Chapter 11 Review Mr. Klein

Italy and Rome Italy is centrally located in Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s location, sunny, mild climate and fertile farmland have attracted settlers. Ability to grow plenty of food supported a large population. The Alps at the top of Italian peninsula kept Italy slightly isolated and the Apennine's in the middle of Italy run North and South down the peninsula. Rome was founded 15 miles up the Tiber river. Rome’s distance from the Mediterranean helped protect from pirates and the seven hills of Rome helped make it easy to defend. The founding of Rome lies with the myth of the Trojan Aeneas who settled at Rome after the Trojan war and married a local princess.

Founding Rome and Influences Another myth is that the twin boys Romulus and Remus were left by the Tiber after they were born and kept alive by a wolf before a shepherd and wife raised them. Later they would found the city until in argument on where to build the city caused Romulus to murder Remus in a rage. City was founded in 753 B.C. in the area of Italy known as Latium. Greeks influenced the crops they grew, architecture and art. Etruscans to the north influenced Roman religion, government, clothing and most importantly the military of Rome. In 509 B.C. Rome threw out the last Etruscan king and established a Republic. A type of government where leaders are elected. Rome constantly fought against their neighbors and slowly gained more territory.

Roman army and rule At first the Romans fought like the Greeks but over time the phalanx evolved to the use of legions. Legion was quicker and more flexible then the phalanx. Roman soldiers were also well armed and very disciplined. After conquering an area Rome would treat conquered people fairly and became allies of the Romans. They paid taxes and served in the military. Rome’s policies were effective and the Republic grew stronger and more unified.

Roman Government Rome’s government reflected the division within its society. Patricians were Rome’s ruling class and were wealthy land owners. Most Romans were plebeians who were not as wealthy and were usually artisans, shopkeepers or small farmers. Both groups had to pay taxes, fight in military and vote. At the beginning only patricians could serve in political offices. Republic set up in three branches: one makes the laws, second ran daily affairs of government and third acted as judges. Two consuls were elected every year to head the government and lead the army. The senate was Rome’s legislature and they debated foreign policy and proposed laws.

Conflict between classes Plebeians grew frustrated and wanted more power. They held a strike in 494 B.C. and the patricians allowed them to have a Council of Plebs that elected Tribunes that served in the Senate and voiced their concerns. Tribunes could also veto. Eventually plebeians could become consul and the Council of Plebs was given the ability to pass laws for all Romans. In times of crisis Romans would elect a dictator to take over the government. One of the most famous was Cincinnatus for performing his duty, saving his country and laying down his power. He has been admired for his civic duty ever since. Plebeians also pushed for laws to be written down and the Twelve Tables became the law of Rome. Focused on everybody being treated equally under the law.

Punic Wars When Rome had conquered most of Italy they looked overseas to continue expanding and this brought them into conflict with Carthage. Carthage controlled most of the area around the Mediterranean in North Africa and the islands between Africa and Italy. Rome wins the first war fighting in Sicily and large naval battles. The war brings Rome to the brink but after 23 years Rome finally wins. The second war is brought on by the Carthaginian general Hannibal. Hannibal takes the war to Italy and wins amazing victories in Italy and manages to separate many of Rome’s allies from Rome. Scipio Africanis rises to power and captures Spain before taking the war to Africa and defeating Hannibal at the battle of Zama. Rome pushes for the third war and destroys Carthage in 146 B.C.