The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome

The Land: Its Geography and Importance Italy is a peninsula, dipping into the Mediterranean Sea and bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea. Italy is a peninsula, dipping into the Mediterranean Sea and bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea. Italy is also protected to the North by the Alps. However, passageways through the Alps allowed various groups to frequently invade. Italy is also protected to the North by the Alps. However, passageways through the Alps allowed various groups to frequently invade.

Rome is Founded In the mid-700s B.C. a group of people called the Latins moved into west-central Italy. Some built villages along the Tiber River. In time these villages united to form Rome. In the mid-700s B.C. a group of people called the Latins moved into west-central Italy. Some built villages along the Tiber River. In time these villages united to form Rome. In the 600s B.C., Rome came under the rule of the Etruscans from Northern Italy. The Etruscans were city dwellers with a written language. In the 600s B.C., Rome came under the rule of the Etruscans from Northern Italy. The Etruscans were city dwellers with a written language.

Rome is Founded Etruscan culture heavily influenced Rome and under their rule Rome grew large and prosperous. Etruscan culture heavily influenced Rome and under their rule Rome grew large and prosperous. Greeks also settled in ancient Italy. There were several city-states in Southern Italy and on the island of Sicily. Greek culture also influenced Roman culture. For instance, they shared the same gods, but many had different names. Greeks also settled in ancient Italy. There were several city-states in Southern Italy and on the island of Sicily. Greek culture also influenced Roman culture. For instance, they shared the same gods, but many had different names.

The Roman Republic In 509 B.C. Rome set up a republic. In the republic the real power was held by the senate, because they could make laws. In 509 B.C. Rome set up a republic. In the republic the real power was held by the senate, because they could make laws. After freeing themselves from the republic, the Romans built a strong army. After freeing themselves from the republic, the Romans built a strong army.

Roman Society In Roman society, only adult males were allowed to vote. In Roman society, only adult males were allowed to vote. Patricians were rich landowners who ran Rome. Only patricians were allowed to sit on the Senate. Patricians were rich landowners who ran Rome. Only patricians were allowed to sit on the Senate. The common people were known as the Plebeians. The common people were known as the Plebeians.

Daily Life in Rome The Romans celebrated about 100 holidays a year. The Romans celebrated about 100 holidays a year. On these days Romans would go see chariot races or gladiator fights. On these days Romans would go see chariot races or gladiator fights. The gladiator fights were to the death. The gladiator fights were to the death.

Problems of Rome By 133 B.C., Roman armies had taken over a large part of the Mediterranean world. By 133 B.C., Roman armies had taken over a large part of the Mediterranean world. The army was so large and the taxes to pay for it so high that eventually the plebeians began to get angry. The army was so large and the taxes to pay for it so high that eventually the plebeians began to get angry.

The Republic Ends-The Empire Begins In the years following 100 B.C., Roman generals and politicians fought for power. In the years following 100 B.C., Roman generals and politicians fought for power. Eventually Julius Caesar won the fight and he was made ruler for life. Eventually Julius Caesar won the fight and he was made ruler for life. In 44 B.C., Caesar was assassinated and a civil war began. Eventually a young patrician named Octavian took control. In 44 B.C., Caesar was assassinated and a civil war began. Eventually a young patrician named Octavian took control.

The Republic Ends-The Empire Begins (cont.) Octavian was given the name Augustus and put in charge of the Roman army. IN 27 B.C. he became the first emperor of Rome. Octavian was given the name Augustus and put in charge of the Roman army. IN 27 B.C. he became the first emperor of Rome.

A New Religion During this time, a Jew living in Roman Palestine, began a new religion that became known as Christianity. During this time, a Jew living in Roman Palestine, began a new religion that became known as Christianity. Early Christians were persecuted for their faith. Early Christians were persecuted for their faith. By 395 A.D., Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire. By 395 A.D., Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The Pax Romana During Augustus’ reign, governments in faraway Roman territories became more honest. This helped create 200 years of peace in the Roman Empire. This period is known as the Pax Romana. During Augustus’ reign, governments in faraway Roman territories became more honest. This helped create 200 years of peace in the Roman Empire. This period is known as the Pax Romana.

Emperors After Augustus There were many Emperors after Augustus, some ruled well others ruled poorly. There were many Emperors after Augustus, some ruled well others ruled poorly. After 180 A.D., the army started to weaken and non-Romans were allowed to be soldiers. After 180 A.D., the army started to weaken and non-Romans were allowed to be soldiers.

The Empire is Divided In A.D. 395, the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The western half was ruled by Rome, while the Eastern half was ruled from Constantinople. In A.D. 395, the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The western half was ruled by Rome, while the Eastern half was ruled from Constantinople.

The Fall of Rome Around A.D. 360, the Huns a fierce central Asian tribe invaded Europe. The Huns severely weakened the Roman Empire. Around A.D. 360, the Huns a fierce central Asian tribe invaded Europe. The Huns severely weakened the Roman Empire. Finally in A.D. 476 a German tribe invaded and took control of Rome. Finally in A.D. 476 a German tribe invaded and took control of Rome.

The Contributions of Rome The Roman Empire held many conquered territories, however they did not try to force their ideas and values upon these peoples. The seat of government was Rome but they allowed the territories to govern themselves. The Roman Empire held many conquered territories, however they did not try to force their ideas and values upon these peoples. The seat of government was Rome but they allowed the territories to govern themselves.

The Contributions of Rome (cont.) Romans wrote down laws and the same law code was applied throughout the Empire. Romans wrote down laws and the same law code was applied throughout the Empire.