Rome 6.1
Dec 22, 2015
Rome
6.1
Geography and People of Italy
Italian Peninsula Central Mediterranean Broad, fertile plains Apennine Mts. Rome is centrally
located
People: Latins and Greeks
Latins: Migrated about 800
B.C. Settled along Tiber
river in small villages along the 7 hills
Greeks: City states along the
S. tip
People: Etruscans
Ruled much of central Italy, including Rome
Adapted Greek alphabet, passed it on to the Romans
Use of the arch Developed engineering
techniques Etruscan religion blended
with Roman
The Founding
Alba Longa City near Rome
Rhea Silvia Vestal Virgin Became pregnant Claimed the Mars was
the father This was the only way
to avoid being buried alive
The Founding
Alba Longa ruled by King Amulius Usurped the throne from his brother
Numitor Rhea was Numitor’s daughter Favored by the people Amulius threw Rhea’s twin sons into the
river Tiber
Romulus and Remus
The babies washed ashore and were suckled by a she-wolf who had lost her cubs
Found by a shepherd, Faustulus and raised with riff raff
As young men, the two were involved in a cattle dispute and brought before Numitor for judgment
Numitor recognized them and used them to regain his throne
Sacred Spring
‘Lupa’ the Latin word for wolf, also means ‘prostitute’
Latins had a tradition of ‘Sacred Spring’When a settlement grew too large, young
people would leave to found a new city. Probably took place in the spring.
Bloody founding
7 hills Romulus wanted to found the city on the Palatine hill and
began building a wall Remus favored the Aventine hill, leapt over the wall in
contempt and Romulus killed him Romulus opened his city to criminals and castaways Asylum (‘a’ – without, and ‘syle’ – right of seizure) comes
from the temple Romulus built to attract settlers They soon found themselves short of wives
Rape of the Sabine Women
Romans needed wives Asked their neighbors, the Sabines, for women Refused Romulus invited them to a festival The Romans seized the unmarried women and
carried them to their homes – crossing the threshold is still traditional in western cultures
The Age of Kings
753 – 509 B.C. Etruscan Kings Last was Lucius Iunius
Brutus ‘Brutus’ cognomen =
simple minded, not entirely true
Romans banished Tarquin the Proud
Brutus died in battle defending Rome
Republic
Governed by the Senate 300 members were all Patricians:
landholding upper class 2 Consuls elected each year
Could serve 1 term Must consult with senate Provided for checks on power
Dictatorship
In time of war, the Senate could elect a Dictator to lead Rome through the conflict
Cincinnatus was the model dictator: Former Consul Retired to farming Called to lead an army against invading Volscians,
Aequians, and Sabines Raised an army, defeated the enemies, and laid down
Dictatorship in 16 days.
Plebeians
Plebeians: farmers, merchants, artisans, traders Little influence in government 12 tables: plebs protested that since laws were
not written down, people could not know and obey them
Tribunes: officials elected by plebs. Could veto laws
Society
Patrilineal Ideal Roman woman: loving, dutiful,
dignified, strong Women eventually played larger role in
society – p 130
Education
Literacy was stressed, even amongst lower classes
Wealthy hired private tutors Rhetoric, public speaking, very important
for those with high aspirations
Religion
Polytheistic Gradually assimilated Greek gods and
goddesses Celebrated many festivals to honor the
gods, along with daily tributes
Citizen Soldiers
Republican armies: citizens who supplied their own equipment
Legion: 5000 men Conquered people required to supply
soldiers (auxilia) Military offered great rewards and harsh
punishments – pp. 131
Conquered lands
Treated with respect Allowed to continue to worship their own gods,
many were assimilated into Roman Pantheon Kept their own money, customs, and local
government as long as they paid taxes and supplied soldiers and acknowledge Roman authority
Most conquered lands remained loyal to Rome
Protection and unification
Rome posted soldiers throughout conquered lands
Built massive network of roads Gradually, conquered people adopted
Roman language, customs, and beliefs
Vestal Virgins
6 women chosen to honor the goddess Vesta
Serve for 30 years 10yrs – learn 10yrs – practice 10yrs – teach
Keep the sacred fire alight If it goes out, the city will
fall
Roads
Cincinnatus
7 Hills of Rome