Rome Becomes a Super-Power

Essential Question: What were the keys to Rome’s success?

Expanding local power… Once Rome became a republic in 509BC, the city fought wars to unite Italy until 264BC. Head “Latin League” to fight against Etruscan rule. –Eventually conquer all of Italy.

Expanding the Republic… There was much conflict between the Patricians and the Plebeians during this time… Patricians vs. Plebeians –Plebeians wanted political and social equality. 471BC – Council and Tribunes of the Plebs created 300’sBC – Plebeians gain full citizenship, equal rights. – Marriage between classes allowed. 287BC – Council of the Plebs is given the right to pass laws. –One consul must also now be Plebeian!

Expanding regional power… In 264BC, Carthage was the largest and richest state in the Mediterranean. – Had an enormous trading empire. Rome feared how close the Carthaginian colony of Sicily was.

Punic Wars First Punic War (264BC) –Rome takes Sicily. Second Punic War (219BC) –Carthaginian general Hannibal invades Italy through Spain. Brings 46,000 men, horses, and 37 elephants. –Hannibal defeats Roman army and takes much of Italy. Cannot take Rome. Wanders around Italy for 4 years. –Rome raises another army and invades Carthage. Hannibal must retreat – he is defeated in 202BC. “Scipio Africanus” crushed Carthaginian forces, put in charge of province. –Name “Africa” after him! – Romans also get Spain. Third Punic War (146BC) –Rome destroys Carthage. – Also take Macedonia, Greece, and Pergamum during this time.

A New Type of Law… The Twelve Tables proved inadequate for the expanding Roman Republic… –Only applied to citizens. “Law of Nations” –Based on the concept of Natural Law. A person was assumed innocent until proven otherwise. The accused should be able to defend themselves before a judge. The judge was expected to carefully weigh evidence and not be biased in decision making. Praetors were sent to the new provinces to carry out Roman justice.

Towards empire… By 129BC, Rome had complete control of the Mediterranean. –What made them so successful? Good diplomats –Governors sent to control provinces. »Provinces allowed to run local affairs. –Praetors administer justice. Excellent military –resilient A well connected empire… –As they conquered, they built cities and roads.

The Roman Economy Based on farming and trade. As new areas were conquered, their goods were sought out by the rest of Rome. Began trading with China and India via the Silk Road.

Exit Ticket Answer the following in about a paragraph before the end of class… Why do empires grow and prosper? Use Rome as an example…

Roman Confederation Stuff (Cut) –To control all the different communities, Rome set up the Roman Confederation. Some people allowed full Roman citizenship. Communities were made allies. –Allowed to run own local affairs. –Must provide soldiers for Rome. –Loyal allies could become Roman citizens! –This made the conquered people feel like they helped Rome succeed!