Daily Life and Expansion During the Roman Republic

Daily Life in the Republic The Forum The Forum-Main marketplace and business center, where the ancient Romans went to do their banking, trading, and shopping. It was also a place for public speaking. *Similar to the AGORA in ancient Greece.*

Patricians Patricians-Were the upper class, nobility and wealthy landowners Plebeians Plebeians-Were the lower class. This social class included everyone in ancient Rome, from well-to-do tradesman all the way down to the very poor. (Did NOT include patricians and slaves)

Roman Religion Roman Religion-Polytheistic religion (belief in more than one god). Roman religion was greatly influenced by the religion of ancient Greece. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses were also used in Roman religion.

Roman Baths Roman Baths-Like an ancient YMCA and Spa. Large buildings with beautiful art and marble. Baths looked like large swimming pools.The water was heated with furnaces.

Roman Roads Roman Roads-Roads were built to allow speedy movement of military. The roads expanded trade. The first stone road was built in 312B.C. called Appian Way. Over 50,000 miles of roads.

How did Rome start to create an empire?

A. Early Expansion When Rome became a Republic it was a small city surrounded by enemies 267 B.C.-Rome had conquered the Latins, Etruscans, and Greeks and controlled ALL of Italy

Roman Expansion by 264 B.C.

B.Roman Army Rome expanded quickly because of its strong army LEGIONSRoman army was divided into groups of soldiers called LEGIONS

C.Punic Wars Three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage. “Punic” is Latin for “Phoenician,” the people who founded Carthage in North Africa First Punic War (264 B.C.-241 B.C.)-First Punic War (264 B.C.-241 B.C.)- Both Carthage and Rome wanted to control Sicily. Rome crushed Carthage and won control of Sicily

Second Punic WarSecond Punic War (218 B.C.-201 B.C.)- General Hannibal led Carthage against Rome. Used 1000’s of soldiers, 100’s of horses and 37 elephants to fight. Hannibal’s troops started in Spain and moved over the Pyrenees mountains and the Alps into Italy. Hannibal’s forces were greatly weakened after crossing the Alps.

Hannibal won battles for almost 20 years, but could not take Rome.

In 202 B.C. the Roman army, lead by general Scipio, attacked Carthage while most of its army was away, preparing for battle with Rome. Carthage surrendered, losing the war. Third Punic War (149B.C.-146B.C.)Third Punic War (149B.C.-146B.C.)-Rome conquered Carthage. Carthage had to surrender all of its land along the Mediterranean Sea to Rome.

Province-Conquered territory that had to supply taxes to Rome