Roman Republic & Christianity Chapter 6

I. Roman Republic Greece polis began to decline and Rome grew into a mighty empire Romans preserve and add to Greek civilization According to Roman legend Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus Twin sons of the god Mars and a princess

A. Early Republic Rome grew from a small city to a city that covered 500 square miles Republic – Government where power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders Free-born, property-owning males were allowed to vote

B. Patricians vs. Plebeians Patricians – Wealthy landowners who owned most of Rome’s land Inherited their social class, wealth and power Plebeians – Common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up most of the population but could not make laws Tribunes – Plebeian assemblies that protect plebeians from unfair acts by the patricians

C. Government Under the Republic Consuls – Like kings, commanded the army and directed government Elected to one year terms to prevent them from becoming too powerful Senate – Aristocratic branch of government that made the laws Elected by the voters

Roman Forum

Dictator – Leaders who had absolute power to make laws and command the army Appointed by the Senate during times of crisis Dictator’s power only lasted for 6 months

D. Rome Spreads its Power 264 BC – Rome ruled most of Italy Location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea made Rome an ideal place to trade Helped spread Roman Culture

E. Punic Wars (264-146 BC) Carthage – Powerful African city that challenged Roman’s access to the Mediterranean Sea Punic Wars – Three wars fought between Rome and Carthage 1st Punic War – Naval battle over Sicily – Rome wins

Second Punic War – Carthage attacks Rome Hannibal – Carthage general who led an army of 500,000 men March across Italy for 10 years destroying everything in his path until he was defeated Rome wins again

Hannibal and His Armies

3rd Punic War – Rome sacks the city of Carthage – Cato the Elder Set fire to city and kill most of the adult males Took the remaining people back to Rome and made them slaves

Rome wins again Major result of the Punic Wars is that Rome is able to dominate the Mediterranean Sea