History Of Early Rome

Romulus and Remus Mother was Rhea Silvia- Vestal Virgin Raped by Mars Uncle ordered babies to be drowned “Suckled by wolf’ Raised by Faustulus Romulus killed Remus- and founded Rome in 753 BC

Romulus and Remus A nice myth!!! Vergil even said that Romulus was a decendent of Aeneas, a survivor of the Trojan War! Now tell us the real story! Ok, if you insist!

Real story!!! Rome founded by Latins living near the Tiber River Good place for defense! Not as much fun, but it’s probably the truth.

Trusty Etruscan rule B.C. Probably from Lydia Take control of Rome by 600 B.C. They get no respect! Yet much of Roman culture comes from Etruscans

Real story cont. Rome became a strong city state dominated by Etruscans (around 600 B.C.) Rich Romans called Patricians (12 families) given local control Rome hated the Etruscans

What do they do for Rome?!?! Founded many cities in Northern Italy Used stone walls and arches Loved to wage war!!! Introduced blood sports Chariot racing (racing is a blood sport) Art (great bronze work, lousy pots) Eastern religion

How to get rid of them! In 509BCE, Romans expelled the last Etruscan king Sextus Tarquin Lucius Collatinus Lucretia

The Republic Romans hated the idea of a king, established a government of the patricians Lower classes had almost no power (plebians) Changes somewhat over time (government chart) Class struggle between rich and poor a constant in Rome Slaves had no power

Republic Cont. Successful aliens could gain citizenship (Many people wanted citizenship)

PatriciansPlebeians Wealthy Landowners Have a say in government Held military and religious positions Low Class (workers) 95% of people No say in government Forced to serve in the army

Rome Before the Republic Ruled by kings “Rex” Patricians tired of obeying king, wanted more participation in government Wanted more rights for citizens Revolted, King Tarquinius fled Republic “public good” a government good for everyone Plebeians wanted equality Left the city- both compromised

Forms of Government Monarchyrule by one person Democracyrule by the people Oligarchyrule by a an elite few (aristocracy) Dictatorship one person absolute rule

Romans choose a Complex Government Based on “ ““ “rule of law” written laws to protect themselves and their liberty Chose a “ ““ “mixed government” combined strengths of all forms of governments Balanced government “ ““ “separation of powers no one group has all the power

The Roman Republic – The System of Checks and Balances The system was based on balance of interests MonarchicalAristocraticDemocratic 2 Consuls + other magistrates SenateAssembly of Tribes Tribune Directed government and army Acted as judges Could issue edicts Acted as chief priest Controlled state budget Could pass laws Approved/rejected laws Decided on War Tribune could veto actions of magistrate Acted as final court Basis of power: possess imperium, the right to rule need for leadership Basis of power: members were richest men in Rome. Basis of power: provided most of the soldiers Limits on power: one year term each could veto Limits on power: could not control army needed majority as soldiers. Limits on power: Could not suggest laws often paid as clients by the elite

This diagram shows the ladder of political advancement – Cursus Honorum. The straight ladder shows the typical path of advancement (theoretically open to all freeborn male citizens), beginning with election to quaestor, the lowest office, and proceeding to consul, the highest (very few men made it that far).

Magistrates 2 consuls 8 praetors 2 censors 4 aediles 10 tribunes 20 quaestors

Senate composed of 300 to 600 magistrates and ex- magistrates. Senate was the chief governmental body because it controlled public finances and foreign affairs, assigned military commands and provinces, and debated and passed decrees that would be submitted to the assemblies for final ratification the Republican government was symbolized by the letters SPQR (senatus populus que Romanus), meaning “the Senate and the Roman people”

The Senate met in a building called the Curia located in the Roman Forum

Roman Army Legion 5,000 to 6,000 men –Two Legions made an army Until 390 B.C. only patricians served in the army Plebians served as Legionnaires

The Centurion Was a rank of an officer who controlled men Became a strong political force in late Republic

Tactics Dropped phalanx for “maniple” Each maniple made of two centuries Caused problems for phalanx

Roman Army Cont.

Weapons Javelin/plate armor/heavy pack Short Swords Wing archers/slingers Catapults Earth ramps, wheeled towers

Roman Army Cont

Military Life Like Sparta, Romans started early (age 10) Key to Roman Army was discipline –Cowardice: flogging to death –Thievary: Right hand cut off –Deviation from orders... Beheading

Camp Life (No Boy Scout camp) Simple food: Bread, porridge, vegetables, sour wine Caesor’s troops rioted when they had to eat meat No pay until 390 B.C. Most money came from “Booty”

Glory in Victory Roman triumphs