristics of the Roman Republic & the Roman Empire? Warm-Up Question: What is Hellenism? Why was Alexander of Macedonia considered great?
In addition to Greece, a significant classical civilization was ancient Rome
Ancient Rome While the great civilization of Greece was in decline, a new city to the west was developing and increasing its power. The early Romans establish a republic, which grows powerful and spreads its influence.
Origins of Rome According to legend, the city of Rome was founded in 753 b.c. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the god Mars and a Latin princess. The twins were abandoned on the Tiber River as infants and raised by a she-wolf. The twins decided to build a city near the spot. In reality, it was men, not immortals, who built the city, and they chose the spot largely for its strategic location and fertile soil.
Impact of Geography on Rome: Identify 1 geographic feature & propose how it might impact the culture of Rome
The Geography of Rome Rome was located on the Italian peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea
The Geography of Rome Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Located on Italian peninsula in center of Mediterranean Sea Built on seven hills at a bend on Tiber River
The First Romans Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans compete for control of region Latins found original settlement of Rome between 1000 and 500 B.C. Etruscans native to northern Italy, and Greeks established colonies in southern Italy; both influence Roman civilization
The Culture of Ancient Rome Roman religion was polytheistic & based on the Greek gods (usually only the names changed)
The Culture of Ancient Rome Roman writing was called Latin & was based on Greek writing
The Culture of Ancient Rome Roman architecture borrowed heavily from Etruscan (arches) and Greek (columns) styles Like Greek agoras, Roman cities had a forum for markets & public gatherings
The Early Republic Around 600 B.C., Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome Kings build Rome s first temples and public centers Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan king in 509 B.C. Romans found a republic government in which citizens elect leaders
The Early Republic Society was divided among 3 major groups: At the top were the nobles, called patricians, who controlled most of the land & held key military & government positions (made up 5% of Roman citizens)
The Life of the Patricians
The Culture of Ancient Rome Society was divided among 3 major groups: Most people were commoners, called plebeians, who were farmers, merchants, or peasants Plebeians paid the majority of taxes (made up 95% of Roman citizens)
The Life of the Plebeians
The Culture of Ancient Rome Society was divided among 3 major groups: At the bottom of society were slaves & other non-roman citizens
The Government of Ancient Rome In 451 B.C., government officials wrote down Rome s laws onto the Twelve Tables which were hung in the Forum for all citizens to see and became the basis for later Roman Law. The Twelve Tables were based on the idea that all citizens had a right to the protection of the law Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners
Quick Class Discussion: Based upon this image, what was Roman government like?
Government Under The Republic 2 Consuls elected one commanded the army and one directed the government. However, their power was limited. A consul s term was only one year long. The same person could not be elected consul again for ten years. Also, one consul could always overrule, or veto, the other s decisions.
Government Under The Republic 300 Senators- aristocratic branch of Rome s government. It had both legislative and administrative functions in the republic. Its 300 members were chosen from the upper class of Roman society by citizens, to make foreign and domestic policy.
The most important feature of the republic was the Senate, whose 300 members were elected by citizens to make laws & taxes
Government Under The Republic 10 Tribunes- Eventually, Rome s leaders allowed the plebeians to form their own assembly and elect representatives called tribunes. Tribunes protected the rights of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials.
Government Under The Republic Dictator a leader chosen by the Consuls and elected by Senate; briefly assume absolute power in times of crisis (6 months).
The Roman Military In addition to their government, the Romans placed great value on their military. All citizens who owned land were required to serve in the army. Seekers of certain public offices had to perform ten years of military service. The military organization and fighting skill of the Roman army were key factors in Rome s rise to greatness.
The Roman Military Rome was protected by legions, an advanced army that was divided into groups of 5,000 heavily armed foot soldiers (infantry) A group of soldiers on horseback (cavalry) supported each legion. Each legion was divided into smaller groups of 80 men called a century
Rome Spreads its Power Rome Conquers Italy Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south By 265 B.C., Rome controls Italian peninsula Conquered peoples treated justly; this enables Rome to grow
Rome Spreads its Power Rome s Commercial Network Rome establishes large trading network Access to Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes Carthage, powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome
Rome Spreads its Power War with Carthage Rome and Carthage begin Punic Wars three wars between 264 146 B.C. Rome defeats Carthage, wins Sicily, in first 23-year war Hannibal Carthaginian general avenges defeat in Second Punic War Attacks Italy through Spain and France, doesn t take Rome
Rome Spreads its Power Rome Triumphs Roman general Scipio, a general as bold as Hannibal, attacks Carthage, forcing Hannibal to leave Italy to defend his home city during the Third Punic War (149-146 B.C.) Rome destroys Carthage, sets it afire, and enslaves 50,000 people (149 146 B.C.) Carthaginian territory becomes a Roman province.
Rome Spreads its Power Effects of Punic Wars Rome s victories in the Punic Wars gave it dominance over the western Mediterranean. Romans go on to conquer the eastern half. By about 70 B.C. Rome s empire stretched from Spain in the west to Anatolia (Asia Minor) in the east. However, such growth and power brought with it a new set of difficulties
Closure Activity Compare governments of the ancient world: Complete the chart on the back of your notes