Rome Chapter 1 section 3 September 9, 2010
Patricians Wealthy upper class may hold public office Plebeians Craftsmen, Merchants may merely vote Slaves: no rights Social Order
Vote only Participate CitizensPlebeians RepresentativesPatricians Consul RomanGreek
Government The Republic: Ruled by elected representatives, patricians only Vote: slaves and women were not allowed to vote Structure Senate – elected officials 2 consuls ran the government and army 2 praetors dealt with law and justice
Roman Law – Justice for all Twelve Tables - laws only for Romans Law of Nations (Republic) New territories with different cultures required new codes based on Natural Law (universal law based on reason)
Examples of Roman Law An accused person was presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. The accused was permitted to face the accuser and offer a defense. Guilt had to be established through evidence. Judges were expected to interpret the laws and make fair decisions.
The Roman Empire Expansion: Rome controlled all of the Mediterranean by 0AD Needed strict control for the harmony of the state Pax Romana 14 – 180 AD
End of Republic Senator Julius Caesar forces Roman senate to make him dictator. Caesar is murdered by his friend, Brutus. Eventually, Senate crowns Julius Augustus King (14 AD) Roman Republic becomes Roman Empire – Tyrants rule like Nero and Caligula Empire falls in 476 AD. Europe enters the Dark Ages
Spread of Christianity AD
Consequences Christian Church organized in similar manner to Roman Empire – Pope, Cardinals, etc. Emphasis on virtue & duty to one’s community/state Importance of law and ethics to ensure a stable society. Value of the individual. (Humanism)
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