CHAPTER 11, Section 1 The Founding of Rome

The Beginning of Rome Italy is centrally located in Europe. People can easily travel to it from Africa, Asia and Europe. Italy is rugged, but the mountain passes linked the area together. Italy also has a mild climate and fertile farmland.

Rome’s Location The Romans settled on the Italian Peninsula. Rome was founded about 15 miles upriver (Tiber) from the Mediterranean Sea. Rome’s location made it safe from pirates and its seven hills made it easy to defend against enemies.

The Origins of Rome There are many legends about the founding of Rome. The Aeneid is a legend about a Trojan prince, Aeneas and his travels which eventually lead him to found Rome. Another legend tells about the twins, Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf. They fight and Romulus wins. That’s why the city is called Rome and not Rem.

The founders of Rome ?

Influences of the Greeks and Etruscans Groups move into the area of LATIUM and they are going to impact the Romans living there. The Greeks settled in farms and eventually passed on Greek things to the Romans like grape farming, building styles and the alphabet. The Etruscans eventually conquered Rome and influenced their clothing styles, art and even the future Roman Army.

Becoming a Republic The Romans benefited from Etruscan rule, but the Romans grew wary of their rule. The Romans overthrew the last Etruscan king and established a REPUBLIC (form of government where the people elect their leaders) Rome then set about to control the surrounding countryside. For 200 years, Rome fought many wars against her neighbors.

Becoming a Republic, continued The Romans developed new battle strategies. They created the system of organizing troops into LEGIONS. LEGIONS were mobile and they could move quickly along the battlefield. Roman soldiers were well armed. They carried a sword called the Gladius and a spear called a Pilum

Who Ruled Rome? The Romans ruled effectively. After they conquered a region, they built permanent military outposts to protect it. The Romans also treated the conquered people fairly. If you treat people well, they would be loyal. Eventually, the conquered people could become citizens and be able to fully participate in the Roman Republic. Others became allies of Rome, which meant they paid taxes and supplied troops to Rome. Allies were free to manage their local affairs.