Section 1: Geography and the Rise of Rome The Roman Republic Section 1: Geography and the Rise of Rome

The Geography of Italy Is a peninsula in southern Europe Two major mountain ranges: Alps – in the north Apennines – runs the length of the peninsula Mount Vesuvius – volcanic Land that isn’t mountainous is covered with hills Built cities on the hills for defense Rome is built on seven hills and lies on the Tiber River Warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters Italy’s mild climate allows people to grow a wide variety of crops Grains, citrus fruits, grapes, and olives A plentiful food supply was one key factor in Rome’s early growth The Geography of Italy

Rome’s Legendary Origins Rome’s leaders told legends, or stories, about great heroes and kings who built the city Aeneas Trojan hero Aeneas’ long and dangerous journey after fleeing Try after the Trojan War is told in the Aeneid The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil, a poet Romulus and Remus Founders of Rome Twin brothers Thrown in a basket into the Tiber River, rescued by a wolf, and raised by a shepherd Romulus killed Remus Rome’s Legendary Origins

Early kings Romulus was the first king of Rome Roman records list seven kings who ruled, none of them were Roman Rome’s last three kings were Etruscans, members of a people who lived north of Rome Etruscans lived in Italy before Rome was founded Estruscan contributions: Built huge temples Rome’s first sewer Romans learned their alphabet and numbers from them

The Early Republic Romans created a republic People elect leaders to govern them Each year they elected officials to rule the city These officials only stayed in power for one year These officials came from a small group of wealthy and powerful men They held all the power Romans were at war with other regions They won most battles, but lost many lives and property During difficult wars, Romans chose dictators Rulers with almost absolute power They could only stay in power for six months The Early Republic

Roman society was divided into two groups: Cincinnatus One of Rome’s famous dictators Was a farmer Once the enemy was defeated, he resigned and returned to his farm long before his term was up Roman society was divided into two groups: Plebeians – common people Peasants, traders, and other workers – majority of the population Wanted changes in government where they had more say in how the city was run They formed a council and elected their own officials Patricians – nobles Wealthy, powerful citizens Only they were allowed to be elected to office Held all the political power Not allowed to participate in trade or commerce Once the plebeians for a council, the patricians decided it was time to change the government