Ancient Rome and Early Christianity The Roman Republic Chapter 6 Section 1
Dec 29, 2015
Legend of Rome:
Founded in 753 B.C.E. by Romulus and Remus
Twin sons of the god Mars
Abandoned at the Tiber River and raised by a she-wolf
Origins of Rome
The First Roman’s
First to arrive between 1000-500 B.C.E 3 groups of people
Latin's- settled in Rome on Palatine Hill Greek’s- establish colonies along southern Italy
and Sicily Etruscan’s- native born to Italy; skilled in
metalwork and engineering; Roman’s will adopt their alphabet
Origins of Rome
Last King of Rome:
Tarquin the Proud- harsh king driven from power in 509 B.C.E.
Roman’s vowed they would never be ruled by a king again
Create republic; (res publica) citizens who have the right to vote for a leader
Citizen- only free white males
Early Republic
Early Republic
Patricians
Patricians: Patricians: wealthy
land owners Inherited power and
wealth; claim that status gives them authority to make laws for Rome
Plebeians
Plebeians: Plebeians: common farmers,
artisans, merchants who make up the majority population
Had the right to vote but could not hold important public office
Tribunes- elected representatives of the plebeians to protect the rights of the plebeians from the patricians
Twelve Tables:
Plebeians get a written law code Now patricians cannot twist the laws to benefit
themselves 451 B.C.E. Rome’s laws are scribed on 12
tablets hung in the forum
Early Republic
“Balanced” Government:
Romans believed they had taken the best aspects of a monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy
Government under the Republic
Consuls:
(2) Like kings; rule for 1 yr, cannot be re-elected for another 10yrs.
Run the military and the government One consul could always overrule or veto the
other
Government under the Republic
Senate:
Aristocratic branch of the government Held both legislative and administrative
responsibilities 300 members chosen from Rome’s elite Influence in both foreign and domestic affairs Tribal Assembly; made up of plebeians elected
tribunes to create laws for the common man
Government under the Republic
Dictator:
Absolute power to make laws and command the army
In times of crisis the Romans would elect a dictator to protect Rome
Power only last for 6 months Picked by the consuls and elected by the
senate
Government under the Republic
Roman Army
Placed great value on the military All citizens who owned land were required to
serve in the army Certain political office required 10 yrs of service Legion: 5,000 infantry (foot soldiers) supported
by cavalry Century- 80 men
Rome Spreads its Power
Rome Conquers Italy
4th century B.C.E. dominate central Italy Defeat the Etruscans in the north and the Greek
states in the south 265 B.C.E. Rome controls Italy The Latins were made full citizens of Rome Most conquered people became citizens without
the right to vote Or became allies; Rome would not interfere with
allies as long as they gave troops and didn’t make treaties with another state
Rome Spreads its Power
Rome’s Trading
Rome traded large amounts of goods with people throughout the Mediterranean Sea
Carthage, colony in North Africa begins to challenge Rome’s power……
Rome Spreads its Power
Punic Wars:
3 wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264- 146 B.C.E.
1st Punic War: Fought to control Sicily and the West Med. And
Rome wins (1-0) Lasts 23 yrs
Rome Spreads its Power
2nd Punic War (218 B.C.E.):
Hannibal: Carthaginian general 29 yrs old; brilliant military strategists
Wants to avenge Carthage defeat
50,000 men, 9,000 cavalry and 60 elephants
Surprise attack; from Spain through France and down through the Alps
Rome Spreads its Power
Rome Triumphs:
General Scipio- Roman general that devised a plan to attack Carthage Forcing Hannibal to leave his campaign in Italy
Battle of Zama 202 B.C.E. Roman’s finally defeat Hannibal (2-0)
Rome Spreads its Power