The Founding of Rome and its Republic

Main Ideas Culture – Stories about the beginnings of Rome are a mix of legend and historical fact. Geography – The people who settled Rome chose geographic location that was good for defense, travel, and trade. Economics – Early Roman society was divided into two unequal classes. Government – The Roman Republic had a government divided into three parts.

The Beginnings of Rome Essential Question: What is the early history of Rome?

The Founding of Rome According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in 753 B.C.E. Twins – Romulus and Remus – wanted to found city – Twins fought over city’s position and Romulus killed Remus – Legend: a popular story from earlier times that cannot be proved In reality, settled by the Latins

The Founding of Rome Earliest settlers were likely to be Greek or had contact with Greek colonists Roman kings ruled city until conquered by Etruscans in 600s B.C.E. Romans overthrew Etruscans in 509 B.C.E. – Formed republic: government in which people elect leaders

But why this location? Rome had mild climate, good farmland, strategic location – Large plains made farming easier than in Greece Built city on seven hills that could be defended – Farmed at base of hills and lived on hilltops City was close to Mediterranean Sea and its trade routes – Helped in conquering new areas – Lay next to Tiber River, which aided in trade and provided protection Alps, Apennines Mountains protected Rome, but didn’t isolate it

Review Question: Why was Rome’s location so favorable?

The Roman Republic Essential Questions: How was Roman society structured? How was the republican government organized?

Patricians and Plebeians Complex civilization developed, along with two unequal classes Patricians – upper- class landowners – Held high government positions Plebeians – common farmers that could vote but not hold power Tensions over patricians’ power led to written constitution

Legislative and Judicial Roman government established tripartite or three-branch government – Legislative makes law – Executive enforces law – Judicial interprets law Legislative branch included Senate, assemblies – Senate: 300 members, mostly patricians Advised leaders – Assemblies: mostly plebeian Protected plebeian rights Eight judges of judicial branch oversaw courts and governed provinces

Executive Two consuls led executive branch – Commanded army – Ran government for a year – Each consul could veto the other In a crisis, consuls could choose dictator to rule for limited time

Legacy of Roman Law U.S. Government adopted Roman Republic’s tripartite system – Checks and balances keeps one branch from getting too powerful – Government based on written constitution Citizenship is important in republican government – Citizens expected to perform civic duties – American citizens vote, pay taxes, and serve on juries

Review: Flip to the chart on the back on the questions for the reading – The Founding of Rome.