The Roman Republic

Geography & Environment

The Italian Peninsula Italy is a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea POSITIVES: Rich soil & mild climate Attracted colonists

The Italian Peninsula NEGATIVES: Mosquito infested swamps resulted in epidemics of malaria & other diseases

The Italian Peninsula The Alps contributed to geographic isolation Rocky & marshy coastline lacked good harbors

The Early People of Italy

Early Peoples The Etruscans: Ruled in northern Italy from 900 BC to 500 BC Heavily influenced those that followed them, especially the ancient Romans

Early Peoples Influences: The usage of brick Construction of city streets Creation of the FORUM Religious beliefs

Early Peoples Latins: First settlers of Rome (1000 BC) Greeks: Settled in southern Italy on the island of Sicily

The Republic

Social Structure

Social Groups PATRICIANS: Wealthy, aristocratic citizens of Rome Declared Rome a republic when the Etruscans were driven from power

Social Groups PLEBEIANS: Nonaristocratic townspeople; landowners, merchants & laborers Majority of Roman population

Social Groups BOTH Patricians & Plebeians could: Be citizens Vote Pay taxes Join the army

Social Groups PRIMARY DIFFERENCE: Patricians COULD hold public office Plebeians COULD NOT hold public office

Political Structure

The Roman Republic Republic: A form of government in which power rests with the citizens Citizens have the right to select their leaders

The Roman Republic Who was allowed to vote? FREE-BORN MALE CITIZENS

The Roman Republic STRUCTURE OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC: Senate Consuls Dictator

The Roman Republic Senate: The “Legislative” Branch Group of officials who created laws

The Roman Republic Consuls: The “Executive” Branch Two senators elected to rule the government for one year at a time

The Roman Republic Dictator: In the event of a war, the Roman people chose a dictator who ruled for 6 months at a time Possessed complete control

Conflict

Plebeians vs. Patricians 499 BC Plebeians refused to fight in the Roman army unless they were given more POLITICAL POWER Patricians agreed to grant more power to the Plebeian class by establishing the TRIBUNE

Plebeians vs. Patricians Tribunes: Chosen representatives of the plebeian class Could veto government decisions Plebeians could now hold public office

Plebeians vs. Patricians 12 Tables: Written law codes Important victory for the Plebeians Carved on 12 tablets, hung in Forum Established the idea that all free citizens had a right to protection of the law