Roman Republic

The Geography of Rome

Italy in 750 BCE

The Mythical Founding of Rome: Romulus & Remus

Difference between Greek Democracy and Roman Republic Greek City States (Independent, Isolated) All the men vote on all the issues Roman Republic (Centralized, United) All the men vote for representatives who are part of a central government

The Roman Republic: 509 B.C. - 27 B.C.

Rome’s Social Classes/Groups Social Hierarchy/Patriarchy Ruling Class – Patricians Senate - (Representative body chosen by Plebians- Clients/Patronage) Senate had all political power in the Roman Republic Everyone Else - Plebians

The Roman Temple

Similarities between Greek and Roman Religions Used gods to explain events, situations in life and world Worshipped same gods but gave different names – Polytheism Example: Aphrodite vs. Venus No Human Sacrifices involved in temple worship

Rome’s Early Road System

Romans Built Roads: Created extensive Trade Network Spread ideas like Christianity

The Coliseum – best example of Roman architecture

The Coliseum Interior

Roman Invention - Concrete

Allowed Rome and other cities to increase populations Roman Aqueducts Allowed Rome and other cities to increase populations

Reform Leaders & Military Generals Different leaders/generals in Republic … Led reform movements to give to the poor grain and small plots of land. recruited a personal army from the poor and homeless. created professional soldiers– paid by the generals NOT government Previous generals became examples for Julius and Augustus Caesar to imitate – how to gain power

First Roman Civil War Julius Caesar Pompey

Caesar Crossing the Rubicon, 49 BC Caesar became first military ruler/dictator Ends Roman Republic!

Beware the Ides of March! 44 BCE – Caesar Assassinated

The Second Roman Civil War Augustus Caeser Marc Antony Marcus Lepidus

Roman Citizenship The history of Rome involves citizens gradually and willingly giving and losing political power and rights to dictators and then emperors for “Bread and Circus”