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
(Defn?)
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