1. What legacies were left to Western Society by the Romans?
The Roman Republic
What legacies were left to Western Society by the Romans?

2. 509BC: Roman nobles (Patricians) overthrow the King
Patricians form a republic, in which “citizens” vote for representatives in a Senate
Voting citizens were adult Roman born males, women and non-native males had some rights (no vote), slaves had no rights
Democracy in Rome
However, most “citizens” are Plebeians (farmers/merchants), who can only vote for Patricians for the Senate
Discuss: Why would a Plebian feel voting was unfair?
Solution? Patricians still serve in Senate but Plebians can serve in two different Assemblies
Patricians
Plebeians

3. Since Senate had more power Plebeians demand written laws
12 Tables used
Romans have equal protection under the law, incl. people are innocent until proven guilty
Justinian’s Code
1000 yrs later Emperor Justinian ordered all laws to be reviewed and re-written into code
• Justinian’s Code contained 5,000 Roman Laws and is basis for our legal code today
Scenario: The new laws that you helped write are not being followed, because no one knows of them – how could you fix this issues (discuss w/ a partner)

4. 1.Govt & Law -Romans = Republic = Representative Democracy (3 R’s)
Roman Legacies
1.Govt & Law -Romans = Republic = Representative Democracy (3 R’s)
2. Religion
Early religions like Judaism had some elements of democracy, since Rome was polytheistic they persecuted many early religions
By 400 AD Rome adopts Christianity & spread it through the empire
Christianity also had elements of democracy

5. 3. Downtowns & Stadiums
4. Aqueducts
5. Language 6. Calendar 7. Architecture & Art