The Origins of Rome They would eventually model their architecture after the Greeks.

Rome’s Early Influences Rome’s early growth was most influenced by the Etruscans. Lived North of Rome in Etruria

Rome’s Early Influences Etruscans were skilled metal workers Became rich from mining and Trade Forced enslaved people to do the heaviest of work

Rome’s Early Influences Etruscans changed their city from straw roofed huts to a city of wood and brick buildings with temples and public buildings with town squares.

The Birth of a Republic Etruscans ruled Rome for more than 100 years. Rome became wealthy & powerful. But the ruling family, the Tarquins, became cruel and heartless.

The Birth of a Republic In 509 BC the Romans rebelled and overthrew the Tarquins and set up a Republic. Republic- A government where the leader is put into power by people with the right to vote

The Birth of a Republic In a republic, citizens have the power. At the time Rome became a republic, it was surrounded by enemies.

The Birth of a Republic Over the next 200 years the Romans fought several wars with its neighbors. In 284 BC the Romans attacked the Etruscans and defeated them.

The Birth of a Republic In 267 BC the Romans defeated the Greeks in Southern Italy. Upon this victory the Romans became the masters of all Italy.

Why Rome was Strong Rome was able to conquer Italy because the Romans were excellent soldiers. Every male citizen who owned land had to serve in the army.

Why Rome was Strong Discipline was harsh and deserters were punished by death. Romans did not give up easily. They were practical problem solvers.

Why Rome was Strong Roman armies at first fought like the Greeks did but found a better way. They organized their soldiers into smaller groups called legions. Each legion had about 6,000 men who further organized into smaller groups of 60 to 120 men.

Why Rome was Strong Roman soldiers or legionnaires were further armed with a short sword called a gladius and a spear called a pilum. Each Unit carried its own standard topped with a symbol identifying their unit. In battle standards helped keep units together by being able to identify each other.

Shrewd Roman Rulers Romans were not only good fighters, but were good planners. As they conquered Italy they built permanent military settlements in the areas they had taken.

Shrewd Roman Rulers They also built roads between these towns allowing the Roman soldiers to move quickly.

Shrewd Roman Rulers To areas they conquered they created the Roman Confederation. This allowed: Full citizenship to some. They could vote Participate in government Those not granted citizenship were considered allies

Shrewd Roman Rulers Allies were free to run their affairs but had to pay taxes. Allies could improve their position and become citizens. With these policies Romans proved themselves to be shrewd rulers.

Shrewd Roman Rulers With these policies the Roman republic grew strong. However Rome was not afraid to use force to put down an uprising against Rome. Quiz