Social and Political Structure of Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome Unit

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Do Now - Review of Friday

How does Rome’s geography give it an advantage?

What protects the Roman Empire from the northern invasion?

What sea basin is Rome located in the middle of?

What civilization does Rome borrow much of their religion from?

Who are the mythological founders of Rome?

Do Now - Review of Friday

How does Rome’s geography give it an advantage? Peninsula-protected on 3 sides, distance from East Mediterranean Powers

What protects the Roman Empire from the north? Alps

What sea basin is Rome located in the middle of? Mediterranean

What civilization does Rome borrow much of their religion from? Greek

Who are the mythological founders of Rome? Romulus & Remus

The Founding of the Roman Republic Etruscans – group from

Northern Italy that briefly controlled the peninsula.

509 BC Romans drive out Etruscans to create new Roman state - a Republic.

Republic = government structure where some officials chosen by people; prevented individuals from gaining too much power.

http://www.bible-history.com/ancient_maps/Rome_Maps/map_Etruscan_Empire_530_BC.gif

Structure of the Roman Republic Patricians

Land-owning upper class Descendants of founders of Rome 5-10 % of population; held most power

Plebeians Farmers, artisans, merchants Majority of population; very little power

Slaves Lowest social class NOT based on race

What rights did each have? Patricians and Plebeians both could

vote and make legal contracts. Marriage WAS allowed for these

groups, however they could NOT intermarry.

http://www.mrdowling.com/images/702patrician.gif

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The Big Dogs - the Roman Senate The Senate

Most powerful body of the Republic About 300 members Served for life term and made laws Only patricians could be Senators

The Senators Chose two consuls – chief executives Consuls responsible for commanding the

armies and directing the government. Only serve one term, every 10 years.

Roman Senate, Cont…

By limiting consul’s time in office, Rome had system of checks and balances on power of government.

Senate could also elect a dictator in event of war.

Dictator = ruler with absolute power over government (usually for 6 months)

The Story of Cincinnatus An Ideal dictator 457 BC appointed by

Senate Organized army,

defeated enemy, attended victory celebration, and returned home within 15 days.

Romans hoped future dictators would be modeled on Cincinnatus

http://www.nndb.com/people/833/000107512/cincinnatus-1.jpg

Patricians vs. Plebeians

Patricians held most power, while Plebeians struggled for equality.

Plebeians gained from 1st written Roman law, created in 450 BC – 12 Tables.

Inscribed laws of the land on 12 Tables and placed in the Roman Forum.

Forum = public meeting place Laws of 12 Tables clarified laws in Rome for all

classes.

http://historylink102.com/italy-pic/rf-overlooking-roman-forum.jpg

The Plebeians Eventually gained right to elect own

representatives known as Tribunes. Tribunes worked in the Assembly; it

wasn’t as powerful as the Senate. Over time, he could veto laws that

were unfair for Plebeians and gained equal status as the Senate.

Towards end of the Republic, the tribunes were as powerful as the Senate.

Structure of the Roman Political System

Consuls

Two appointed by Senate for one year termsCommand army and direct Government

Senate

Senators chosen from Patrician classServe for life and make laws

Assembly

Made up of Tribunes chosen from PlebeiansHad limited power

Odds and Ends of the Political Structure

Women, aliens, and slaves could not participate in government.

Citizenship was granted to patricians and plebeians. Citizens had two main duties: Pay taxes Military service

Military was mainly the legion – troop of 6,000 men. Similar to Greeks – citizens soldiers fought

without pay and supplied own weapons

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Quiz on information from these notes and the notes on Friday.

Focus on fill in the blank areas, what the headings are focusing on, etc.