Rome 6.1

Geography and People of Italy Italian Peninsula  Central Mediterranean  Broad, fertile plains  Apennine Mts.  Rome is centrally located

People: Latins and Greeks Latins:  Migrated about 800 B.C.  Settled along Tiber river in small villages along the 7 hills Greeks:  City states along the S. tip

People: Etruscans Ruled much of central Italy, including Rome Adapted Greek alphabet, passed it on to the Romans Use of the arch Developed engineering techniques Etruscan religion blended with Roman

The Founding Alba Longa  City near Rome Rhea Silvia  Vestal Virgin Vestal Virgin  Became pregnant  Claimed the Mars was the father  This was the only way to avoid being buried alive

The Founding Alba Longa ruled by King Amulius Usurped the throne from his brother Numitor Rhea was Numitor’s daughter Favored by the people Amulius threw Rhea’s twin sons into the river Tiber

Romulus and Remus The babies washed ashore and were suckled by a she-wolf who had lost her cubs Found by a shepherd, Faustulus and raised with riff raff As young men, the two were involved in a cattle dispute and brought before Numitor for judgment Numitor recognized them and used them to regain his throne

Sacred Spring ‘Lupa’ the Latin word for wolf, also means ‘prostitute’ Latins had a tradition of ‘Sacred Spring’  When a settlement grew too large, young people would leave to found a new city. Probably took place in the spring.

Bloody founding 7 hills Romulus wanted to found the city on the Palatine hill and began building a wall Remus favored the Aventine hill, leapt over the wall in contempt and Romulus killed him Romulus opened his city to criminals and castaways Asylum (‘a’ – without, and ‘syle’ – right of seizure) comes from the temple Romulus built to attract settlers They soon found themselves short of wives

Rape of the Sabine Women Romans needed wives Asked their neighbors, the Sabines, for women Refused Romulus invited them to a festival The Romans seized the unmarried women and carried them to their homes – crossing the threshold is still traditional in western cultures

The Age of Kings 753 – 509 B.C. Etruscan Kings Last was Lucius Iunius Brutus ‘Brutus’ cognomen = simple minded, not entirely true Romans banished Tarquin the Proud Brutus died in battle defending Rome

Republic Governed by the Senate 300 members were all Patricians: landholding upper class 2 Consuls elected each year  Could serve 1 term  Must consult with senate  Provided for checks on power

Dictatorship In time of war, the Senate could elect a Dictator to lead Rome through the conflict Cincinnatus was the model dictator: Cincinnatus  Former Consul  Retired to farming  Called to lead an army against invading Volscians, Aequians, and Sabines  Raised an army, defeated the enemies, and laid down Dictatorship in 16 days.

Plebeians Plebeians: farmers, merchants, artisans, traders Little influence in government 12 tables: plebs protested that since laws were not written down, people could not know and obey them Tribunes: officials elected by plebs. Could veto laws

Society Patrilineal Ideal Roman woman: loving, dutiful, dignified, strong Women eventually played larger role in society – p 130

Education Literacy was stressed, even amongst lower classes Wealthy hired private tutors Rhetoric, public speaking, very important for those with high aspirations

Religion Polytheistic Gradually assimilated Greek gods and goddesses Celebrated many festivals to honor the gods, along with daily tributes

Citizen Soldiers Republican armies: citizens who supplied their own equipment Legion: 5000 men Conquered people required to supply soldiers (auxilia) Military offered great rewards and harsh punishments – pp. 131

Conquered lands Treated with respect Allowed to continue to worship their own gods, many were assimilated into Roman Pantheon Kept their own money, customs, and local government as long as they paid taxes and supplied soldiers and acknowledge Roman authority Most conquered lands remained loyal to Rome

Protection and unification Rome posted soldiers throughout conquered lands Built massive network of roadsroads Gradually, conquered people adopted Roman language, customs, and beliefs

Vestal Virgins 6 women chosen to honor the goddess Vesta Serve for 30 years  10yrs – learn  10yrs – practice  10yrs – teach Keep the sacred fire alight  If it goes out, the city will fall

Roads

Cincinnatus

7 Hills of Rome