1. The Roman Republic
Chapter 6.1

2. After conquering Greece, Alexander the Great conquered which regions? A. Macedonia and Egypt B. Anatolia, Persian Empire, Egypt, and the Indus Valley C. Persian Empire, the Indus Valley, and China D. Anatolia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China

3. Rome Rome’s Geography:
Site chosen for fertile soil and strategic location
On Italian Peninsula in Mediterranean Sea; built on Tiber River
Map of Italy

4. Around 600 BC Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome
Tiber Bridge
Around 600 BC Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome
Romans overthrow Etruscan king in 509 BC
Romans founded a republic- government in which citizens elect leaders (not a direct democracy)

5. Groups struggle for power
Patricians- wealthy landowning class that hold most of the power
Plebeians- artisans, merchants, and farmers; can vote, can’t rule
Slaves- can’t vote, can’t rule
Tribunes- elected representatives protect plebeians’ political rights

6. In 451 BC, officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets
Twelve Tables
In 451 BC, officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets
Become basis for later Roman law
Confirm right of all free citizens (not slaves) to protection of the law

7. Government under the Republic
Rome elects two consuls- one to lead army, one to direct government
Senate- chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign, domestic policy
Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis
Roman Legion- military units of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry (very important in rise to power)

8. Rome Spreads Its Power
Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south by 265 BC
Conquered people treated fairly, enables Rome to grow without turmoil
Establishes large trading network- access to Med Sea provides trade routes
Carthage- powerful city-state in North Africa is biggest rival

9. The first Punic Wars

11. Punic Wars
Rome and Carthage begin Punic Wars- three wars between BC
Rome wins first war
Rome ties in second war to Hannibal- Carthagian general
Rome wins last war- destroys Carthage and enslaves people ( BC)