1. Intro to Rome

2. Founding of Rome
Legend says that Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus
Twin sons of Mars
Abandoned near Tiber River
Raised by a she-wolf
Decided to build a city
In reality, men built and founded Rome. Why?

3. (Just read :)
“Not without reason did gods and men choose this site for our city; the hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and seaborne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from any foreign fleets, our situation in the heart of Italy- all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.” Livy “Early History of Rome”

4. Early Influences Italy settled by Greeks 750-550 B.C.
Cultivated grapes and olives
Introduced alphabet
Artistic and cultural models (art and literature)
Etruscans B.C.
Built Rome into a great city
Toga and short cloak
Organization of the army

5. Rome Becomes a Republic
509 B.C. Romans overthrow the last Etruscan king and establish a Republic
Republic- supreme power lies with citizens who can elect people to represent them

6. Power Struggles Patricians vs. Wealthy landowners
Had most of the power
Inherited power and social status
Plebians
Farmers, artisans, merchants
Majority of population
Right to vote, but could not hold high gov’t jobs

7. The Law 494 B.C. - Plebeians form their own assembly
451 B.C.-Written law code
Written on12 tablets
Patricians could no longer interpret laws to suit themselves

8. How is the Roman government organized?
Use the reading on the back of the chart to fill in the blanks

9. Read the letter from Maximus. Write a letter back
to him and explain what parts of the Roman government
will address each one of his concerns.