Rome and the Rise of Christianity
Section 1. The Rise of Rome
Geography
Centrally located in the Mediterranean 7 hills=defense Located on the Tiber River=safe from sea attack, but had access to the sea
People of early Italy
Greeks-- Southern Italy
Etruscans--North of Rome Kings of Early Rome
Etruscan writing
Etruscan Funeral
Etruscan tomb
Etruscan Sarcophagus
Etruscan Temple
Belief in Soothsayers
Latins-- Rome
Romulus and Remus
The Republic 509 BC--Latins overthrow Etruscan kings and create a Republic (Representative government)
Class Struggle between The Patricians-- Landed Aristocrats And...
The Plebeians: commoners
Peace brought about by The Twelve Tables Written legal code Guaranteed rights to Plebeians
Republican Government 2 Consuls--temporary power of kings Tribunes-- representatives of the plebs
Senate:elected representatives
Dictator--single ruler during emergency
The Roman Army
Legion—basic unit— 5,000 men
10 years universal service
Highly disciplined and trained
The Turtle
Balista
Medical kit
Roman Fort
Rome Conquers the Mediterranean 390 BC Rome sacked by Gauls--increases its army Romans conquer Italy
Pyrrhus Greek general who defeated Rome in every battle Lost so many men that the Greeks lost the war “Pyrrhic Victory”)
Citizenship for conquered territories= Lasting empire
Punic Wars BC
Rome and Carthage clash over trade
Carthage
Med. Trade empire Centered on North Africa
First Punic War Carthage’s Advantages: –Greater population
World’s greatest navy
Rome’s Advantages: –Better Army--not mercenaries –Loyal allies –(no Navy)
Rome builds a navy
Rome wins, gets Sicily
2nd Punic War
Hamilcar Barca and his son Hannibal in Spain
Hannibal Invades Italy from Spain
Crosses the Alps with elephants
Crushes Romans at Canae (30,000 Romans)
10 years in Italy, but no victory: Romans wouldn’t leave the cities
Roman General Scipio attacks Carthage
Hannibal forced to return home--defeated at Zama Scipo becomes Scipio Aficanus
Third Punic War Rome attacks Carthage out of spite
Carthaginian’s Last Stand
Carthage burned
Rome takes over its empire— now rules the Mediterranean
Intermission