Rome

Foundations of Rome Historical Version: Remus ● Legend of Romulus and Remus - Rome founded by Romulus 753 B.C.E. Historical Version: Latin people settled on the Palentine Hill in Rome Etruscans conquered the Latins; ruled harshly Rome was ruled as a monarchy for over 200 years Romans overthrew the Etruscan kings and established a Republic in 509 BCE

Italy in 750 BCE

Establishment of the Republic 509 BCE- Romans overthrow last Etruscan king Roman forum built Republican constitution, two branches Executive: two consuls Senate

The Roman Republic Early Rome was dominated by two social classes Patricians - new wealthy aristocratic class, Latin nobles. Plebeians - wealthy non-aristocratic townspeople and landowners as well as merchants and farmers. (common people) Constitution allowed for dictators to be appointed in times of crisis

Expansion of the Republic Dominated Etruscans Took over iron industry fifth-fourth century BCE Expansion via military threat and incentives Tax exemptions Trade privileges Citizenship

The Punic Wars Conflict with Carthage, 264-146 B.C.E. Three major wars over Sicilian grain supply Later conflict with declining Hellenistic empires Rome dominates Mediterranean by middle of second century B.C.E.

Civil War Class conflict leads to violence Julius Caesar Rises in popularity Public spectacles, Military victories Attacks Rome 49 B.C.E. Names self dictator for life in 46 B.C.E.

Caesar’s Policies Centralized military, governance under personal control Redistribution of land to veterans, allies Building projects reduce unemployment Extended citizenship to provinces Aristocrats threatened, assassinate Caesar in 44 B.C.E.

Augustus Civil conflict follows death of Caesar Octavian defeats Mark Antony and Cleopatra Takes title of Augustus, 27 BCE (r. 27 BCE – 14 CE) Monarchy disguised as a republic Increasing centralization of political, military power Stabilized empire

Expansion/Integration of Empire Roman occupation of remote areas Gaul, Germany, Britain, Spain Coordination of crop production, transport of natural resources Developed infrastructure Roadwork Curbs Drainage/sewage Flat paving stones Milestones Postal service

The Roman Empire, ~117 C.E.

Roman Infrastructure 60,000 miles of roads Population of 100 million Uniform currency Fresh water (aqueducts) Development of concrete

Roman Attractions

Dependence on Slavery As many as 1/3 of population Worked on farms, quarries, mines Rome becomes stagnant Too dependent on slavery No innovation

Roman Society Patriarchal - Families ruled by eldest male (paterfamilias) Law gave authority to arrange marriages, sell into slavery Women supervised domestic affairs Right to inherit property, divorce Eventually lost these rights over time

Roman Religion Polytheistic Gods intervened in daily lives Adopted from Greeks Gods intervened in daily lives Rome tolerated cultural practices If they didn’t rebel Paid their taxes Revered emperors and gods

Christianity Judaism eliminated by Romans Christianity begins to spread Missionary work (Paul of Tarsus) Roman persecution – Christians refused to worship emperor as a god Dramatic expansion of Christianity Especially with dispossessed, disenfranchised classes Urban poor Women Christianity becomes official religion of Roman Empire under Theodosius (~300 CE)

Decline of Roman Empire Decline begins around 200 CE Rise of Christianity Long borders Over-dependence on slavery Technological stagnation High taxes Weak/corrupt rulers Disease Nomadic invasions Roman Empire collapses in 476 CE