The Age of Rome in World History Ancient Rome – Roman social, cultural, and political history

Geography Few natural harbors despite 2000 miles of coastline Romans were not avid sailors Most fertile land was on the west side of the mountains and northern region

Chronology of Roman History

Early Political Developments Romulus and Remus – Rome founded 753 BCE Etuscan kings (monarchy) Building of the fourm Cruel/corrupt kings made Rome ripe for revolution Greek style city-state is founded in 509 BCE The Republic!

The Republic 509 BCE – 31 BCE Patricians Plebians Land-owning families, wealthy, respected, of old lineage; only class eligible for public office and the Senate 30% of the population; 70% of the wealth; 100% of the government Plebians Everybody else, with no representation in the early government. “Struggle of Orders” led to compromise between the two groups 471BCE – left bitter feelings between the groups

Roman Legislative Body: Bureaucratic Tradition Senate – Oldest body; originally the council of the king Made up of Patricians only There were other legislative bodies: Tribal Assembly – open to Plebians (domestic legis.) Elected officials – one year terms and barred from re- election

Rise of Rome 509 BCE – 31 BCE 272 BCE controlled Italian peninsula Governed wisely Conquered peoples allies Public works Cities able to govern their own affairs, but two requests: Rome controls foreign policy Military aid when asked Eventually given citizenship throughout peninsula