The Roman Republic & the Punic Wars

Hypothetical reconstruction of Roman Forum in Imperial times. Watercolor (18th century), Giuseppe Becchetti

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy & the Mediterranean World? -Journal: 3 Ideas

Ancient Italy (c. 6 th century B.C.) PEOPLE: The Latins -Rome: “The First Romans” The Etruscans -Northern Italy -Urbanized Rome: Building Programs (the Forum) -Influence on Romans: the arch, alphabet The Greeks -Southern Italy and Sicily -Influence on Romans: art, architecture, literature,..government, engineering GEOGRAPHY: -Tiber River & Mediterranean Sea -Fertile Soil & Strategic Location

Beliefs & Values: Military Valor

Government: Republic

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C. ) 509 B.C., Romans rejected Etruscan king (monarchy) and established a republic. –Power rests with the citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders. –In Rome, citizenship with voting rights was granted only to free-born male citizens.

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C. ) STRUGGLE FOR POWER: CLASS CONFLICT Patricians- wealthy landowners who held most of the power: inherited power and social status Plebeians- (Plebs) common farmers, artisans and merchants who made up the majority of the population: can vote, but can’t rule –Tribunes- elected representatives who protect plebeians’ political rights.

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C. ) A “Balanced” Government Rome elects two consuls– one to lead army, one to direct government Senate- chosen from patricians (Roman upper class), make foreign and domestic policy Popular assemblies elect tribunes, make laws for plebeians (commoners) Dictators- leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis (appt. by consuls and senate)

See Chart: Comparing Republican Governments What similarities do you see in the governments of the Roman Republic and the United States? What do you think is the most significant difference between the Roman Republic and that of the United States today?

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C. ) THE TWELVE TABLES 451 B.C., officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets and hung in Forum. Laws confirm right of all free citizens to protection of the law Become the basis for later Roman law

The Twelve Tables: Primary Source Review TABLE IProcedure: for courts and trials TABLE IITrials, continued. TABLE IIIDebt TABLE IVRights of fathers (paterfamilias) over the family TABLE VLegal guardianship and inheritance laws TABLE VIAcquisition and possession TABLE VIILand rights TABLE VIIITorts and delicts (Laws of injury) TABLE IXPublic law TABLE XSacred law TABLE XISupplement I TABLE XIISupplement II

The Twelve Tables: Primary Source Review What can we infer about Roman values based on the laws cited in the Twelve Tables? How do the Twelve Tables compare to modern laws in the United States?

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy & the Mediterranean World?

Military Organization: The Roman Army

The Roman Army All citizens were required to serve Army was powerful: –Organization & fighting skill Legion- military unit of 5,000 infantry (foot soldiers) supported by cavalry (horseback)

Rome Spreads its Power Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city- states in south Treatment of Conquered: –Forge alliances –Offer citizenship By 265 B.C., Rome controls Italian peninsula

Rome’s Commercial Network Rome establishes a large trading network Access to Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes Carthage, powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome

Military Organization: The Punic Wars

Punic Wars ( B.C. ) Three Wars between Rome and Carthage Punicus is the Latin word for “Phoenician,” who were the ancestors of the Carthaginians. The destruction of Carthage during the Punic Wars. New York Public Library Picture Collection

Punic Wars ( B.C. ) 1 st Punic War- 264 B.C. – 241 B.C. Carthage’s navy controlled the shipping lanes of the western Mediterranean. Carthage’s navy controlled the shipping lanes of the western Mediterranean. Rome wanted control of the island of Sicily for trading purposes, but Carthage was already had colonies established there. Rome wanted control of the island of Sicily for trading purposes, but Carthage was already had colonies established there. Carthage cut off Rome’s supply of grain. Carthage cut off Rome’s supply of grain. Rome had to build a navy to defeat Carthage. Rome had to build a navy to defeat Carthage.

Punic Wars ( B.C. ) 2 nd Punic War- 218 BC – 202 BC Carthaginian General Hannibal’s “surprise” attack through Spain & France –60,000 soldiers and 60 elephants –Romans experience severe losses, but eventually ward off attacks & invade North Africa Carthage defeated Rome at the Battle of Cannae in 216 B.C. but was forced to withdraw at the city walls of Rome as a result of the Battle of Zama.

Hannibal's troops crossing the Rhone River on their way to attack northern Italy.

Punic Wars ( B.C. ) 3 rd Punic War- 149 B.C. – 146 B.C. Carthage regained wealth and power through trade after the 2 nd Punic War. Rome waged war in an attempt to keep Carthage from gaining too much power. 3 rd War resulted in the destruction of Carthage  Romans burned down all the buildings, put all survivors into slavery, and poured salt over the ground so crops wouldn’t grow. Romans also battled with Macedonia who had sided with Carthage. In defeating Macedonia, Rome also took over Greece. By 100 B.C., The Roman Republic controlled nearly all the land surrounding the Mediterranean.

Growth Brings Problems Assemblies have a difficult time settling problems; Senate took over the leadership of the government. Assemblies have a difficult time settling problems; Senate took over the leadership of the government. Conquered territories outside of Italy were called provinces. These were governed by officials sent by Rome. Resulted in corruption – stealing land, collecting bribes, and keeping tax money. Conquered territories outside of Italy were called provinces. These were governed by officials sent by Rome. Resulted in corruption – stealing land, collecting bribes, and keeping tax money. Land was considered the most respectable form of wealth. Senators divided the provinces among themselves. This resulted in estates, or large holdings of land. Land was considered the most respectable form of wealth. Senators divided the provinces among themselves. This resulted in estates, or large holdings of land. Estates were worked by slaves who were treated poorly. This led to slave revolts. Estates were worked by slaves who were treated poorly. This led to slave revolts.

Growth Brings Problems Huge numbers of landless people fled to Rome for help. The city became filled with poor, hungry people without work. Huge numbers of landless people fled to Rome for help. The city became filled with poor, hungry people without work. The government provided free grain to settle the people and prevent mob violence. The government provided free grain to settle the people and prevent mob violence. Amusement included watching gladiators, professional armed fighters who were usually slaves, fight to the death. Amusement included watching gladiators, professional armed fighters who were usually slaves, fight to the death.

Dark Days of the Republic… Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus : 2 wealthy brothers who fought for reform; murdered Marius, former military leader, was appointed consul –Promised land and $ to poor men if they became soldiers –As a result, this gives military generals A LOT of power!

Dark Days of the Republic… General Sulla drove Marius out of Rome, declared himself dictator, and did 3 years of gov. reform. –Weakened the Council of Plebs and strengthened the Senate 50 years of civil war