Ancient Rome

In the Beginning… Ancient Rome begin as a group of villages along the Tiber River in what is now Italy. Around 750 B.C. these villages united to form the city of Rome.

The Origins of Rome Founded in 753 BCE by Romulus & Remus Twins sons of the god of Mars & a Latin princess; raised by a she-wolf In reality, men built in certain spots Strategic location & fertile soil Built on seven rolling hills on the Tiber River

The First Romans Arrived c. 1000 – 500 BCE 3 groups inhabited the region and battled for control Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans = 1st Romans Latins were seemed to build 1st On top one of seven hills, Palatine Hill Greeks, c. 750 – 600 BCE est. colonies along southern Italy & Sicily Etruscans Northern Italy, strongly influenced Rome

The Early Republic C. 600 BCE, Etruscan became king of Rome During different Etruscan King’s rule, Rome grew from villages to a city nearly 500 sq. miles Various kings constructed many of Rome’s first temples Ex: Forum, the heart of Roman political life Tarquin the Proud very harsh tyrant Driven from power in 509 BCE.

The Early Republic Romans declared that they would never be ruled by a king All 3 ethic groups began to think of themselves as Romans In 509 BCE, a Republic was formed Res publica, meaning “public affairs” Republic form of gov’t in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders Only free-born male citizens could vote 2 main groups Patricians & Plebeians

Patricians & Plebeians Most powerful Wealthy landowners Aristocracy Believed they inherited power from ancestors -Patricians controlled the law since they were the only citizens allowed to be judges. Plebeians All others Common farmers, merchants, artisans Had little rights Could not hold office Could not marry patricians had the right to vote, but could not hold public office until 287 B.C, when they gained equality with patricians.

Plebeians Gain Rights Plebeians gain rights Form own assembly Tribunes  protected rights from unfair acts of patrician officials Twelve Tables, 451 BCE Written Law Code placed in Forum Established laws for every man Allowed Plebeians to marry patricians and to hold office Plebeians Gain Rights

Rome’s Republic Government Balanced government Monarchy, aristocracy, democracy 3 branches 1. Consuls 2. Senate 3. Dictator

Was based on the rule of law and had a cleverly balanced constitution that was not a written document Historian Polybius wrote, “it is this balance which gave ancient Rome its greatest strength.” Rome was not ruled by any single man. Philosophy of the Republic, which was about “having a balance of power”.