Warm-up Ancient Rome Read Pages in the textbook 1.What is a Republic and how did Rome become a Republic? 2.What were the 12 tables, who were they important to and why were they important? 3.What was the Roman Senate? 4.Why is Roman law important to us today? Give examples of important Roman Laws used today. 5.What are Rome’s greatest legacies?

Ancient Rome Answers 1. What is a Republic and how did Rome become a Republic? 2. What were the 12 tables, who were they important to and why were they important? A republic is a form of government in which power rests with the citizens who have a right to elect leaders to make the decisions. In 509 BC, Roman aristocrats overthrew a harsh king. They set up a new government, calling it a republic. The twelve tables were Roman laws that were carved into stone and placed on public display. They were an important victory for the plebians, and were important because laws were now written down, which gave every citizen the right to be protected under the law and that laws would be fairly administered.

3. What was the Roman Senate? 4. Why is Roman law important to us today? Give examples of important Roman laws used today. 5. What are Rome’s greatest legacies? The Senate was one of three legislative houses, which were made up with the Patricians (higher social status). The Senate controlled foreign and financial policies and could create a dictator (for 6mos) in times of crisis. All other citizens made up the other two assemblies. Since the Romans spread their laws throughout the empire many places still use it today. These include: the rights for citizens to have equal treatment under the law, innocent until proven guilty, burden of proof resting with the accuser, and not allowing unreasonable or grossly unfair laws. The idea of a republic; individuals were citizens of the state, not a subject of the monarch; the laws should be applied equally and impartially to all citizens; and written laws are some of Rome’s greatest legacies.