Ancient Rome Section 1 Part 1 Rise of Rome

Background Rome is found in Italy Roman history is the story of Roman’s conquest of Italy and the entire Mediterranean world The Romans were conquerors, but they also governed using Republican forms that have been passed down to us.

The Land Italy is a peninsula, extending about 750 miles from north to south and 120 miles from east to west The Apennine mountain ranges form a ridge north to south, divide the east from the west The mountains were less rugged than Greece, so did not divide the country into small communities, instead it created a large population

Rome was close enough to the sea, but far enough to be safe from pirates Rome built on seven hills so easily defended Good central location from which to expand Important crossroad between east and west Mediterranean

The People Early Rome inhabitants were made up of the following: Latins Greeks Etruscans

Latins BC Lived in region of Latium, what is now Rome Herders and farmers Lived on top of Rome’s hills

Greeks BC Started in south Italy and migrated up the peninsula Also occupied Sicily, island south of the peninsula Great influence on Rome, cultivated olives and grapes Our alphabet had it’s beginning here The arts were important

Etruscans Most influenced early Rome Etruscans found a village and made it into a city Rome adopted Etruscan dress (toga and short coat) and the organization of its army

Roman Republic 509 BC, Romans overthrew the last Etruscan king and established a republic Republic defined: a form of government in which the leader is not a king and certain citizens have the right to vote. First temples and public buildings were built by Rome’s early kings A swampy valley in Rome was drained to make a public meeting place called “The Forum.” It was the heart of Roman life. Business took place there and many shops lined the area

Republic Beginning Rome was surrounded by enemies For 200 years, Rome was in continuous warfare

War Within 338 BC Rome crushed the Latin states Next 50 years, Rome battled the people from the central mountain area 264 BC, Romans overcame Greeks in the south Defeated remaining Etruscans to the north

After War Within Rome had conquered virtually all of Italy Devised the Roman Confederation

Roman Confederation Allowed some people, especially Latins, to have full citizenship Remaining communities were made Roman allies and could run own affairs Had to provide soldiers for the Roman army

Roman Successful Strategies That Made Them Great Romans had a sense of duty, courage, and discipline Livy, a Roman historian, wrote stories to teach Romans the virtues that made Rome so great Good diplomats Wise in extending Roman citizenship and allowing states to run their own internal affairs Excelled in military matters Brilliant strategists – As they conquered, they built colonies and roads to connect the colonies Built political institutions in response to problems that arose

Activity #1 Get a book Get a piece of white paper from Mrs. Murray Turn to page 147 Draw freehand the map of Italy with its early settlers Label and color the map Title the map, Italy, 500 BC Must have a key, include color and names