The Roman World
Geography: Shaped like a boot Borders the Mediterranean Sea Italy is a peninsula Shaped like a boot Borders the Mediterranean Sea
People of Rome: Latins – ancestors of the Romans Etruscans – settled north of Rome
The Roman Republic Officials (political leaders) were chosen by the people. Republic was set up to keep one person from gaining too much power.
The Roman Republic Senate 300 members All were patricians Served for life The senate could choose a dictator in an emergency who could rule for 6 months…why?
The Roman Republic Consuls Two were elected Supervised the business of the government and commanded the armies Served only one term Had to consult with the Senate for Checks and Balances….what is this?
The Roman Republic Plebeians - Eventually gained a place in government - Finally had laws written down (why important?) - Elected officials to a tribune. The tribune could veto laws that were unfair to the plebeians.
The Roman Society Men Had absolute power in a family Women Had a great amount of freedom Some ran businesses, but most worked in the home
The Roman Society Education - Both boys and girls attended school - Both upper and lower classes were educated Religion - Polytheistic - Had a calendar full of feasts and celebrations to honor the gods
Expansion Into Italy By 270 B.C. Rome controlled most of the Italian peninsula
Expansion Into Italy Citizen-Soldiers Legion – 5,000 men Fought without pay and supplied their own weapons If a unit fled from battle, 1 out of every 10 men was put to death…why?