Section 2 The Roman Republic

Section Overview This section describes the Roman Republic’s political development and the defeat of Carthage. Rome’s republic was shaped by a struggle between wealthy landowners and regular citizens as it gradually expanded the right to vote Rome slowly destroyed the Carthaginian Empire and took control of the entire Mediterranean region.

Reading Strategy Officials Legislative Bodies Consuls Praetors Tribunes Senate Assembly of Centuries Council of Plebes

Rome’s Government P. 150, TTK Patricians and plebeians were the two classes of people in Rome. The patricians were wealthy landowners The plebeians were the merchants, farmers, and artisans of Rome. They were allowed to vote, but only Patricians were allowed in the senate P. 150, TTK

Rome’s Government Top government officials were called consuls* Another important group of officials were the praetors - Their main job was to interpret the law and act as judges in court cases. The Senate was the most important lawmaking body - A select group of 300 patrician men who served for life. Over time, their power grew. By the 200s B.C., it could propose law, hold debates on important issues, and approve building programs** PAGE 150, TTK Two consuls were chosen – both patrician – were chosen every year. They headed the army and ran the government. Because they served such short terms, there was little risk they would abuse their power. The consuls kept each other in order because they had the power to veto, which means “I forbid” in Latin. If enough tribunes vetoed, they could prohibit a law from passing. **Is this similar to our government practice today? If so, how? If not, why not? ***Today, we still need majority rule to pass a law. America’s founding fathers studied different governments from around the world and were very interested in what they read about Rome’s Republic. In a republic, the power is held by the people, who elect representatives to serve them. Our founding fathers felt this type of government would best serve our nation because it was fair and would be good for everyone, not just a few people. **The Senate in Rome served for life. Our Senate serves for 3-6 years, depending on how many times they have served previously. Those who reside in our House of Representatives serve two year terms.

Rome’s Government Cont… Another important legislative body was the Assembly of Centuries* Plebeians challenged the class system by going on strike* This group was a body of patricians within the legislative branch known as the Assembly of Centuries (named for a military formation of 100 men "centum") and these were elected into office. They could declare war. Here are some pictures of more modern day strikes that illustrate that strikes can be peaceful or violent. They can be work related or related to civil rights violations. What was the purpose of the Plebeians strike? Why do you think they were upset about the class system?___

Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians **The Romans then allowed the plebeians to set up their own legislative group called the Council of the Plebes - Gained power to pass laws for all Romans in 287 B.C. Now, all male citizens had equal political standing, at least in theory* Office of Dictator existed in the Roman Republic Today, dictator***, is defined as an oppressive ruler. PAGE 150, TTK *If you had to fight in an army alongside fellow citizens and pay the same taxes, but didn’t have the same rights, wouldn’t you be upset? That’s exactly how the Plebeians felt, so they refused to serve in the army and left the city to make a republic of their own. This frightened the patricians into agreeing to share power. (Back to PP) **However, a few wealthy families still held the majority of the power, and women remained without a voice in government. It was more representative, but far from a full-fledged democracy. ***the dictator (Latin for "one who dictates (orders)") — officially known as the Magister Populi ("Master of the People"), the Praetor Maximus ("The supreme Praetor"), and the Magister Peditum ("Master of the Infantry")

Who was Cincinnatus? Roman dictators ruled on a temporary basis during emergencies Cincinnatus, the best-known early Roman dictator, led an army of men to defeat a powerful enemy* *According to tradition, upon arriving in Rome, newly appointed dictator Cincinnatus ordered all men of military age to muster, bringing with them supplies for five days. He and his quickly assembled army came upon the enemy camp at night. Cincinnatus’s soldiers spread out, each plunging one or two stakes into the earth (an old Roman war trick). When the enemy awoke the next morning, they found themselves fenced in and surrounded by Romans. They were forced to surrender, and Rome was saved.

