The Roman World Takes Shape5.1

Mr. James

Objectives

• Describe the physical and cultural settings in which Roman civilization arose.

• Outline how the Roman Republic was structured.

• Explain how the Roman republic grew and maintained its conquests.

Mediterranean Area Today

Influence of GeographyHow did the geography of the Italian Peninsula benefit

ancient Romans?

• Italian peninsula is centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea

• City of Rome sits towards center of Italy• The Apennines• The Tiber (food/trans)• The 7 hills-pasture land and wood-fertile plain (good soil)

The Origins of RomeEarly Peoples Settle Italy

• The Myth– Romulus and Remus– Sons of Mars (War God)

The Reality• The Latins (from North of the Alps)

– 753 BC founding of the city of Rome on Palatine hill• The Etruscans (from Asia Minor)

– Arrived in 800 BC by 625 BC ruled all of Northern Italy (Tuscany)– Influences on Rome:

• Military org (phalanx), Chariots, Engineering,, Gladiators

• Greek Influences?– Greek alphabet– Religion (also through the Etruscans)

Greek settlements in Italy

Res Publica

• Etruscan Domination of the City of Rome (c. 625 BC – 509 BC)

• Etruscan Kings ruled for life after the approval of the Senate and the citizens– Etruscans Kings Pushed out by 509 BC due to bad

monarchy – In their place the Romans founded a Republic

(Def?)

Structuring the Early Republic • Patricians v. Plebeians• Citizenship required descent from 2 Roman

parents• Republic controlled by the senate – members

were all patricians • Senators nominated two consuls for one term-How did this create a system of “checks and balances?• During times of war, or national emergency the

senate elected a dictator

Plebeians Fight for Rights

• Plebeians slowly gained more rights– How?

• The 12 tables (451 BC)• No enslavement for debt• Marry Patricians• Eventually won the right to become Consul / Senator• Tribunes with veto power

The Roman Army• All citizens had to serve • Legions: Each with its own

standard and legionary Eagles– Auxiliary troops made up

of non-citizens were called on to support the regular army

– Discipline: Decimation by phalanx

Roman Expansion in Italy

• By 265 BC had conquered most of Italy• Life under Roman Rule

– Citizenship (half)– Allies by treaty– All had to acknowledge Roman superiority, pay

taxes and supply soldiers

Exercise

• Table in skill packet • Similarities and Differences• Which one is more democratic?

Comparing Governments