The Roman Republic What legacies were left to Western Society by the Romans?

Patricians form a republic, in which “citizens” can vote for representatives in the Senate (only Patricians) The Senate would propose and vote on laws Most citizens are Plebeians (farmers & merchants) All citizens would have the right to equal protection under the law 509BC: a group of rich nobles (Patricians) overthrow Rome’s king The Plebeians want more say in the government Plebeians force the writing down of Roman laws (12 tables) Except slaves who had no citizenship rights PatriciansPlebeians

Next, Plebeians are allowed to serve in the government Senate = Patricians Two Assemblies = Plebeians However, Senate had more power Legal Legacies of Rome 1) All citizens are equal under the law 2) People are innocent until proven guilty 3) The accuser must prove their case, not the accused 4) Unreasonable or unfair laws would be set aside Romans believed in a government of laws and not of men 1000 years later Emperor Justinian ordered the writing down of all laws The Justinian Code contained 5,000 Roman Laws The code was used in all legal matters - similar to the legal code be use today

Other Roman Legacies 1. Romans = Republic = Representative Government (3 R’s) 2. Stadiums

3. Downtowns 4. Aqueducts 5. Language 6. Religion 7. Calendar 8. Architecture