Rome
Geography Rome is a city located in central Italy. Italy is a peninsula located in Southern Europe jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. The Apennines Mountains splits Italy in two down the middle
Early Rome The Greeks settled in Southern Italy. A people known as the Etruscans lived in Northern Italy. The Etruscans took control of Rome in 650 B.C. and they turned it into a City. The Etruscans were a big influence on the Romans. Including things like the clothing styles, alphabet, and ways to set up the army.
Early Rome In 509 B.C. the Romans overthrew the Etruscans and established a Republic. Over the next 250 years Rome was constantly at war and expanding until they controlled all of the Italian Peninsula. They were smart about it. They either made the conquered people Roman citizens or made them allies, free to rule themselves as long as they sent soldiers when Rome needed them.
Social Structure Patricians – wealthy landowners Plebeians – Less wealthy landowners, small farmers, craftspeople, merchants Slaves – Rome used more slaves than other ancient empires.
Government Consuls – 2 Men elected every year – ran the government and led the Army in battle. Praetors – in charge of laws Roman Senate – A group of about 300 patricians who made laws Roman Law – Laws that were expanded as Rome grew. Included things like innocent until proven guilty and right to defend yourself before a judge. Roman Law is still used today in parts of the world.
Art Greeks were artistic and free thinking. Romans were practical. Aqueduct Arch Dome Roads Government
Punic Wars Series of wars between Rome and Carthage Carthage, in North Africa, controlled a large trading empire. It was originally a Phoenician settlement. Punicus is latin for phoenician. 1st Punic War – Rome kicked Carthage out of Sicily after it built a fleet and beat Carthage.
2nd Punic War Rome encourage one of Carthage Spanish Allies to revolt. Carthage best general, Hannibal, took the war to Italy. He marched a large army including elephants into Italy and stomped the Romans in a series of battles.
But the Romans just built more armies and attacked in Spain and invaded Carthage. Carthage recalled Hannibal Rome defeated Hannibal in Carthage and became masters of the Mediterranean. 3rd Punic War – Rome invaded and finished off Carthage and made it a province of Rome.