The Roman Republic

The Roman Republic

The Roman RepublicChapter 6, Section 1

Legend of Remus and Romulus

Romes GeographyTiber RiverMiddle of Italian Pen.Mid-point of Med. Sea

The First RomansLatins, Greeks, EtruscansLatins: Original Rome, Palatine HillGreeks: Southern Italy and SicilyEtruscans: Northern Italy

The Early RepublicEtruscan becomes King in 600 B.C.

Last king: Tarquin the Proud

Established a republic

Patricians and PlebeiansPatriciansUpper classNobilityWealthy land ownersInherited social status

PlebeiansLower classPlebsEveryone in ancient Rome (except the patricians)Could not hold important gov. positions (by law)Tribunes

6Twelve TablesVictory for plebeians451 B.C. began writing down Romes lawsEqual protection under the laws

Government Under the RepubilcBalanced government

Consuls

Senate

Tribal Assembly

Dictator

Government Under the Republic

Roman ArmyGreat value on military

Land owners

Legions

Rome Spreads its Power

Rome Conquers ItalyCentral and northern ItalyBy 265 B.C. conquered nearly all of ItalyDifferent laws for different partsThree groups: Rome, farther from Rome, allies

= Rome 500 BC = Conquests to 338 = Conquests to 304 = Conquests to 290 = Conquests to 264

Romes Commercial NetworkLocation: easy access to MediterraneanAllowed for a lot of tradeCarthage: interfered with Roman access to the Mediterranean

War with Carthage264 B.C. Rome and Carthage go to warLong struggle: The Punic Wars264-146 B.C.Fought three wars

1st War (264-241 B.C.)For control of Sicily and the western Med.Carthage lost

2nd War (218 B.C.)Hannibal (Carthaginian general)Sought to surprise RomeTrek through Spain and FranceLost more than half his menInitially workedGreatest victory at CannaeNever captured Rome

Hannibals Route of Invasion

3rd War- Rome TriumphsScipio (Roman military leader)Attacked CarthageCarthage burned

The Punic Wars

From Anatolia to Spain