The Roman Republic

Beginnings of Rome Greeks influence Etruscans, Etruscans influence early Rome, alphabet, architecture Rome revolts, kicks out Etruscans Rome becomes a republic

Roman Republic Elected officials ran the state, Three Parts (Branches) of Government- Senate, Elected Officials, and various popular assemblies. Republic = Representatives (Rome) Democracy = All Free-Men (Greece) What is the U.S?

The Senate 300 members Advised elected officials, controlled finances and foreign affairs, reviewed laws Did not write legislation (laws)

The Senate

Assemblies Centuriate Assembly - most important assembly Basically the Roman army in it’s political form. Elected magistrates (leaders), approved laws, tried court cases, declared war

Elected Officials Two Consuls (leaders) elected for one year, Praetors: ruled when Consuls were away, execution of justice Censors: conducting census, control over conduct and morals. Chief executive, commander of the army Ran the city’s daily affairs, led the army, acted as judges and priests. Appointed dictators.

The Forum Center of city, site of most important governmental buildings. Popular place for shopping and gossip Does this sound familiar to today?

The Roman Forum

Day 2: Quick-Write Take a minute to brainstorm: 1.) What characteristics add to the decline of civilizations? Think back to Unit 1 (Mesopotamia, Hebrews, Egyptians) and Unit 2 (Mycenae, Greece) what were some of the reasons these civilizations declined? 2.) Now take some of the ideas from above and hypothesize what characteristics might lead to the eventual decline of the Roman Republic?

The Roman Conquest of Italy - Why were they successful? All men served, age of service 17-46, had to own some land. Never give up attitude, Allowed conquered cities to become Roman allies, some people were allowed to become Roman citizens. Conquered cities were allowed to govern, but had to give soldiers to Rome when needed.

Military Success Great Diplomats, great tactics Could be firm and cruel when they had to be. Built roads to conquered cities, makes easier communication.

Punic Wars Rome expanded into the Mediterranean region. Conflict with Carthage (Northern Africa) 1st Punic war, Rome dominated by Carthage navy, Rome builds a navy and wins 2nd Punic War, Hannibal raids Italy with superior forces. (War Elephants) Rome attacks Carthage and wins,(Scipio Africanus) 3rd Punic War, Carthage is sacked and burned. Rome controlled all of the Mediterranean.

Decline of Republic Large territories, pressures to govern. Tension in social classes rise. Social War – Roman allies that were denied citizenship revolt. Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus, First Triumvirate (rule of three men). Caesar becomes dictator for life

From Republic to Empire Caesar killed “Et tu Brute?” Second Triumvirate (Octavian and Marc Anthony) fails (civil war again) Octavian wins and becomes first Roman Emperor. Anthony and Cleopatra commit suicide.

Republic to Empire in three steps Conquests of Italy, War with Carthage, conquest of The Mediterranean Conquests and annexation of the Hellenistic kingdoms.

Characteristics of Decline Powerful individuals fighting for power (Caesar, Octavian etc…) lead to civil wars Too much military in politics (Marius, Sulla, Caesar, Octavian) Expansive territories and governing problems. Expansion of territories, (Italy, Mediterranean, Hellenistic kingdoms)

Day 3: The Roman Empire Age of Augustus: stabilized Rome, Encouraged creativity especially literature to enhance his fame. “I found Rome built of bricks, I left her clothed in marble.” After Augustus Octavian dies, followed by a series of unfit emperors. (Nero, Caligula)

The Good Emperors 5 good emperors, mostly from the provinces Opened up imperial society to provincial elites Hadrian, built up defenses (Hadrian’s Wall 73 miles long) Expanded Roman Territories,

Pax Romana (Roman Peace) Period of Peace From Augustus to end of The Good Emperors

Major Unifying Forces Government: United the territories and provinces Local rulers under the rule of Rome Legal System: Stable laws and legal system Trade and Transportation: Agriculture (main trade) extensive road network and sea trade.

Day 4: Rise of Christianity Jews did not abandon their religion Jewish Uprising, coming of the Messiah Jesus of Nazareth began teaching Performed Miracles, persecuted and killed

The Teachings of Christianity It taught to seek forgiveness for their sins, Love others as you love yourself Humility, mercy and charity.

The Spread of Christianity Paul, a Jewish Apostle spread the word. Not just Jews, but to Gentiles (non-Jews) Did away with some Jewish customs, (Kosher) Made it a broader religion

The Spread of Christianity Persecution made Martyrs Martyrdom inspired others to believe. Persecuted at the local level, not imperial

Imperial Approval Emperor Constantine has a vision, Officially converts to Christianity Edict of Milan – Made Christianity legal Christianity grew, polytheism faded.

Interesting Practices

Day 5: Byzantine Empire Byzantine Empire = Eastern Roman Capital (Constantinople) Split by Constantine Eastern Empire was successful

Justinian Strong willed wife (Theodora) Rebuilt Constantinople (Hagia Sophia) Codification of Roman Law (Simplified the laws) Attempted to restore East and West Empires.

Hagia Sophia