The Rise of ROME

Greek Presence on the Italian Peninsula Between the Greek Dark ages and the Persian Wars (800-550 BCE) Greeks colonized the Northeast Portion of the peninsula Followed the Greek City-State model

Rome vs. Greece 323 BCE – Disintegration of Alexander’s Empire 307 BCE – Founding and Rise of Successor States 215 BCE – Macedonian Wars 148 BCE – Rome conquers Greek peninsula 133 BCE – Roman Incursion into Hellenistic States 31 BCE – Rome Defeats Cleopatra

The Italian Peninsula Boot shaped, juts out into the Mediterranean Easy access to Africa, Spain, France, Middle East Largely mountainous, Apennines Mountains, Alps Three fertile areas: Po River (Northern Plain) Latium Plain, Campania region

The Birth of Rome Legend: Romulus and Remus Early settlement of the region by Europeans and Eastern peoples circa 1200 BCE Rome established in the Latium region (Tiber river) circa 800 BCE by the “Latins” http://www.historyonthenet.com/Lessons/Legendofrome/story.htm The Legend of the Establishment of ROme The twin brothers Romulus and Remus were the sons of the God Mars. When they were very young they were abandoned by the banks of the River Tiber and left to fend for themselves. Luckily for them they were found by a she-wolf who took pity on them fed them with her milk.  Later a shepherd found the boys and took them home to look after them. He ended up raising the boys as his own children. The boys grew up to be very strong and clever and they decided to build a town on the spot where the Shepherd had found them.  Shortly after building the town the twins had a big argument about who should be in charge. Romulus overpowered his brother Remus who died in the fight. Romulus then became the first king of this town which he named Rome, after himself.  

The Estruscans By 800 BCE the Estruscans occupied the region north of Rome A well developed society with mandatory military service, fine arts, and gladiators Around 600 BCE the Estruscans successfully took over Rome “Tarquin the Proud” removed in 509 BCE Etruscan Tombs

Establishing the Roman Republic A “Republic” formed in 509 BCE in which elected officials ran the government Lasted almost 500 years Successfully defended against the Gauls, Etruscans, Greeks by organizing troops into Legions By 265 BCE Rome controlled all of Italy Obelix and Asterix: Gauls circa 50 BCE

The Punic Wars - “N” not “B” Rivalry over land (Carthage area and Sicily) incited war between the Carthaginians and Romans First Punic War 263-241: Rome invaded Sicily, Rome won against Hamilcar Barca Second Punic War 218-202 BCE: Hannibal invaded Rome from the North, Carthaginians eventually lost Third Punic War 149-146 BCE: Carthage built up their army, Rome quickly won Hannibal

The Rise of the Roman Empire

The Successor States Zenith of Hellenistic Culture Antigonous – Macedonia Selucus – old Persian Empire Ptolemy – Egypt Culturally united although never at peace Egyptian resurgence as a unified and independent state Alexandria = greatest urban center

Macedonian Wars Macedonia joined Carthage (Phoenician state in North Africa) in it’s struggles against Rome 146 – Rome brings all of Greek Peninsula under their control

Roman Incursions 133 BCE - Pergamum willed to Rome with death of ruler Selucid kingdom conquered in 65 BCE 31 BCE – Cleopatra’s forces defeated by Octavian and Roman Navy