• While the great civilization of Greece was on its decline, a new city to the west was increasing its power.

– Rome

Origins of Rome

• According to legend, the city of Rome was founded around 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remes – Twin brothers– Sons of the God Mars and a Latin Princess

(similar to Hercules son of God and Human)

• The twins were abandoned near the Tiber River and were raised by a she-wolf. – They decided to build the city where they were raised

• In reality, a group of men decided to settle in Rome’s location because of its fertile soil.

• The Latins built the original settlement at Rome. – Several clusters of wooden huts Not the Rome

that we generally think about today • The Latin settlers were considered to be the first

Romans

• Between 750 and 600 B.C., the Greeks established colonies along southern Italy and Sicily.

• The colonies were involved in Greek trade and became very wealthy.– They brought all of Italy into closer contact with Greek

civilization

• The Etruscans were native to northern Italy.• They strongly influenced the development of Roman

civilization– Skilled metalworkers and engineers – They created a system of writing that the Romans

eventually used as well– They influenced Rome’s architecture especially the use

of the arc

• Around 600 B.C., an Etruscan became King of Rome.• In the decades following, Rome grew to cover a 500 mile

wide territory.– It was around this time that various kings ordered

construction of Rome’s first temples and public centers.

• The most famous was the Forum.– The heart of Roman political life.

• The last king of Rome was Tarquin the Proud. – Harsh and cruel removed from power in 509 B.C.

• The Romans declared that they would no longer be ruled by Kings or Queens– They decided to establish a republic.

• A republic is a form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders.

• In Rome, voting rights was granted only to free-born male citizens.

• In early Rome, two different groups of Romans struggled for power.– Patricians: Wealthy landowners– Plebeians: Common people artisans/farmers

• The Patricians held the most power.• They claimed that their ancestry gave them the authority to

make the laws in Rome.– Inherited their power and social status

• The Plebeians were citizens of Rome who had the right to vote, but were not allowed to hold government positions.

• In time, Roman officials gave Plebeians the right to form their own assembly so they can voice their opinions on laws and other government decisions.

– These representatives were called Tribunes– They protected the rights of plebeians from unfair

political acts

• In 451, the plebeians pushed for the creation of a written law code.– Unwritten laws were seen as unofficial and were often

altered to suite corrupt politicians • A group of ten officials carved the laws into twelve stone

tablets – These twelve tablets became the basis of Roman law.

Roman Government

• Rome had two officials that directed the government called consuls.– The consuls held power for only one year– The same person could not be elected again for ten years– One consul could veto, overrule, and negate another

consul’s decision if he did not agree or approve.

• The senate was an aristocratic branch of Rome’s government.– Had both legislative and administrative functions.– Its 300 members where chosen from the upper class of

Rome’s society.• Eventually Plebeians were allowed in the senate

– The senate greatly influenced Rome’s domestic and foreign policy

• In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator.– A dictator is a leader who had absolute power to make laws

and command the army • A dictator’s power lasted only for six months.• Dictators were chosen by the consuls and then elected by the

senate

Comparing Republic Governments

• Executive Branch:– Rome:

• Two Consuls, elected by the assembly.

• Held office for one year

• Chief executives of the gov. and commander in chief of the military

– USA:• A president, elected by the people

• Held office for four years

• Chief executive of the gov. and commander in chief of the military

• Legislative Branch:– Rome:

• Senate of 300 members Held seat for life Selected by aristocrats

• Centuriate Assembly: Selects consuls and made laws (members were citizen soldiers)

• Tribal Assembly: Elects tribunes and made laws (members were citizens grouped where they lived)

– USA: • Senate of 100 members Six year terms Voted by people

• Made laws, advised president

• House of Representatives = 435 members Two years terms Voted by the people

• Makes laws, discusses revenue bills

• Judicial Branch:– Rome

• Eight judges chosen for one year by the Centuriate Assembly

• Oversee civil and criminal courts

– USA• Supreme Court: Nine justices appointed by the

president• Highest court in the country Hears civil and

criminal appeal cases

• Legal Code:– Rome

• Twelve tables: A list of rules that was the basis of Roman law

– USA• U.S. Constitution: basic law of the United

States

• Citizenship: – Rome

• All adult male landowners

– USA• All native-born or naturalized adults