1. The Legacy of Rome Romans conquered Macedonia & Greece around 140 BCE
Spread knowledge of ancient Greek philosophers
Greek literature spread to the rest of Europe and helped start the RENAISSANCE.

2. Roman Republic 509 (BCE) Roman aristocrats overthrew king
Belief in human reason, similar to Greeks
Set up new gov. called republic
Republic- form of gov. in which citizens have the right to vote & select leaders
Patricians (landowners) v. Plebeians (farmers & merchants)
Plebeians wanted more political involvement & power

3. 12 Tables Plebeians went on strike for more say in the government
Left the farms & army to go sit on the Palatine Hill (Forum)
Patricians compromised w/ 12 tables
Laws needed to suite Plebeians as well as Patricians
Laws were publically displaced on 12 tables
What is significant about this?

4. How the Republic Worked
Roman’s republican government had separate branches
Consuls
Top government official
Two chosen every year
Headed army & ran the government
Served short term….avoided risk of abusing power
Veto- right of the consul to reject the other’s decision. Latin for “I forbid”
Legislative branch-made of Senate
300 men chosen for life
Advise Consuls
Deal w/ other countries
Proposes laws
Deal with daily government problems
Senate-Latin for Old men
Dictator –in times of crisis (war)

5. . Dictator Consuls Senate Assembly How the Republic Works
Division of Power .
1 person
2 men
Consuls
300 members
Senate
Rest of
population
Assembly

6. Roman Law Law should: Important principles of Roman Law:
Be based on reason & justice
Protect citizens & their property
Important principles of Roman Law:
All citizens had the right to equal treatment under the law
A person was considered innocent until proven guilty
The burden of proof rested with the accuser NOT the accused
Any law unreasonable or unfair law could be set aside

7. The Collapse of the Republic
27 BC – came under rule of emperor named  Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus 
Republic ran like a dictatorship
Julius Caesar assassinated in 44 B.C