Rome:Rome:The BeginningThe Beginning

Foundations & the Early Foundations & the Early RepublicRepublic

Background: Alexander’s Background: Alexander’s EmpireEmpire

By 150 C.E. the Hellenistic world in declineRome growing and gaining strengthRome profoundly impacted by these cultural influences

Romulus & RemusRomulus & Remus• According to the According to the Legend of Romulus Legend of Romulus

and Remusand Remus, how did Rome begin?, how did Rome begin?

• Why do you think the myth of the Why do you think the myth of the twins was so appealing to believe?twins was so appealing to believe?

The Geography of an The Geography of an EmpireEmpire

Built on seven rolling hills at a curve on the Tiber RiverNear the center of the Italian Peninsula

Livy “Livy “The Early History of The Early History of RomeRome””

As you read, consider: Why was Rome’s geography so important?

“Not without reason did gods and men choose this spot for the site of our city – the hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and sea-borne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very heart of Italy – all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.” (29 B.C.E)

The First “Romans”The First “Romans”

Latins: (900-800 century B.C.E)1st around RomePalatine Hill

Greeks (750-600 B.C.E)Colonize southern Italy & SicilyGreek cultural influence

Etruscans (900-800 B.C.E.)Native to central & northern ItalyCurrent day Tuscany

Roots of Roman CultureRoots of Roman CultureGreek Influences

Greek ReligionOikos: self sufficient householdArete: honor as a patriarchal figureObedience to authorityGreek Stoicism influences Roman virtus: masculinity – accepting one’s fate

Etruscan InfluencesAlphabetGladiatorial GamesReligious BeliefsConstruction of statues for the godsArchitectureMarsh drainage

Roman View of the Roman View of the Greeks & EtruscansGreeks & Etruscans

Viewed both as inferior due to the conquering and subduing of both

Irony?

The Romans received many of their cultural values from both groups

Similarities between Rome and America?

Ex: Greek values of obedience to authority that will be shown in obedience to the Roman state

Rome:Rome:The BeginningThe Beginning

The Early Republic & the Punic WarsThe Early Republic & the Punic Wars

The First RomansThe First RomansEtruscan King of Rome (600 B.C.E)Accomplishments:

Turns villages into a city1st temples & public centersForum: Heart of Roman political life

Forum: “A medium of open discussion. A public assembly involving an audience or panel discussion”

Patricians vs. Plebeians•Wealthy landowners = most of the power (7-10%)

• Vs.

•Farmers, artisans, and merchants = majority of the population

The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic

Sen ate A rm y T rib un e

T w o C o un selsC o m m an d A rm y

C o m m an d G o v ern m en t

T w o C o un selsC o m m an d A rm y

C o m m an d G o v ern m en t

Sen ate A rm y T rib un ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7vAAO-G2NQ

The Twelve TablesThe Twelve Tables

Why is a written code of law important to this or any civilization?

The Twelve Tablets: 451 B.C.E.

Hung in the Roman Forum

Form the basis for Roman law

The tablets outline political and socialrights for the plebeians

They establish the idea that all free citizens had a right to the protection of the law

Expansion: The Expansion: The MediterraneanMediterranean

Romans recognize key to expansion is control of the Mediterranean SeaTo gain this control, the Romans must defeat the Carthaginians

Hannibal Invades RomeHannibal Invades RomeHannibal: Carthaginian General - brilliant military strategist who devises a surprise attack on RomeRoman General, Scipio, attacks and forces Hannibal back to CarthageVictory gives Romans control of the Mediterranean Sea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAUfZaW7mgI

The Punic Wars

Expansion through Conquest4th Century Romans dominated central ItalyEventually defeat Etruscans and GreeksBy 265 B.C. Romans masters of all Italy and want to expand ruleNeighboring Latins became full citizens, other conquered people enjoyed citizenship but not the vote, and others became allies of Rome

Expansion through TradeGood access to the MediterraneanTraded Roman wine and olive oil for food, raw materials, and manufactured goodsOften interfered by other powerful cities such as Carthage