The Roman Republic & The Roman Empire Mr. Stowinsky World History

Section 1 – The Roman Republic Geography - Rome was built on seven hills by the Tiber River and had fertile soil Latins built wooden huts on one of the seven hills – considered the first Romans Greeks had colonies along the coast Etruscans, native to northern Italy, provided architecture and an alphabet for Romans

The Early Republic Rome was first ruled by kings Republic – form of government where citizens vote for their leaders Patricians – wealthy landowners who held most of the power Plebeians – commoners who made up most of the Roman population

Patricians inherited their power Plebeians were citizens but could not hold most major political offices Tribune – elected representatives protected the rights of plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials The Twelve Tables – rights and laws guaranteed to all citizens of Rome

Gov’t Under the Republic Consul – there were 2. Commanded the army and directed the government. Term was only 1 year and that person could not run again for 10 years. One consul could overrule the other’s decisions Senate – 300 members – made and voted on laws in Rome Dictator – a leader who was elected in times of crises. Only ran for 6 months. Chosen by consuls and voted on by the senate

The Roman Army All landowning citizens had to serve in the army Some government jobs required 10 years of military service Legion – large military units made up of foot soldiers and cavalry

Rome Spreads its Power Rome conquered the Etruscans to the north and the Greeks to the south 1 of 3 things happened to conquered lands: 1) They became Roman citizens 2) They became citizens but could not vote 3) They became allies. Rome did not interfere with them as long as they supplied soldiers and did not help enemies of Rome. They weren’t citizens though.

The Punic Wars Carthage, once a colony of Phoenicia, became very powerful and a threat to Rome There were 3 Punic Wars Carthage lost the first one 2nd Punic War – Hannibal wanted to get revenge on Rome – marched his army, including elephants, through the Alps, to surprise attack Rome. Rome eventually drove them out. 3rd Punic War – General Scipio forced Hannibal to stay in and defend Carthage. Rome destroyed Carthage and sold its citizens into slavery.

Section 2 – The Roman Empire Why did the Republic collapse? The gap between rich and poor grew larger Many soldiers were homeless and gave their loyalty to generals instead of the Republic People standing up for the poor and homeless were often assassinated

Julius Caesar Takes Control Started out as a consul As a general, he conquered and governed Gaul (France) He was appointed dictator and decided to name himself dictator for life As dictator, he: Gave more people citizenship Expanded the senate Created jobs and colonies for the poor and homeless Increased soldiers’ pay Was assassinated on the senate floor

The Beginning of the Empire After Caesar’s death, civil war broke out. His adopted son, Octavian, brought Rome back under control Octavian changed his name to Augustus and declared himself Emperor of Rome

A Vast and Powerful Empire Pax Romana – “Roman peace” – period of 200 years with no war Civil service was set up Kept back barbarians Built lots of public buildings Denarius – silver coin used throughout the empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire Invaders and pirates interrupted trade Inflation – drastic drop in the value of money Military issues – soldiers weren’t as disciplined and many were mercenaries – soldiers who fought for money

Emperors Attempt Reform Diocletian claimed to descend from the gods Set fixed prices on goods Split the empire in two – Latin-speaking west Greek-speaking east After his death, civil war again broke out

Constantine and the Fall Emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, in modern-day Turkey The western empire crumbled apart and was overrun by Germanic tribes The eastern half survived as the Byzantine Empire