Ancient Romans Early People of Italy

Rome Among the Italic-language speakers were the Latins. They migrated from across the Alps from central Europe in about 1000 B.C. Legends tell that in 753 B.C. the Latin people founded a village that became the city of ________. Rome

The Italian Peninsula Tiber River The city of Rome was built in an area on a group of seven hills with fertile soil and a good location for trade. The _______________, near the center of the Italian Peninsula, provided a route to the Mediterranean Sea and to other civilizations. Tiber River

People From The North Etruscans Greeks Across the Tiber River, northeast of Rome lived a people called the _____________. In time, the Etruscans became the dominant culture on the Italian Peninsula. They traded with the __________ and adopted their alphabet as well as other features. Etruscans Greeks

The Etruscans Their city-states had the same system of government and shared a common purpose.

Etruscan Control confederation army The governments formed a _________________, which is a group of governments joined together for a common purpose. They built a strong ________ which enabled them to control neighboring peoples, including Rome. confederation army

In ancient times, swastikas were a symbol of good luck Etruscan Control Etruscan kings ruled Rome for over 100 years. In ancient times, swastikas were a symbol of good luck

A New Form of Government In 509 B.C. the Romans rebelled against the Etruscans and formed a _______________. Republic

Elected Leaders consuls veto They elected leaders called __________ to represent them in an assembly, to make laws, to run the army, and to run the government. They shared power, but either could _______, or reject, the actions of the other. consuls veto

In an Emergency dictator In an emergency, one ruler could be given complete power for six months. Everyone had to follow the orders of the _________________. dictator

The Senate Senate patricians The ____________ was Rome’s most powerful governing body. Members of the Senate served for life. Its first members were ________________, or wealthy descendants of Rome’s first settlers. patricians

The Common People plebeians The patricians controlled the government while the ____________, or common people had little say. Angry about their lack of representation, in 471 B.C. they called for their own assembly and stopped working and marched out of Rome. plebeians

The Plebeian Assembly tribunes Without workers to farm, make and sell goods, and protect the city and its inhabitants, the people of Rome faced eventual starvation and danger from enemy attacks. They set up an assembly and elected leaders called ____________. tribunes

Tribal Assembly Tribal assembly The ____________________ represented all Roman citizens.

Roman Society wealth history A Roman’s position in society was based on family _________ and __________. wealth history

The Upper Class The upper class (PATRICIANS) included important government officials. SPQR - an initialism from a Latin phrase, Senatus Populusque Romanus ("The Senate and the People of Rome" or "The Senate and Roman People"), referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic, and used as an official signature of the government

The Lower-Class The Roman lower class (PLEBEIANS) was made up of all other citizens. They included craft workers, farmers, foot soldiers, and merchants. They lived in apartment-like homes.

The Bottom Class SLAVES were at the bottom of Roman society. They were not citizens and had little protection under the laws.

Head of Household In all Roman social classes, men were the heads of households. However, women did help in decision making in their own homes. Women did take an active role in society, but were not allowed to participate in government.

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