The Myth Romulus and Remus were twin brothers born to the gods Mars and Venus and who were raised by a she-wolf. They built a city near the point where they were raised. Romulus slay his own brother and became Rome’s first king.

The Facts Rome was settled by a group of farmers and shepherds called the Latins. 3 groups (Greeks, Etruscans, and Latins) competed for control. The earliest Romans settled in the region known as Latium. Rome became one of many city- states of the Etruscans around 650 B.C.E.

The Etruscans were a military ruling class who conquered and exploited the Italians (early people groups with a similar language in Italy) Romans grew tired of Etruscan kings and broke away in 509 B.C.E. The Etruscans would have the greatest influence on Roman culture.

Influence on Roman Culture Etruscan Influence –Religious Rituals –Alphabet –Importance of Family –Architecture Arches Greek Influence –Religion (Gods) –Government –Parts of their art and architecture

The Gate of Volterra: First known Archway in History!

Romans Expel Etruscans The city of Rome flourished under the Etruscans as a center for communication and trade. The Roman aristocrats (wealthy landowners) overthrew the Etruscan king. They vowed to never be ruled by a king again and established a new government. (509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.)

How would you ensure that you (the Romans) would never again be ruled by a king? What type of government would you use? How would you deal with problems?

Power rests with the citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders. The role of government was to implement the Roman will, not develop new laws. 3 forms of government were represented in the Republic (Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy) (509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.) Early Republic Ideas

(Selected)

(509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.) 12 Tables 10 officials in 451 B.C. Laws were hung in the forum (center of Roman government) Established the idea that all free citizens had a right to protection of the law Became the basis for all Roman law How would the plebians and patricians feel about this?

Hypothetical reconstruction of Roman Forum in Imperial times. Watercolor (18th century), Giuseppe Becchetti

(509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.) Citizens Citizenship was given to all adult male landowners. Senate (Aristocracy) 300 members chosen from the Roman upper class (patricians). Membership for life. Made decisions on foreign and domestic policies. How much power would this group have and why?

(509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.) Consuls (Monarchy) Rome elected two consuls. Commanded the army and Directed the government Limited Power One year term One consul could veto another consul

(509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.) Popular Assemblies (Democracy) All citizen-soldiers Appointed the consuls and made laws Was controlled by patricians. Centuriate Assembly Tribal Assembly Controlled by plebians who fought for a voice during the Struggle of the Orders. Elected tribunes to represent their interests and mad laws for themselves.

Patricians vs. Plebeians STRUGGLE FOR POWER: CLASS CONFLICT Patricians- wealthy landowners who held most of the power: inherited power and social status Plebeians- (Plebs) common farmers, artisans and merchants who made up the majority of the population: can vote, but can’t rule What problems would you see arising between these two groups? (509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.)

Dictators Could be appointed by the consul and senate in times of crisis. Absolute power to make laws and lead the army. Rule only lasted 6 months. Why would they want to do this? What problems could arise? What is your opinion of the Republic system? Explain.

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy & the Mediterranean World?

The Roman Army All citizens were required to serve Army was powerful Known for its organization & fighting skill Legion- military unit of 5,000 infantry (foot soldiers) supported by cavalry (horseback) Each legion could break into smaller units (called centuries) to fight independently. (509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.)

Roman Expansion Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south Treatment of Conquered: –Forge alliances (conquered people sent men for military) –Offer citizenship to some (some had to earn it) –Harsh punishment for rebels By 265 B.C.E., Rome controls Italian peninsula

Rome’s Commercial Network Rome establishes a large trading network Access to Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes Carthage, powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome (509 B.C.E. – 27 B.C.E.)

( B.C.) Three Wars between Rome and Carthage 1 st Punic War – naval battle. Cathage was known for navy (ships would ram other ships and sink them) Rome had a small navy. Romans used new ships and hooks to pull along side the other ships and board them. (hand-to-hand combat) Rome won and controlled Western Mediterranean

2 nd Punic War- Carthaginian General Hannibal’s “surprise” attack through Spain & France (crossing the Alps) 60,000 soldiers and 60 elephants Romans experience severe losses, but eventually ward off attacks Scipio decides to invade Carthage and force Hannibal to go defend his home. Hannibal was then defeated in 202 B.C.E. ( B.C.)

3 rd Punic War- Romans were still angry over Hannibal’s invasion. Cato: “Carthage must be destroyed.” Rome seizes a weak Carthage Scipio - Roman Strategist Entire population of Carthage sold into slavery ( B.C.)

The sum is better than its parts All Romans (dead, living, and unborn) are the same (Roman Unity) Function and Structure over style

The sum is better than the parts. All Romans are the same. Function and structure over style. Good because: Bad because: Example: