Ancient Rome notes

Location, Location, Location! Geography Mountains Seas Italy is a peninsula, shaped like a boot Centrally located in region – great location Rome is on the Tiber River – near coast and 3 continents Provided a natural barrier Alps Apennines Mediterranean Adriatic Tyrrhenian Good for Trade!

Rome Begins! – built on 7 hills for protection Aeneas Romulus and Remus Tiber River Fled from Troy to Italy Story told in THE AENEID by Virgil (epic poem) Twin boys who were raised by a wolf Rome is named after Romulus Became the center of the land trade routes “ all roads lead to Rome “

Early Government and Society Monarchy Republic Society Ruled by Etruscans 509 BCE Rome became a republic (SPQR) Patricians – rich nobles who had all the power 10% pop. Plebeians – common people, majority Slaves – captured in war, some could buy citizenship Women- could be citizens so were above slaves

Roman Republic 509 BCE – 49 BCE (~500 yrs) Consuls (1 year) Dictator Senate Assembly 2 people ruled, elected from Senate in charge of Military; could veto (NO!) Used during emergencies – one of consuls one who has absolute power Cinncinatus ALL patricians ($); chosen by consuls; kept it for life Plebians (common people); selected the consuls Could assemble in Roman Forum (marketplace) Tribunes – elected by plebians to protect rights 6 months No re- election

The 12 TablesRoman Law All free citizens, plebians and patricians, had right to protection under law Located in The Forum for all to see

3 Branches of Roman Republic US = Congress Senate and House of Representatives

What enables Rome to grow? Professional Army Gained territory quickly Legion = 4800 soldiers The Roman Legion

Mediterranean Sea Tiber River Alps Rome Adriatic Sea Appennines Tyrrhenian Sea