The Roman Republic Chapter 6, Section 1

The Origins of Rome Rome’s Geography Rome’s Geography Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Built on seven hills along Tiber River Built on seven hills along Tiber River

The Early Republic Early Rulers Early Rulers Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders. Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.

The Early Republic Patricians and Plebeians Patricians and Plebeians Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule Tribunes—elected representatives who protect Plebeians’ rights Tribunes—elected representatives who protect Plebeians’ rights

The Early Republic Twelve Tables Twelve Tables In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets. In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets. Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law. Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law. Laws confirm the right of all free citizens to the protection of the law. Laws confirm the right of all free citizens to the protection of the law. Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum

The Early Republic Government Under the Republic Government Under the Republic Rome elects two consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. Rome elects two consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people. Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people. Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis. Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis.

The Early Republic The Roman Army The Roman Army Roman legion—military unit of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry. Roman legion—military unit of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry. Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness. Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness.

Rome Spreads Its Power Rome’s Commercial Network Rome’s Commercial Network Rome establishes a large trading network. Rome establishes a large trading network. Access to the Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes. Access to the Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes. Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome. Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome.

Rome Spreads Its Power War with Carthage War with Carthage Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three wars between 264 through 146 B.C. Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three wars between 264 through 146 B.C. Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war. Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War. He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome. He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome. Rome Triumphs Rome Triumphs Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 B.C. Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 B.C. Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people in the Third Punic War from B.C. Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people in the Third Punic War from B.C.

Hannibal crossing the Alps in the Second Punic War