Mr. Snell

While Greece was in decline, Rome to the west rose to power. Grew from a small settlement to a massive civilization. Conquered the Mediterranean world! Create one of the most influential empires in history!

Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the god Mars and a Latin princess. Abandoned twins by river found by she-wolf.

Built on 7 rolling hills on the Tiber River. The midpoint of the Italian Alps and the southern tip of Italy. Near the midpoint of the Mediterranean Sea

Latins, Greeks, Etruscans battled for land in Italy. Latins built original settlement of Rome. Greeks established colonies in southern Italy & Sicily. Etruscans were native to northern Italy. Metal workers. Romans adopted their alphabet. Etruscan Helmet 

Etruscan King Rules from hilltop village to city. The forum – the heart of Rome’s political life. Tarquin the Proud Republic – Citizens have the power to select their leaders.

2 groups struggled for power in early Rome. Patricians – wealthy landowners who held power. Plebeians – common farmers, artisans, and merchants who make up the bulk of the population. Tribunes – people elected to represent plebeians.

Twelve Tables- First written Roman code of laws

Consuls – 2 officials who shared power Commanded army & directed government 1 year term, every 10 years 1 consul can overrule the other’s decisions. Senate - the aristocratic branch of Rome’s government. In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator—a leader who had absolute power to make laws and command the army.

Valued military and government. Land owners had to serve. 10 year sentence for wannabe politicians. Roman soldiers were organized into large units called legions infantry, cavalry supported. Divided into smaller groups of 80 men - Century

Conquers Italy Defeated northern Etruscans and Greeks to the south! By 265 B.C.E. the Romans mastered all of Italy. Neighbors – Latins and Tiber = full citizens. Far territories – Have all Romans rights except voting. All other conquered groups - allies of Rome. Lenient policy led to the empire being successful.

Traded wine and olive oil for variety of foods, raw materials, and manufactured goods. One city interfered with this trade. Carthage – Put in direct opposition with Rome. Leads to a series of 3 wars. Carthage lost the 1 st Punic war. The mastermind behind the war was a 29-year-old Carthaginian general named Hannibal. Hannibal was a brilliant military strategist who wanted to avenge Carthage’s earlier defeat.

BC- Rome and Carthage battled for the islands of Sicily in the First Punic War.

The mastermind behind the Second Punic War. He was a 29-year-old Carthaginian general. Was a brilliant military strategist who wanted to avenge Carthage’s earlier defeat.

218 BC- second Punic War Carthaginian general Hannibal assembled 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry and 60 elephants (Carthage)- Greatest victory at Cannae 216 BC Scipio – Roman military leader who matched Hannibal! Planned attack on Carthage to force Hannibal to defend.

Rome laid siege to Carthage. In 146 B.C., the city was set afire and its 50,000 inhabitants sold into slavery. Its territory was made a Roman province. Rome’s victories in the Punic Wars gave it dominance over the western Mediterranean.