1. The Roman Republic & The Roman Empire
Mr. Stowinsky
World History

2. Section 1 – The Roman Republic
Geography - Rome was built on seven hills by the Tiber River and had fertile soil
Latins built wooden huts on one of the seven hills – considered the first Romans
Greeks had colonies along the coast
Etruscans, native to northern Italy, provided architecture and an alphabet for Romans

3. The Early Republic Rome was first ruled by kings
Republic – form of government where citizens vote for their leaders
Patricians – wealthy landowners who held most of the power
Plebeians – commoners who made up most of the Roman population

4. Patricians inherited their power
Plebeians were citizens but could not hold most major political offices
Tribune – elected representatives protected the rights of plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials
The Twelve Tables – rights and laws guaranteed to all citizens of Rome

5. Gov’t Under the Republic
Consul – there were 2. Commanded the army and directed the government. Term was only 1 year and that person could not run again for 10 years. One consul could overrule the other’s decisions
Senate – 300 members – made and voted on laws in Rome
Dictator – a leader who was elected in times of crises. Only ran for 6 months. Chosen by consuls and voted on by the senate

6. The Roman Army All landowning citizens had to serve in the army
Some government jobs required 10 years of military service
Legion – large military units made up of foot soldiers and cavalry

7. Rome Spreads its Power
Rome conquered the Etruscans to the north and the Greeks to the south
1 of 3 things happened to conquered lands:
1) They became Roman citizens
2) They became citizens but could not vote
3) They became allies. Rome did not interfere with them as long as they supplied soldiers and did not help enemies of Rome. They weren’t citizens though.

8. The Punic Wars
Carthage, once a colony of Phoenicia, became very powerful and a threat to Rome
There were 3 Punic Wars
Carthage lost the first one
2nd Punic War – Hannibal wanted to get revenge on Rome – marched his army, including elephants, through the Alps, to surprise attack Rome. Rome eventually drove them out.
3rd Punic War – General Scipio forced Hannibal to stay in and defend Carthage. Rome destroyed Carthage and sold its citizens into slavery.

9. Section 2 – The Roman Empire
Why did the Republic collapse?
The gap between rich and poor grew larger
Many soldiers were homeless and gave their loyalty to generals instead of the Republic
People standing up for the poor and homeless were often assassinated

10. Julius Caesar Takes Control
Started out as a consul
As a general, he conquered and governed Gaul (France)
He was appointed dictator and decided to name himself dictator for life
As dictator, he:
Gave more people citizenship
Expanded the senate
Created jobs and colonies for the poor and homeless
Increased soldiers’ pay
Was assassinated on the senate floor

11. The Beginning of the Empire
After Caesar’s death, civil war broke out. His adopted son, Octavian, brought Rome back under control
Octavian changed his name to Augustus and declared himself Emperor of Rome

12. A Vast and Powerful Empire
Pax Romana – “Roman peace” – period of 200 years with no war
Civil service was set up
Kept back barbarians
Built lots of public buildings
Denarius – silver coin used throughout the empire

13. The Fall of the Roman Empire
Invaders and pirates interrupted trade
Inflation – drastic drop in the value of money
Military issues – soldiers weren’t as disciplined and many were mercenaries – soldiers who fought for money

14. Emperors Attempt Reform Diocletian
claimed to descend from the gods
Set fixed prices on goods
Split the empire in two –
Latin-speaking west
Greek-speaking east
After his death, civil war again broke out

15. Constantine and the Fall
Emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, in modern-day Turkey
The western empire crumbled apart and was overrun by Germanic tribes
The eastern half survived as the Byzantine Empire