There are 2 stories that have merged into one over the years. One is rooted in fact, the other in legend ***Legend: Romulus and Remus*** *** Fact: Aeneas *** Lets learn about the stories!

Led his people to Rome after battle of Troy Story of his journey told in the Aeneid (an epic) Formed an alliance with native peoples: Latins Married daughter of Latin King and their son was ruler of Italy Him carrying his father from the burning city of Troy

Twins who were found floating in Tiber River, rescued by a wolf who raised them Adopted by a shepherd Build a city where they were rescued, but fought and Romulus killed Remus Named the city Rome, after himself Said to be the first king of Rome

Archaeologists found evidence of another group of people settling north of the Latins in Etruria before Rome was founded People called Etruscans Pirates and great traders Dominated Northern Italy Rome’s last 3 kings were Etruscan Tyrant rulers 200 yrs. Overthrown by Roman farmer-soldiers Abolished monarchy

Made contributions to Roman civilization Arch in building bridges Foundation for Rome’s first sewer system Alphabet borrowed by Rome Slave fights at funerals were a model for gladiator games Gods with human forms and soothsayers Parade to welcome home soldiers

Republic: political system in which people elect leaders to govern them Created in 509 BC Leader only ruled for 1 year (to limit power) What is the difference between a republic and a monarchy? A monarchy is ruled by a king or queen, not an elected ruler. Why wasn’t Rome a democracy? Even though officials were elected, they were chosen from only a small group of people and had all the power. (average person had no say) Pg. 328

The Romans were frequently at war with those around them. They elected dictators, rulers with almost absolute power, to lead them (for six month terms) during these times of crisis.

Cincinnatus was a ________________. He was a ___________ Who was chosen to ____________________________________. He was famous and considered an ideal leader because: What do you think about the government that Rome set up? Pros and Cons:

Plebeians Patricians

Magistrates Elected officials Consuls = 2 most powerful (2 for power check) 1 yr. term Other magistrates each had own job and duties Run city and lead army Senate Council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city leaders (consuls) Held office for life 300 members Mostly patricians at first -> wealthy Plebeians Got more powerful over time and had great influence over govt. (more than Magistrates)

Assemblies and Tribunes Represented common people Assemblies: Patricians and Plebeians Primary job: elect magistrates Tribunes: elected by plebeians Had power to VETO (prohibit) Powerful 1 yr. term Civic Duty Duty to the city to make it prosper Govt. wouldn’t work without participation of people Attend assembly meeting Vote in elections Hold public office (wealthy) Admired for participation

Limiting power Limiting terms Govt. officials had ability to restrict powers of other officials One consul could block power of another Senate laws needed magistrate approval and ratification by assembly Today… We use a 3 part govt. system that has checks and balances to limit the power of any one branch. Much of our govt. is based off of Rome’s

Create a chart to show how the Romans set up a system of checks and balances

None written at first, only Patricians who wrote laws knew them Why would this be a bad thing???? People didn’t want to be punished for breaking laws they didn’t know existed People were unhappy and wanted written laws Frist Written Laws 450 BC Written on 12 bronze tablets Displayed in the forum. Rome’s public meeting place Called “Law of the Twelve Tablets”