1. 5/18 Focus:
The Romans established a new form of government known as a republic
The Romans influenced many of the values and institutions of western civilization.

2. Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic

3. Bell Work May 18th
What were some of the geographic advantages of Rome’s location in Italy?

4. Early History of Rome The Legend of Romulus and Remus
Legend states that the city of Rome was founded by two twins, Romulus and Remus.
Twins were abandoned near the Tiber River and raised by a she-wolf
Romulus kills Remus and starts Rome

5. Early History of Rome 3 groups that influenced early Rome Greeks
Established colonies in Italy and Sicily
Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives
Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans
Etruscans
From northern Italy
Latins
First to settle in Rome
Gods were influenced by Greeks and Etruscans

6. The Roman Republic
Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B.C. to 509 BC
Roman aristocrats overthrew the last Etruscan king in 509 BC
Establish a republic

7. The Roman Republic Republic
A form of government in which elected officials govern the state
power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders
Indirect democracy or representative democracy
Rome allowed free-born male citizens to participate in elections
Women could not vote

8. The Roman Republic Patricians
Aristocratic landowners who held most power in Rome
Made up 10% of the population
Ran the government and made the laws

9. Patricians and Plebeians
Farmers, craftsmen, artisans, soldiers laborers and merchants
Majority in Rome
Were barred from holding most government positions

10. Patricians and Plebeians
Plebeians demanded more rights in Rome from the patricians (Conflict of Orders)
Plebeian Council
Allowed to elect their own assembly
Tribunes
Officials elected to protect the rights of plebeians
Could veto laws that were unjust to plebeians

11. The Twelve Tables of Rome
First written code of law in Rome
Plebeians demanded laws of Rome be written down
Laws were carved on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum
Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to protection of the law

12. Roman Government Consuls 2 consuls elected by the assembly for 1 year
Chief executives and commanded the army

13. Roman Government Senate 300 patrician men Served for life
Controlled finances and foreign relations
Advised consuls

14. Roman Government Assemblies Tribal Assembly and Centuriate Assembly
Made laws and elected officials
Gaius Gracchus, tribune of the people, presiding over the Plebeian Council

15. Roman Government
In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator to rule Rome.
Dictator
a leader who has absolute power
Could only rule for six months
Were chosen by the consul and elected by the Senate
Cincinnatus

16. Famous Roman Senator
Cicero was a famous Roman writer and orator and Plebeian that lived during the same time as Julius Caesar.

17. The Roman Forum The center of life in Rome
Marketplace and civic center
Senate met in the forum
Public speeches were given here
Site of many businesses

18. Social Classes Senators- patricians Equites- the Roman Knights
Plebs- general body of free Roman citizens who were not patricians
Slaves

19. Closure
A. What is the difference between a republic and a direct democracy? B. What was the difference between patricians and plebeians? c. How are the Twelve Tables of Rome and Hammurabi’s Code similar?