Intro to Rome

Founding of Rome Legend says that Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus Twin sons of Mars Abandoned near Tiber River Raised by a she-wolf Decided to build a city In reality, men built and founded Rome. Why?

(Just read :) “Not without reason did gods and men choose this site for our city; the hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and seaborne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from any foreign fleets, our situation in the heart of Italy- all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.” Livy “Early History of Rome”

Early Influences Italy settled by Greeks 750-550 B.C. Cultivated grapes and olives Introduced alphabet Artistic and cultural models (art and literature) Etruscans 650-509 B.C. Built Rome into a great city Toga and short cloak Organization of the army

Rome Becomes a Republic 509 B.C. Romans overthrow the last Etruscan king and establish a Republic Republic- supreme power lies with citizens who can elect people to represent them

Power Struggles Patricians vs. Wealthy landowners Had most of the power Inherited power and social status Plebians Farmers, artisans, merchants Majority of population Right to vote, but could not hold high gov’t jobs

The Law 494 B.C. - Plebeians form their own assembly 451 B.C.-Written law code Written on12 tablets Patricians could no longer interpret laws to suit themselves

How is the Roman government organized? Use the reading on the back of the chart to fill in the blanks

Read the letter from Maximus. Write a letter back to him and explain what parts of the Roman government will address each one of his concerns.