6.1: Early Romans Create a Republic
Legend- Rome was founded by twins Romulus & Remus in 753 B.C
Romans modeled their philosophy & lit. after Greece (Zeus became Jupiter) What things are named after Roman gods?
The Early Republic Last king (Tarquin) was replaced by a republic= a form of gov’t which power rests w/ citizens who have the right to vote to select their leaders
Struggles for power in the early republic Patricians= $ (minority) Plebeians= little $ (majority) Unwritten laws= unfair ruling of plebeians 12 tables= 1st written laws of Rome- publicly displayed land owners who held most of the power farmers, artisans, &merchants
Gov’t Under the Republic 2 consuls controlled army & gov’t; 1yr term (powerful officials elected each year to command the army and direct the gov’t) Senate- 300 members (term held for life) Assemblies- all citizen-soldiers; appointed consuls Praetors- 8 judges (criminal & civil) Legal Code- 12 Tables
Dictator- Chosen by consuls, elected by senate in times of crisis; term lasted 6 mo
Assemblies- all citizen-soldiers (appointed the consuls) Senate- 300 members Serve for life 2 consuls controlled army & gov’t; 1yr term Dictator- Chosen by consuls, elected by senate in times of crisis; term lasted 6 mo
Roman Senate
Roman Army All landowners had to serve Organized into legions= infantry & cavalry
Rome Spreads its Power 3 Punic Wars: Rome v. Carthage on/off about 100 yrs; Rome defeated Carthage (Rome won all 3 wars) Hannibal, a Carthigan General, almost captured Rome during the 2 nd Punic War
Who founded the city of Rome? Who did the Romans improve on? What characterizes a republic as a form of gov’t? Difference b/t plebeians & patricians? Who commanded the army & directed the gov’t? What about during times of crisis? What is the huge military unit? What were the Punic Wars? What is the evidence that Hannibal was an excellent military strategist?