Roman Geography: Rome was built on 7 rolling hills around the Tiber River; near the center of the Italian peninsula. It is the midway point between the Alps and Italy’s southern tip.
First Romans: From 1000 to 500 B.C., three groups inhabited the region and fought for control of it. They were the Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans. The Latins built the original settlement at Rome. It was a cluster of wooden huts on top of one of the seven hills.
Greek Influence: Between 750 B.C. and 600 B.C., the Greeks established colonies along the southern part of Italy and Sicily. The cities became very prosperous and commercially active. They brought all of Italy, including Rome, into closer contact with Greek civilization.
Etruscans: They were native to northern Italy. They were skilled metal workers and engineers. They were very influential in the development of Roman civilization. Romans adopted their alphabet. Also they adopted some of their architecture, especially the arch.
Republic – is 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-The wealthy landowners who held most of the power. Plebeians- The common person, 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 protect their rights from the Patrician officials, they called this their tribunes.
Roman Government---
Executive Branch: two consuls vs one President. 1 year term vs 4 year term
Legistlative: Senate- High social and economic status. Serve for life. Advises consuls.
Centuriate Assembly- Soldiers only. Chose consuls. Serve for life.
Tribal Assembly- Ordinary citizens. Serve for life. Makes laws.
Judicial Branch- 8 judges. 1 year by the Centuriate Assembly. Two oversee civil and criminal courts (the others govern provinces)
Legal Code
Twelve Tables- This was a list of rules that was the Supreme law of the land in Rome. In America, this is equal to the constitution.
Army- Along with their government, the Romans also took great pride in their military as well. All men who owned land were required to serve in the army. Some of the high public office positions required 10 years of military service.
Legions- The Roman soldiers were organized into large military units called legions. Legions were made up of 5,000 foot soldiers. A group of cavalry would support each legion. The military organization and fighting skill of the Roman army were key factors in Rome’s rise to greatness.
Expansion- By fourth century B.C, the Romans dominated central Italy. They had defeated the Etruscans to the north and the Greek city-states to the south.
Treatment: Latins on the Tiber became full citizens. In territory farther from Rome, the conquered people were citizens as well but didn’t have voting power. The remaining people became “allies” of Rome.
In your group, research the Punic Wars and Hannibal. Discuss who fought in the war. Key Players. Who won the war. Lasting effects of the wars: How it affected Romans and Carthage.
The city of Carthage was destroyed. Hannibal was a military leader of Carthage and fought in the second Punic war. Hannibal committed suicide. Hannibal took his armies into Italy. The Punic wars helped in the production of new weapons and battle techniques. Scipio was a key player. He led Rome in its final war against Rome. Rome was successful and won the war. Romans and Carthage fought in the wars.
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