Key Terms – Roman Empire Latins Romulus and Remus Gentes Etruscans Republic Patricians Plebeians Consuls Magistrates Quaestors Praetors Dictator Senate Tribunes Veto

The Latins Latins were an Indo- European group that inhabited the Italian peninsula ca B.C. Established farming villages on the seven hills that would become Rome Were a farming group that made use of the Tiber River for transportation and feeding crops.

Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus → mythical founders of Rome according to legend. Were abandoned as babies and raised by a she-wolf. Would build a great city upon the seven hills. Would quarrel with each other leading to the death of Remus and Romulus establishing his city known as Rome.

Early Roman Society Romans initially were herders and farmers. Was a paternal society where the man ran the household. Gentes → early families that held control over Rome initially

Etruscans Etruscans → second group to enter Latium and established the first monarchies. Were known for establishing a stable system of government Helped bring Greek ideals into Rome including their alphabet and religion Were ousted by the Romans after an incident involving an Etruscan prince.

The Roman Republic Romans would set up their own system of government involving elected officials governing Rome. Would have something similar to a democracy with limitation to who could vote.

Roman Republic Components Two classes were constructed revolving around the older families and other citizens Patricians → upper class, composed of the founding families and wealthy landowners Plebeians → lower class, composed of the working class farmers, soldiers, and merchants, made up 90% of the population Plebeians demanded more rights as soldiers and earned full citizenship which allowed them to pass laws

Government Officials Roman governmental powers were broken up among a number of different bodies and people. Highest officials were consuls → elected officials that enforced the laws, administered the city and commanded the army, could veto each other. Magistrates → assisted the consuls, were elected by the Assembly of Centuries Quaestors → handled the census and taxation Praetors → judges, handled legislative duties Dictators → officials that could gain complete control of Rome during times of crisis for a 6 month period. Tribunes → 10 elected officials who could veto the decisions of the consuls and Senate