Introduction to Roman History The Early Republic

Myths of Origin

Etruscans Indigenous or from Asia Minor King, council of Elders Tarquin the Proud

Structure of the Republic Concept of res publica Consuls, who had imperium –Cursus honorum: expansion of executive branch Senate: ex consuls, leading citizens, advisory function Popular assembly Tribune added Dictator could be appointed in emergency

Roman government What are the two senses in which Rome was an empire? What are the limits to Livy's History of the early Roman republic? How can today's historians make use of his work? How did the basis for Roman citizenship differ from citizenship in the Greek polis? How did the Roman constitution and laws function to limit innovation? How did Rome's incorporation of allies into its citizenry affect its power as an empire?

Patriarchy What are the implications for the status of women of Rome's focus on pietas (as opposed to the Greek concept of arete)? What are the implications for the relative value of the individual vs. the community? What were the two kinds of marriage in Rome? How did Roman patriarchy affect women's lives?

Wars and expansion Conquest of Italy complete by 300 B.C.E. Punic Wars with Carthage B.C.E. –Hannibal, Battle of Cannae Conquest of Greek World: Illyrian and Macedonian Wars B.C.E. Social War B.C.E.

Expansion under the Republic

Social structure Patrons/clients Patricians/plebians