Rome: From Republic to Empire

Around the 6 th Century BCE, most of what is now Italy was owned by the Etruscans and the Greeks. Therefore, these two cultures had a major influence on Rome.

Etruscan Influence on Rome: The Romans used arches to build bridges, stadiums, and aqueducts. They used the cuniculus (a long underground trench) to irrigate land, drain swamps, and carry water to their cities. The Romans enjoyed chariot racing and gladiators, both of which were Etruscan sporting events.

Greek Influence on Rome: The Romans used Greek columns and designs to add to the beauty of their buildings. The Romans used a modified Etruscan alphabet, which was a modification of the Greek alphabet. Like the Greeks, they carved important documents into walls and columns for all to see. Greek poetry and myths also inspired Roman writers

Greek Influence on Rome: Romans copied the Greek technique for making pottery. Wealthy Romans collected Greek art and had monuments built in a Greek style. Sculptors and painters used Greek art as the model for their work, but their figures were more realistic than the ideal figures the Greeks made. The Romans adopted Greek gods as their own but gave them Roman names.

The Growth of the Roman Empire took place over 500 years In 509 BCE, Romans over threw the Etruscans and became the Roman Republic. By 264 BCE, Rome controlled all of Italy

From BCE, Rome fought three major wars with Carthage—This time was known as the Punic Wars

BCE Rome took control of Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and Gaul (France).

43 BCE – 14 CE, Rome pushed its land to the natural boundaries such as rivers, to make it easier to defend.

27 BCE-180 CE- Pax Romana = Roman Peace 476 CE- Fall of the Roman Empire is based on the over throw of the last Emperor of Rome.

Geographic factors so far… Facts: Romans expanded to protect their borders. Roman leaders thought that they should continue to expand until they reached the rivers and the seas so they could be better protected. Facts: Romans also wanted to gain more land and increase the power of their empire. In those days, more land meant more power. So, to increase their land and protection, Romans went through many wars to conquer and inhabit their neighbors’ land.

Economic factors so far: Facts: Roman expansion and migration was economically beneficial to the Romans because they collected taxes from the lands that they had conquered. They also took soldiers from each land. Slaves were gained from the Punic Wars. Facts: The Punic Wars were extremely important to the Roman economy. Before the wars, the land of Carthage, owned the land in N. Africa, Spain, and part of Sicily. This meant that they controlled most of the trade in the western Mediterranean. In the 1 st Punic War, Romans gained Sicily and other islands. In the 2 nd, Rome got Spain. In the final war, Rome conquered all of Carthage’s remaining land.

Let’s add to our notes… Source of Information Book National Geographic Magazine Article The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire Author/Editor T.R. Reid Publishing Company National Geographic Society City/State Washington DC Date July 1997 Volume 192, No. 1 Page(s) 26

Geographic Factors Facts: The empire mostly began with the Romans defending their own territory. They fought border wars and as their power and army grew, the Romans continued to expand.

Economic Factors Facts: After 260 BCE, “expansion shifted into high gear.” It was driven by the Roman’s need for goods such as grain, slaves, metals, fabric, etc…