The Roman Republic Chapter 6.1

After conquering Greece, Alexander the Great conquered which regions? A. Macedonia and Egypt B. Anatolia, Persian Empire, Egypt, and the Indus Valley C. Persian Empire, the Indus Valley, and China D. Anatolia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China

Rome Rome’s Geography: Site chosen for fertile soil and strategic location On Italian Peninsula in Mediterranean Sea; built on Tiber River Map of Italy

Around 600 BC Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome Tiber Bridge Around 600 BC Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome Romans overthrow Etruscan king in 509 BC Romans founded a republic- government in which citizens elect leaders (not a direct democracy)

Groups struggle for power Patricians- wealthy landowning class that hold most of the power Plebeians- artisans, merchants, and farmers; can vote, can’t rule Slaves- can’t vote, can’t rule Tribunes- elected representatives protect plebeians’ political rights

In 451 BC, officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets Twelve Tables In 451 BC, officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets Become basis for later Roman law Confirm right of all free citizens (not slaves) to protection of the law

Government under the Republic Rome elects two consuls- one to lead army, one to direct government Senate- chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign, domestic policy Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis Roman Legion- military units of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry (very important in rise to power)

Rome Spreads Its Power Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south by 265 BC Conquered people treated fairly, enables Rome to grow without turmoil Establishes large trading network- access to Med Sea provides trade routes Carthage- powerful city-state in North Africa is biggest rival

The first Punic Wars

Punic Wars Rome and Carthage begin Punic Wars- three wars between 264-146 BC Rome wins first war Rome ties in second war to Hannibal- Carthagian general Rome wins last war- destroys Carthage and enslaves people (149-146 BC)