The Etruscans Forefathers of the Roman Republic

Geography The Italian Peninsula Separated on three sides called the “Mare Nostrum” or our sea Approximately 1000 km long by 200 km wide Separated from the rest of mainland Europe by the Alps in the north Alps served as a formidable protective barrier from northern invaders The Apennine Mountains ran the length of the Peninsula, and made communication and travel difficult

Geography The Italian Peninsula Important rivers included the Po and Tiber rivers Rome itself grew as a small village along the Tiber R. Although generally fertile, rapid growth meant Romans came to rely on grain imports from Egypt and Sicily. Climate is generally mild, though it can get quite hot in summer. Four Growth Factors 1.Mild Climate 2.Agricultural prosperity 3.Seclusion from Europe 4.Central position in the Mediterranean

The Etruscans Forerunners of the Romans Sophisticated people in the Northeastern portion of the Peninsula Most information we know is collected from burial mounds Native to the Peninsula, descended from earlier peoples The Etruscans flourished at the same time as the Carthaginians and the Greeks Bronze Etruscan Helmet Etruscan Chariot

The Etruscans Sculpture of Etruscan Nobles

The Etruscan Monarchy Founding of Rome According to Livy, there were seven kings of Rome The first was Romulus, allegedly the son of Mars, god of war. Founding myth, Romulus and Remus raised by a wolf Discovered by a Shepard on the Palantine who raised them The two eventually challenged each other for supremacy over Rome, and Romulus won. Etruscan statue wolf Myth of Rome Founding

The Etruscan Monarchy The Kings of Rome Etruscan expanded control southward and absorbed Rome First King after Romulus was Tarquinius, who built the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Urban renewal programs were enacted under subsequent Kings Last King was Tarquin the Proud, who was overthrown by Partricians in the increasing powerful city of Rome The Republic was founded thereafter The infamous rape of Roman noble woman Lucretia, which led to the founding of the Republic

Etruscan influence There is remarkable similarities between Roman & Etruscan worlds Numerals, fondness for sport, the belief in Hades and the underworld, the augury and superstition all inherited on Rome from the Etruscans Offices and political traditions like the use of ivory thrones and purple robes of the Etruscan royalty adopted by Romans The fasces was an Etruscan axe and bundle of wooden rods that became a symbol of power in Rome