Cincinnatus He was a farmer and devoted citizen of Rome He returned to his farm about 16 days after becoming dictator This picture shows him handing the rods of power back to city fathers* Many future leaders admired Cincinnatus in his own time and later ages. George Washington was one such leader. He also was a farmer when he was asked to head an army in the American War for Independence. After leading the Americans to victory, he returned to his plantation home. It was only after much pleading and persuasion, did he become the First President of the United States. Why do you think Cincinnatus is so honored for his behavior as dictator? It could be tempting for someone to be a dictator and in charge of everyone and not give up the position when the crisis is over. **What city does Cincinnatus’ name remind you of? Yes, Cincinnati is right, and that is where this picture was taken. Can anyone guess what park this statue is located? Ft. Washington!

Rome’s Government The Twelve Tables were Rome’s first code of laws - Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to be treated equally by the legal system They were the basis of all future Roman laws The Law of Nations was developed to address issues of conquered peoples* The Romans realized this was necessary b/c the Twelve Tables only applied to Roman citizens.

Rome Expands Carthage, a state on the coast of North Africa, was a powerful enemy of Rome. The First Punic War began as a dispute between Rome and Carthage over the island of Sicily The war continued for 20 years before Rome won The Second Punic War began after Carthage expanded into Spain Page 151, PTL The war started when the Romans sent an army to Sicily to prevent a Carthaginian takeover. The Carthaginians were determined to stop the invasion. This First Punic War was a determining factor in Rome developing their navy because they realized they could not defeat the Carthaginians without it. The Carthaginians were a strong sea power; however, Rome crushed them in 241 B.C., after 20 years of fighting. Carthage was forced to leave Sicily and pay a huge fine to the Romans. The island then came under Roman rule.

Hannibal’s Route of Invasion Rome, at the start of the first Punic War, only encompassed all of Italy. Carthage’s empire consisted of the southern portion of Spain and the northern portion of Africa. Hannibal came from the New Carthage in Spain down through Italy, around Sicily to Carthage.

The Second Punic War Rome helped the people of Spain rebel* Hannibal was a great Carthaginian general who fought in the Second Punic War (p. 152, PTM) At the Battle of Cannae, in 216 B.C., Hannibal’s forces overpowered the Romans (p. 151, PTL) The Roman general Scipio led his forces to defeat the Carthaginians at the Battle of Zama** (p. 151, PTL and p. 152, PTM) Picture of Hannibal crossing the Alps on war elephants. *Roman leaders were not happy about Carthage gaining land near Rome’s northern border, which is why they helped the people of Spain rebel. Carthaginians were angry and sent their best general, Hannibal to attack Rome in 218 B.C. This started the Second Punic War. However, before reaching Rome, Hannibal’s forces suffered severe losses crossing the Alps. The cold, hunger, and attacks by mountain tribes killed almost half the soldiers and most of the elephants. **Carthage gave up Spain to Rome. It also had to give up its navy and pay a large fine. Rome now ruled the western Mediterranean.

Rome Expands Rome destroyed Carthage in the Third Punic War Rome also took all of Greece and Macedonia and parts of Africa during the Punic Wars.

SUM IT UP How did Rome punish Carthage at the end of the Third Punic War? They burned Carthage, took 50,000 slaves, and spread salt on the earth so no more crops could grow. P. 152, SIU

SECTION WRAP UP How did Rome’s government change? The republic included consuls, praetors, the Senate, and the Assembly of Centuries. The government changed to give representation to plebeians. They set up the Council of Plebs elected tribunes and won the right to veto. They also gained the power to pass laws for all Romans. P. 153, SWU

What Did You Learn in Section 2? Who were the top government officials in the Roman Republic, and what were their duties? Consuls were the top government officials, praetors, tribunes. Consuls headed armies and ran the state. Praetors served as judges, and tribunes represented the plebeians

Section 2 Review Cont… Why did Rome create a navy? Carthage was a great sea power. To beat the Carthaginians, the Romans had to build a great naval fleet.

Section 2 Review What does mare nostrum mean, and why did the Romans use the term? It means “our sea.” The Romans controlled the Mediterranean Sea.

Section 2 Review Where was Carthage located, and why did it compete with Rome? Carthage was located on the coast of North Africa and was a trading rival of Rome.

Section 2 Review Summarize What other conquests did Rome carry out during the period of the Punic Wars Rome conquered Macedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor.

Section 2 Review Evaluate Why do you think the legacy of Roman law is considered so important? Roman law led to the principles that law protects citizens’ rights, that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and that a judge must look at evidence carefully before making a decision.