The Roman Republic 8.2

I. Rome’s Government What were the two classes of people called in Rome? Top government officials = consuls Another important group, praetors = interpret law; judges Senate = most important lawmakers How many were there? Assembly of Centuries = another law making body; also elected officials such as consuls; praetors

Plebeians challenged the class system by going on strike, because the patricians controlled the system. Council of the Plebes was then set up

Rome’s dictator A person who temporarily served the people and ruled temporarily during emergencies Cincinnatus The Twelve Tables were Rome’s first code of laws. They were the basis of all future Roman laws. The Law of Nations were created to address issues of conquered peoples. The rule of law is the idea that laws should apply to everyone equally.

II. Punic Wars (Rome v. Carthage) What does Punicus mean? “Phoenician” 1st Punic War (264 – 241 BC) Cause: dispute between Rome and Carthage over Sicily. How was it fought? Rome developed a navy to attack Carthage’s established navy. Rome used ships with a corvus (“the crow”) to bridge and board enemy ships.

What was the outcome? Sicily came under Roman rule Carthage was forced to remove colonies from Sicily Carthage was forced to pay Rome a huge fine

II Punic War (218-202 B.C.) Cause: How was it fought? Carthage had colonized in Spain and Rome helped those colonies to rebel against Carthage. Hannibal was raised to get revenge on Rome. How was it fought? Carthage had a better army but Rome controlled the seas. Thus the only way to attack Italy was to pass through the Alps. 46,000 men, horses and elephants march through Spain and entered Italy from the North. Not powerful enough to attack Rome, so they attach the various places throughout Italy.

How it was fought? Outcome: Instead of fighting Hannibal in Italy General Scipio attacked Carthage. Hannibal had to leave Italy to protect the homeland. Outcome: At the Battle of Zama Carthage was defeated. Carthage lost Spain, its navy, and had to pay a huge fine.

III Punic War (151-146 B.C.) Cause: Outcome: Carthage quickly recovered from the II Punic War. The economic success of Carthage worried Rome. Rome manufactured a reason to go to war with Carthage Outcome: Carthage was destroyed During the Punic Wars – Rome also took all of Greece and Macedonia and parts of Africa