Welcome to Ancient Rome a tour created by Mrs. Tuttle

Geography Rome is situated on the Mediterranean Sea. The “boot” of Italy is a peninsula of Europe. The city of Rome was built on the banks of the Tiber River, on the seven hills of Rome

Geography

Early People According to legend Rome was founded by Romulus & Remus. Because of it’s location, Rome was settled by many people. Early Romans called themselves Latins. The people in northern Italy were the Etruscans. Eventually all of the people of the region were Roman.

The Roman Republic In a Republic, people elect leaders who represent them in the government. This is not a democracy since all of the elected officials came from the patrician class. These were the wealthy and powerful people of Rome The ordinary citizens of Rome were called plebeians.

The Roman Republic The Romans were ruled by two men serving as leaders together. They were called consuls and were elected each year to run the city and the army. The Roman Senate was a council of wealthy and powerful Romans who advised the consuls. In times of crisis a dictator was given absolute king-like power for a term of one year.

Government & Society Laws in the Republic were called the Twelve Tables, and they governed may parts of Roman life. The tables were displayed in the Forum, Rome’s public meeting place. The forum was built between two of the hills, the Palatine Hill, and the Capitoline Hill The forum was a center of politics, shopping, and a place for the public to gather. It is often called the heart of Roman society.

A Warrior Nation The strength of Rome lay with its powerful army. Much of the expansion of Rome came from its success in the Punic Wars. Rome was at war with Carthage, and defeated them gaining lands in Northern Africa, Spain, Corsica, & Sicily. The Romans defeated the great general Hannibal.

The Roman Empire Rome was a dangerous place in 70’s BC. There was much unrest & violence as politicians & generals tried to increase their power. Julius Caesar rose to power as a general and formed an alliance with Pompey & Crassus to rule Rome together. After the death of Pompey & Crassus, Caesar declared himself emperor. He was later assassinated in the Senate.

Pax Romana Pax Romana means Roman Peace in Latin. This era came about by the reign of Augustus Caesar following the death of Julius Caesar. Augustus, also known as Octavian, lead Rome to an era of prosperity and peace. He created the city’s first fire & police departments, improved public buildings, increased the water supply, and expanded it’s roads.

The Fall of Rome An empire as large as Rome is expensive to maintain. Emperors were forced to increase taxes, coin more money, and demand tribute from the provinces. The army was fighting many barbarian invaders to defend Rome. The empire was split into the Eastern & Western portions. In 410 Alaric led the Visigoths took over and pillaged the city of Rome.