The Roman Republic

Early Romans Latin- Early settlers of Rome Etruscans- Northern Italy Eventually take control of Rome and build it into a great city. Build it on 7 hills for protection. 509 BCE- Romans drive Etruscans out.

Roman Government The Forum- The central public square used for government meetings. Republic- a government without a king Representatives voted On by people- they make the decisions- not a “true democracy” Citizenship was only granted only to free-born make citizens

Roman government Patricians- wealthy landowners that controlled the republic.

The Senate 300 member council of patricians that made laws and served Rome. Most powerful part of The Republic.

The Plebeians The common people (common farmers, artisans, merchants) Had no say in governement Allowed to take part in the assembly, but had less power than the Senate. Twelve Tables- 451 BCE Plebeians have Roman laws written. Gives common people some protection against unfair patrician decisions.

The Roman Army Superior due to its discipline and organization. Used a tight battle formation used by Greek foot soldiers.

Roman Alliances How did Rome maintain its alliances with former enemies? Granted Roman citizenship to allies. Allowed allies to keep local government. Gave protection and maintained order in Italy.

The Punic Wars 264-202 BCE- Series of wars between Rome and Carthage Carthage- North African city founded by Phoenicians. First Punic War Rome- superior army Carthage- superior navy Rome wins – gains territory outside of Italy Second Punic War Hannibal invades Italy with elephants

Hannibal Carthaginian general Invades Italy from the north via the Alps with elephants.(Page 159) Winning at first- defeated before he can capture Rome

Destruction of Carthage Romans burn it because it represented Hannibal. Survivors sold into slavery. Becomes a Roman province along with Greece and the Mediterranean.

The Roman Republic in Crisis Hannibal’s invasion destroyed the farms. Farmer income declines.

More turmoil… Romans originally stayed united due to their fear of Carthage No Carthage– nothing to fear Senate unable to provide effective leadership. Patricians become more concerned w/ keeping their power and wealth. Slave revolts !

Spartacus 73 BCE Proclaims war on Rome in attempt to free the slaves. 2 years of successful revolts Eventually killed along with 6000 followers.

The rise of dictators Dictator- one person w/ absolute power Military loyalty came from loyalty to Rome.

First triumvirate 60 BCE- Three army generals unite to rule Rome. Pompey Crassus Julius Caesar Caesar Conquers Gaul (France) and England. Defeats Pompey when he thinks miliary should hault This is an oligarchy – rule by a few

Julius Caesar Reforms Rome March 15, 44 BCE- Caesar assassinated Reorganized government with him as dictator. Lowered taxes. Makes governors responsible to him. Grants citizenship to conquered peoples. March 15, 44 BCE- Caesar assassinated Stabbed in the Senate

Second triumvirate Mark Antony Lepidus Octavian Lepidus forced to retire so Antony and Octavian rival Mark Antony. Falls in love w/ Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Octavian crushes the combined fleet of Antony and Cleopatra.

Octavian 31 BCE- creates the Roman Empire Allows Senate to keep some power, but he would retain sole rulership. Changes name to Augustus “honored and majestic” Takes title of “Caesar” “first citizen”

The Roman Empire Augustus gains control of the following: Military Takes complete control of Gives veterans bonuses of land. Provinces Supervised all the governors. Loyalty to Rome Granted citizenship to more conquered peoples of Europe.

Pax Romana “The Roman Peace”- 27-180 AD Julio-Claudian dynasty Period of peace and prosperity. Julio-Claudian dynasty No real line of succession to the throne. First four emperors after Augustus that were either related to him or his wife. Not as good as Augustus.

Additional Slides For extension

Tiberius 14-37 AD Augustus’ stepson Plots and violence become common in Roman politics.

Caligula Cruel and insane Rules for 4 years Assassinated by his imperial guard.

Claudius 41-54 AD Restores order to the Roman Empire.

Nero Claudius’ stepson Becomes Emperor at age 17. Becomes bloodthirsty and violent. Murders own mother for criticizing his mistress. Rome burns in 64 AD. Nero blames the Christians. Army rebels against him, and he commits suicide.

Vespasian The year after Nero’s death, 2 emperors are assassinated and 1 commits suicide. Chosen by military as emperor of Rome. Restores discipline in the army and the administration of the Empire. Puts down revolts in Judaea and Gaul.

Judean revolt 66 AD- Jews revolt against Rome. Jerusalem captured and Holy Temple is destroyed. Masada- 1000 Jews take refuge in a mountain fortress. 2 year siege- falls to Rome in 73 AD. All the Jews inside commit suicide.

Nerva Vespasian's sons rule for almost 10 years. Senate chooses Nerva as the new emperor in 96 AD. Establishes the adoptive system. Adopts a son and declares him the heir to the throne.

Trajan 98-117 AD Adopted son of Nerva. Spanish-born Wise and popular Eases tax burden. Empire reaches its greatest size.

Hadrian 117-138 AD Devoted to protecting the Empire, rather than expanding it. Creates Palestine out of Jewish territory. Encourages non-Jews to live there.

Marcus Aurelius Last of the adopted emperors. “Good Emperors” Many border wars with the Germanic tribes. Abandons the adoptive system and chooses his own son as the new emperor. Commodus- unfit to rule End of the Pax Romana

Fall of the Roman Empire Weak economy pirates, agriculture problems, high taxes Military Turmoil Rebellion, lack of loyalty Germanic Invasions

Legacy of the Roman Empire Mosaics Frescos Latin Language Aqueducts Roman Law Innocent until proven guilty