On this day we took notes notes on Rome.
Geography: Rome was built on 7 rolling hills around the Tiber River. The midway point between the Alps and Italy's southern tip.
First Romans: From 1000-500 B.C. Three groups inhabited the region. They were Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans. Latins built the original settlement of Rome. Was a cluster of wooded huts on top of one of the seven hills.
Greek Influence: Between 750-600 B.C. Established colonies along the southern part of Italy and Sicily. The cities became very prosperous and commercially alive. Brought all of Italy into closer contact with Greek civilization.
Etruscans: Were native to northern Italy. Skilled metals workers and engineers. Very influenced in the development of Roman civilization. Adopted the alphabet. Adopted some of their architecture, especially the arch.
Republic: A form of government in which the power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders. In Rome, citizenship with voting rights was granted only to free-born adult male landowners.
Patricians and Plebeians: In the early republic, different groups of Romans struggled for power. Patricians were the wealthy landowners who held most of the power. Plebeians were the common people, but could still vote. Usually farmers and merchants. The Patricians inherited their power and social status, and claimed that they had the right to rule due to their ancestry. They barred the Plebeians from holding high offices in the government. In time the leaders of Rome allowed the Plebeians to form their own assembly and elect their own representative to protected their rights from the Patrician officials, known as tribunes.
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