The Geography of Rome

Italy in 750 BCE

I. Origins of Rome A. Legend - Romulus & Remus – twins, sons of Mars (god of war), raised by she-wolf, Romulus eventually killed Remus with a rock to be king!

B. Rome’s Geography 1. Site of Rome was chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location-close to Mediterranean Sea. 2. Center of Trade, mild climate 3. Located on Italian peninsula (What is a peninsula?) 4. Built on seven hills along the Tiber River (What are rivers good for?)

C. The First Romans 1. Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans battled for control of Italian peninsula 2. Palatine Hill – original settlement built by Latins 3. 750 – 600 BC Greek colonies in south – commercially successful 4. Etruscans – northern Italy, metalworkers and engineers, Romans used their writing alphabet, architecture, and arch

II. The Roman Republic 600B.C. A. Social Classes 1. Patricians- aristocratic families that controlled all society—politics, religion, economics, military Question? What does aristocratic mean?

2. Plebeians – common people – artisans, merchants, and farmers

B. Republican Government **Republic – government in which people vote for their leaders 1. 2 Consuls (Rulers of Rome) –1 year term, one to lead army and one to direct government 2. Senate (Representative body for patricians made foreign and domestic policy) 3. Tribal Assembly (Representative body for plebeians – make laws)

C. LAW: The Twelve Tables, 450 BCE Provided political and social rights for the plebeians. Basis of later Roman law Hung in the Forum Law is one of the most important Roman contributions

I. Roman Expansion A. Punic Wars - A series of battles where Rome defeated Carthage (North Africa) & became the dominant power in the Mediterranean

B. After the Punic Wars, Rome conquered new territories in Northern Europe& gained great wealth

II. The Roman Military A. Rome was protected by an advanced army that was divided into groups of 5,000 soldiers called legions B. Each legion was divided into smaller groups of 80 men called a century The Roman Army In addition to their government, the Romans placed great value on their military. All citizens who owned land were required to serve in the army. Seekers of certain public offices had to perform ten years of military service. Roman soldiers were organized into large military units called legions. The Roman legion was made up of some 5,000 heavily armed foot soldiers (infantry). A group of soldiers on horseback (cavalry) supported each legion. Legions were divided into smaller groups of 80 men, each of which was called a century. The military organization and fighting skill of the Roman army were key factors in Rome’s rise to greatness. 12

Roman Soldier

Roman Weapons/ Technology – ballista and the catapulta

C. Problems with growth 1. New lands & sources and reliance on slave labor increased the gap between the rich & poor 2. Generals who controlled the armies became more powerful than the politicians in the Senate 3. Civil wars in Rome

D. Julius Caesar One of the generals who led Rome’s expansion E. Caesar became popular because he offered citizenship and land to those that followed him F. Named Dictator – ruler who heads the military and controls with total authority

G. Senate grew jealous of Caesar’s power H. 44 BC – Senators assassinated Julius Caesar I. Beware the Ides of March!

The Roman Forum

Rome’s Early Road System

Roman Roads: The Appian Way

Roman Aqueducts – brought water to the cities

The Roman Colosseum – gladiator fights!

The Colosseum Interior

Circus Maximus –chariot races!

The Legacy of Rome Republic Government Roman Law Latin Language Roman Catholic Church City Planning Romanesque Architectural Style Roman Engineering Aqueducts Sewage systems Dams Cement Arch