Rome Chapter 10/11

The Origins of Rome Rome’s Geography The First Romans Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Built on seven hills along Tiber River The First Romans Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans compete for control of the region.

The Early Republic Early Rulers Around 600 B.C. Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome. Kings build Rome’s first temples and public centers Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan kings in 509 B.C. Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.

The Early Republic Patricians and Plebeians Different groups struggle for power in early Roman Republic Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule

The Early Republic Government Under the Republic Rome elects two Consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. Democratic Assemblies elect Tribunes and make laws for common people. Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis.

The Early Republic Twelve Tables In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets. Laws confirm the right of all free citizens to the protection of the law. Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum

The Early Republic The Roman Army Roman Legion—military unit of 6,000 infantry, supported by cavalry. Legions were broken up into Centuries (100 Soldiers) Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness. When the Army wasn't fighting it built stuff (Roads, buildings, etc. )

Rome Spreads Its Power Rome Conquers Italy The Romans defeat the Etruscans in the north and the Greek city-states in the south. By 265 B.C., Rome controls the entire Italian peninsula. Rome treats the conquered peoples justly. This enables Rome to grow.

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

Rome Spreads Its Power War with Carthage 1st Punic War: Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war. 2nd Punic War: Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War. He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome. Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 B.C. 3rd Punic War: Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.

Hannibal crossing the Alps in the Second Punic War

From Republic to Empire Division between Patricians and Plebeians continues to grow. Small farm owners begin selling their land Latifundias (large farms) appear around Rome. Slave Labor is rampant

From Republic to Empire Time for Change Gracchus brothers assassinated for attempts at reform Marius pays soldiers and promises land Uses those that are out of work Loyal to Marius, not Rome Sulla does the same but resigns hoping to heal the republic 50 years of civil war follows

Julius Caesar (Early Life) From a common family Becomes a powerful general Conquers most of Gaul (modern day France) Becomes a great public speaker Does many things to help the poor

Forms first Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus Crassus dies and Rome tries to put Pompey in power Caesar crosses the Rubicon and declares Civil war Defeats Pompey and declares himself “Dictator for Life” Stabbed to death on the “Ides of March” Caesar Video: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-great-conspiracy-against-julius-caesar-kathryn-tempest

Rome becomes an Empire Octavian, Caesar’s grand nephew and adopted son rises to power Becomes the first Emperor and ushers in 200 years of peace. This period is called “Pax Romana” or Roman Peace Rome reaches it’s peak around 114 AD and controls the entire Mediterranean area.