The Roman Republic

Romulus and Remus According to myth, Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BCE.

The city of Rome began as a group of small villages located on seven hills on the Tiber River. The villages grew until they became a town and eventually this town grew into an Empire. Around 500 BCE, the Romans overthrew the Etruscan king and established a Republic. Citizens were allowed to vote and to choose the people who would run the government. To keep the Etruscans from regaining power, the Romans begin to attack the surrounding Etruscan cities or establish alliances with them.

The Roman Empire from 500 BCE to 117 BCE

Consuls Replaced kings Served one year Popular Assembly elected 2 Patricians Senate Plebeians Peoples’ Assembly Rich nobles Common People Controlled Government Proposed laws Comprised of 300 men Served for life Demanded laws be written and placed in public places Could veto laws

Daily Double!!! Who can tell me what language the word VETO comes from and what does it mean? Latin – “I forbid it!”

The Power of Rome Rome became the most powerful state; it gained all control of the Mediterranean World. Conquered cities became provinces of the Rome. As a Roman province, citizens were entitled Right to Vote Pay Taxes Be member of Roman Army Rome became extremely wealthy due to all the taxes being paid by citizens. The rich became richer and poor became poorer.

An End to the Republic Rome had become so large it depended on military rulers. In 46 BCE Julius Caesar came into power. Accomplishments of Julius Caesar Built new buildings Reduced taxes Protected the rights of plebeians Soldiers pledged loyalty to Caesar Patricians thought Julius Caesar had too much power and murdered him in 44 BCE.

Pax Romana Octavian, known as Augustus, became emperor in 27 BCE. This is the start of the Roman Empire. He established a 200 year period of peace known as the Pax Romana. He called himself Augustus which means “great.” Accomplishments of Augustus Maintained peace Restored order to army Established fair taxes Constructed new roads and buildings Encouraged art, science, and literature Established a standard currency Increased trade