EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT What political tensions existed in the early republic between the rich and poor? AGENDA Reading : Evolution of Roman Government Video : Cincinnatus Quick Write : Patricians vs. Plebeians Essential Question : Italian Geography and Life

EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure. The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city. One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within 16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his city and give up power. Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians, decided to change Rome’s government again. In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of Rome’s legendary founders? What do you think the patricians were worried about if the plebeians took over?

Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure. The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city. One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within 16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his city and give up power. Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians, decided to change Rome’s government again.

EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure. The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city. One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within 16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his city and give up power. Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians, decided to change Rome’s government again. In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of Rome’s legendary founders? What do you think the patricians were worried about if the plebeians took over?

In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of Rome’s legendary founders?

EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure. The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city. One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within 16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his city and give up power. Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians, decided to change Rome’s government again. In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of Rome’s legendary founders? What do you think the patricians were worried about if the plebeians took over?

What political tensions existed in the early republic between the rich and poor?

ROMAN GOVERNMENT In what ways did Rome’s government attempt to balance the power of its wealthy citizens with that of its commoners? AGENDA Reading : Roman Government Notes : Tribunes Activity : Government Officials Organizer Essential Question : Roman Government

ROMAN GOVERNMENT To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new offices that could only be held by Rome’s common citizens. These offices would protect the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of these changes Rome created a tripartite system of government, or a government with three parts. Each part had its own responsibilities and duties. The first part of Rome’s government was made up of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls. The consuls were elected each year to run the city and lead the army. Two were selected so that no single person could become too powerful. Below the consuls were other magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games, and festivals. The second part of Rome’s government was the senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders. Senators held their offices for life. At first most senators were patricians, but as time passed many wealthy plebeians became senators as well. Because magistrates became senators after completing their terms in office, most didn’t want to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs. Romans participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or provide food and entertainment for the people. Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman Republic.

To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new offices that could only be held by Rome’s common citizens. These offices would protect the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of these changes Rome created a tripartite system of government, or a government with three parts. Each part had its own responsibilities and duties. The first part of Rome’s government was made up of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls. The consuls were elected each year to run the city and lead the army. Two were selected so that no single person could become too powerful. Below the consuls were other magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games, and festivals. The second part of Rome’s government was the senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders. Senators held their offices for life. At first most senators were patricians, but as time passed many wealthy plebeians became senators as well. Because magistrates became senators after completing their terms in office, most didn’t want to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs.

ROMAN GOVERNMENT To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new offices that could only be held by Rome’s common citizens. These offices would protect the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of these changes Rome created a tripartite system of government, or a government with three parts. Each part had its own responsibilities and duties. The first part of Rome’s government was made up of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls. The consuls were elected each year to run the city and lead the army. Two were selected so that no single person could become too powerful. Below the consuls were other magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games, and festivals. The second part of Rome’s government was the senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders. Senators held their offices for life. At first most senators were patricians, but as time passed many wealthy plebeians became senators as well. Because magistrates became senators after completing their terms in office, most didn’t want to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs. Romans participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or provide food and entertainment for the people. Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman Republic.

TRIBUNES The third part of Rome’s government protected the common people. Assemblies of plebeians took part in elections for the magistrates who ran the city. Plebeians also elected Tribunes who had the ability to veto, or cancel, the actions of any other official. These Tribunes were elected for a single year to stop them getting too powerful. What qualities do you think people would look for in a possible tribune?

MAGISTRATES SENATORS TRIBUNES What was the role of these people? In what ways were their powers limited? What other things would a city need people to organize? What advantage would being appointed for life give a senator? What do you think would stop tribunes from vetoing every law?

ROMAN GOVERNMENT To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new offices that could only be held by Rome’s common citizens. These offices would protect the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of these changes Rome created a tripartite system of government, or a government with three parts. Each part had its own responsibilities and duties. The first part of Rome’s government was made up of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls. The consuls were elected each year to run the city and lead the army. Two were selected so that no single person could become too powerful. Below the consuls were other magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games, and festivals. The second part of Rome’s government was the senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders. Senators held their offices for life. At first most senators were patricians, but as time passed many wealthy plebeians became senators as well. Because magistrates became senators after completing their terms in office, most didn’t want to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs. Romans participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or provide food and entertainment for the people. Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman Republic.

Romans participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or provide food and entertainment for the people. Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman Republic.

THE TWELVE TABLES Over the next few days you will work with a partner to produce a poster about one of the twelve tables. This poster will explain how Roman law worked in a particular area. STEP 1 Read the laws and try to write a more easily understandable version of it using the worksheet given to you. I have done the first example for you. STEP 2 Make a plan for your poster in which you include a typed or written version of the law that you created in step 1. Create some kind of illustration showing how the law worked or what it said. STEP 3 You and your partner should create a 5 minute presentation during which both of you speak to explain your poster and the laws contained on it. Court Procedures Thefts Lent Property Family Estates Property Crimes Buildings & Land Public Laws Religious Laws Supplemental Laws

TABLES 11 & 12 – SUPPLEMENTAL LAWS Law I. Affairs of great importance shall not be transacted without the vote of the people, with whom rests the power to appoint magistrates, to condemn citizens, and to enact laws. Laws subsequently passed always take preference over former ones. Law II. Those who belong to the Senatorial Order and are styled Fathers, shall not contract marriage with plebeians. Law III No one shall render sacred any property with reference to which there is a controversy in court, where issue has already been joined; and if anyone does render such property sacred, he shall pay double its value as a penalty. Law IV If the claim of anyone in whose favor judgment was rendered after the property had been illegally seized, or after possession of the same had been delivered, is found to be false, the Prætor shall appoint three arbiters, by whose award double the amount of the profits shall be restored by him in whose favor the judgment was rendered. Law V If a slave, with the knowledge of his master, should commit a theft, or cause damage to anyone, his master shall be given up to the other party by way of reparation for the theft, injury, or damage committed by the slave. Transacted – Carried outCondemn – Sentence to deathContract – Enter into Render Sacred – SacrificeRendered – Announced/decided Praetor – JudgeArbiters – People who decide disputes Reparation – Compensation.

# What is this law about?How would you write this law in a simpler form? I How laws are passed. Important laws can’t be passed without a vote of the people. New laws are more important than older laws.

In what ways did Rome’s government attempt to balance the power of its wealthy citizens with that of its commoners?