The Legacy of Rome Romans conquered Macedonia & Greece around 140 BCE Spread knowledge of ancient Greek philosophers Greek literature spread to the rest of Europe and helped start the RENAISSANCE.

Roman Republic 509 (BCE) Roman aristocrats overthrew king Belief in human reason, similar to Greeks Set up new gov. called republic Republic- form of gov. in which citizens have the right to vote & select leaders Patricians (landowners) v. Plebeians (farmers & merchants) Plebeians wanted more political involvement & power

12 Tables Plebeians went on strike for more say in the government Left the farms & army to go sit on the Palatine Hill (Forum) Patricians compromised w/ 12 tables Laws needed to suite Plebeians as well as Patricians Laws were publically displaced on 12 tables What is significant about this?

How the Republic Worked Roman’s republican government had separate branches Consuls Top government official Two chosen every year Headed army & ran the government Served short term….avoided risk of abusing power Veto- right of the consul to reject the other’s decision. Latin for “I forbid” Legislative branch-made of Senate 300 men chosen for life Advise Consuls Deal w/ other countries Proposes laws Deal with daily government problems Senate-Latin for Old men Dictator –in times of crisis (war)

. Dictator Consuls Senate Assembly How the Republic Works Division of Power . 1 person 2 men Consuls 300 members Senate Rest of population Assembly

Roman Law Law should: Important principles of Roman Law: Be based on reason & justice Protect citizens & their property Important principles of Roman Law: All citizens had the right to equal treatment under the law A person was considered innocent until proven guilty The burden of proof rested with the accuser NOT the accused Any law unreasonable or unfair law could be set aside

The Collapse of the Republic 27 BC – came under rule of emperor named  Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus  Republic ran like a dictatorship Julius Caesar assassinated in 44 B.C