Grapes Ancient Rome

Geography Centrally located in Mediterranean region. Italian Peninsula Looks like a high heel boot on a map Heel points to Greece Toe points to Island of Sicily Alps Mountains – shoelaces Alp Mountains – separate Italy from N. Europe. Apennine Mountains – runs north to south. Volcanoes & earthquakes Tiber River – near Rome Latins -1st settlers

Religion In the beginning – polytheistic. The gods protected home and life. Adopted Greek gods/goddesses and gave them Roman names. Worship at home (alters) with offerings of food. Government officials made offerings in temples. Early 300 A.D. – Constantine declared Christianity as the official religion of Rome. Churches built.

Achievements Etruscans – taught early Romans about weapons, bricks, city streets, and irrigation Legions – new battle strategy. Small groups of solders (6,000 men) divided into 60-120 men. Could move quickly where needed. Twelve Tablets – Rome’s 1st written code of laws. Supported idea that all free citizens had right to be treated equally Innocent until proven guilty Right to defend yourself before a judge

Anatomy Engineer System of roads Planet movements Arches & vaults Aqueducts Coliseum Concrete Roman language of Latin

Political Republic Government – 509 BC 3 Branches of Government Citizens elect their leaders (male landowners) 3 Branches of Government One branch made laws One branch rand the daily affairs of government businesses One branch were judges Checks & balances – prevent one branch from becoming too strong. Consuls (2) – Patricians – head of government. Served 1 year. Could veto the other decisions. Praetors – government officials, interpret laws (judges).

Senate – Rome’s legislature. 300 Patricians men who served for life. Tribunes – voiced plebeians'’ concerns to the government. Could veto government decision. During war times – leaders would become dictators and had complete control over Rome. After war, dictators gave up power and the republic government would take over.

Economic Rome’s climate was sunny and mild with plenty of fertile farmland. Agriculture was most important economic activity. Most of Rome’s population was farmers. Crops: Grapes, olive and grain. Located on a peninsula. Easy to travel to Africa, Asia and Europe Industrial goods included pottery, cloth and jewelry. Trade flourish. Created a standard system of money, weights, and measurement.

Society Male citizens – owned land and had to serve in the army Two classes of Rome citizens: Patricians – Rome’s ruling class, wealthy land owners Plebeians – majority of the people, not wealthy, little voice in government. Artisans, shopkeepers, and farmers. Both had rights to vote, serve in the army but could not marry each other. Plebeians – could not hold office. Slaves – conquered people. 100 BC – 40% of the people in Ancient Rome were slaves. Women – no rights.