1. How did Rome come to be such a powerful empire and how has it impacted our world today? 2. Describe the origins and rise of Christianity and explain why it was such an appealing religion.

* While Greece was in decline a new city to the west was growing in power. * Rome grew from a small settlement into a mighty civilization

I. The Origins of Rome * Legend says Rome founded by twin boys Romulus and Remus in 753 BC * Sons of god Mars and a Latin princess * Boys abandoned in fear they would overthrow their grandfather’s kingdom * sent down Tiber River, raised by a she- wolf- they built a city by the river * In reality men built city of Rome by Tiber river b/c of its strategic location

A. Rome’s Geography * Chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location at the mouth of the Tiber River * Located on Italian peninsula and in center of Mediterranean Sea * Built on hills by the Tiber River * *

B. The First Romans * Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans competed for control of the region * Latins built original settlement of Rome between 1000 and 500 BC and are considered the first Romans * Etruscans from the north influenced the civilization greatly, especially writing and architecture

II. The Early Republic * Early Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings * These kings build the first temples and public centers—the Forum the heart of political life

* The last king of Rome was Tarquin the Proud- a harsh tyrant * In 509 BC- Tarquin was driven from power, Rome became a Republic—form of gov’t in which power rests with the citizens who have the right to vote for their representatives * Citizenship in Rome was granted to free adult males who owned land

A. Patricians and Plebeians * Different groups struggled for power * Patricians—wealthy land owning class that holds most of the power- citizens * Plebeians—artisans, merchants, farmers; can’t rule, can’t vote * Plebeians allowed to form Tribunes— elected plebian reps who protect their rights from unfair acts of patricians

B. Twelve Tables * The Twelve Tables- written code of laws- very important! * Prior to Twelve Tables unwritten laws were interpreted by patricians to suit themselves * 12 Tables confirm right of all free citizens to protection of the law

C. Government Under the Republic * Rome elects 2 consuls, similar to kings—1 to lead army, 1 to direct gov’t * Senate—300 members chosen from Roman upper class; in charge of making foreign and domestic policy * Democratic assemblies were elected, could make laws for common ppl * Dictators, a leader who has absolute power, are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis

2 Consuls Rule by 12 Tables Senate elected by and from Patricians Tribunes made of Plebeians

D. The Roman Army * All land owning citizens were required to serve in the army * Certain public offices required 10 years of military service * Organized into legions—military unit of 5,000 foot soldiers (infantry) and a group of men on horse back (cavalry) * Legions were broken down into smaller groups of 80 men called a century * The army was very powerful and the key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness

III. Rome Spreads Its Powers - for the next few hundred years Rome sought to expand its empire through trade and conquest

A. Rome Conquers Italy * Romans defeated the Etruscans in the north and Greek city-states in south * By 265 BC Rome controls Italian peninsula * Conquered ppls treated fairly; had all rights of a regular citizen except right to vote * fair treatment of conquered ppl allowed Rome to build a long lasting empire

B. Rome’s Commercial Network * Rome’s location gave it easy access to the riches to the surrounding lands all along the Mediterranean Sea * Traded wine for olive oil, a variety of food, raw materials, and manufactured goods * Other large cities interfered w/ Roman trade, esp. Carthage

* Carthage *

C. War with Carthage * Carthage was a rival city across the Mediterranean on the coast of Northern Africa * BC- Rome and Carthage fight Punic Wars—three wars 1. 1st Punic War ended in defeat of Carthage

BC- 2nd Punic War - led by Carthage under General Hannibal -Carthage army of 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 60 elephants -Hannibal invaded Rome from north through Alps -For over a decade Hannibal marched up and down the Italian peninsula attacking

- Roman General Scipio devised a plan to attack Carthage -strategy forced Hannibal back home to protect Carthage -Rome defeated Carthage in 202 BC

BC- 3rd Punic War - Rome invaded Carthage, left it in ruins - After wars, Rome dominate in western Mediterranean

* P. 157 * Study the “comparing Republican Governments” Chart * Answer the Skill builder questions