Roman History Review

The Geography of Rome

The Geography of Rome The Big Idea Rome’s location and government helped it become a major power in the ancient world. Most of Italy is covered with hills. Italians built their cities on the hills for defense.

The Geography of Rome Two major mountain ranges, the Alps and the Apennines. The mountains created rugged land that was hard to cross. Some of Italy’s mountains were volcanic.

The Geography of Rome Their eruptions could devastate Roman towns. First people built cities near rivers for a source of fresh water. Rome lies on the Tiber River. Rome had a mild climate that led to a plentiful food supply and the city’s early growth.

The Geography of Rome Main Ideas The geography of Italy made land travel difficult but helped the Romans prosper. Ancient historians were very interested in Rome’s legendary history. Once a monarchy, the Romans created a republic.

The History of Ancient Italy

Italy in 750 BCE

Influence of the Etruscans Writing Religion The Arch

The Mythical Founding of Rome: Romulus & Remus

According to legend, the founders of Rome were orphaned twin brothers raised by wolves. Romulus killed Remus because he mocked one of Romulus’s ideas. Romulus then built the city and named it Rome after himself.

The Roman Republic: 509 BCE - 27 BCE

Republican Government The Romans created a republic in 509 BC. In which elected officials ran the city. They protected against anyone staying in power for too long by limiting terms to one year.

Republican Government During difficult wars, the Romans chose dictators. Rulers with almost absolute power. To lead the city. They could stay in power only six months. To avoid abusing their power.

Republican Government One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus. He quickly defeated his enemies. Returned to farming long before his six-month term was up.

Republican Government 2 Consuls (Rulers of Rome) Senate (Representative body for patricians) Tribal Assembly (Representative body for plebeians)

Republican Government Rome’s government would not have worked without the participation of the people. People participated because they felt it was their duty to the city.

Republican Government Checks and balances were created to ensure that no one part of the government had more power. Citizens attended assembly meetings. They also voted.

The Twelve Tables, 450 BCE Providing political and social rights for the plebeians.

The Roman Forum Written laws helped keep order in Rome. The Roman Forum was the heart of Roman society.

Rome’s Early Road System

Roman road specifications, shown in profile with over 1 yard in thickness (compare to present day 18 inches).

Roman Roads: The Appian Way

Roman Aqueducts

Roman Aqueducts

Roman vs. Modern

The Roman Colosseum

The Colosseum Interior

Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus

Carthaginian Empire

Carthaginian War Romans declare war on Carthaginians which starts second Punic War. Hannibal has a lot of hatred toward Rome and wants to defeat the Romans. Hannibal decided to attack Rome through the north of Italy He knew he couldn't invade Rome by sea because of the great Roman navy. Hannibal decided to go through the Alps.

Carthaginian War He took 50,000 foot soldiers, 9,000 horse riding soldiers, a baggage train to carry supplies and 37 trained war elephants. - The Alps had many dangers - Very hostile tribesmen - A lot of ice and snow - Very steep - Very cold

Carthaginian War

Carthaginian War It took his army 15 days to cross the Alps. Although the Carthaginians lost many soldiers. Romans were shocked when the Carthaginians entered Italy. The Romans sent armies to fight Hannibal. They were all killed.

Hannibal’s Route

Reform Leaders Military Reformer Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus the poor should be given grain and small plots of free land. Military Reformer Gaius Marius recruited an army from the poor and homeless. professional standing army.

Crossing the Rubicon, 49 BC The Die is Cast!

Beware the Ides of March! 44 BCE

The Roman Empire: 27 BCE - 476 CE

Octavian Augustus: Rome’s First Emperor

Pax Romana: 27 BCE – 180 CE

The Greatest Extent of the Roman Empire – 14 CE

Imperial Roman Road System

The Empire in Crisis: 3c

Diocletian Splits the Empire in Two: 294 CE

Constantine: 312 - 337

Constantinople: “The 2nd Rome” (Founded in 330)

Barbarian Invasions: 4c-5c

Attila the Hun: “The Scourge of God”

Byzantium: The Eastern Roman Empire

The Byzantine Empire During the Reign of Justinian

The Byzantine Emperor Justinian

The Legacy of Rome Republic Government Roman Law Latin Language Roman Catholic Church City Planning Romanesque Architectural Style Roman Engineering Aqueducts Sewage systems Dams Cement Arch