1 ANCIENT ROME

2 Introduction Latins 1500 BCE crossed Alps, invaded Italy founded Rome on Tiber River according to legend Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus Etruscans Took Italy around 750 BCE New technologies (construction, weapons, tactics), but were driven out around 500 BCE

3 Social Classes Classes Patricians: Upper class, could hold public office Plebeians: lower class (could not hold office, but over time, Rome became more democratic and Plebeians gained rights) Plebeians demanded a law code for fair treatment and eventually law was written into the Twelve Tables which were displayed at the Forum

4 Early Rome Government: Republic, Aristocracy (power in the hands of the wealthy nobles) 2 Consuls (terms of 1 year), each could veto (“I forbid”) the other In an emergency a dictator could be elected for 6 months 300 Senators (life terms)

5 Religion The early Romans worshipped nature spirits Borrowed Greek gods and goddesses Believed in foretelling the future

6 Rome Expands Powerful, well-trained army; troops fighting for their own freedom, not a despot quick troop movement Treated those they conquered well; could either become partial or full Roman citizens

7 Army Well trained Deserters put to death Every male citizen had to serve when needed Had Legions of 6000 men in units of men Centurion Legate Legionary

8 Punic Wars chief rival = Carthage (originally Phoenician which the Romans called Punic) 1st Punic War, Rome takes Sicily ( BCE) 2nd Punic War, Hannibal Spain, over Alps into Italy, Rome wins ( BCE) 3rd Punic War, Rome sacks Carthage, Cato “Carthago Delende Est!” ( BCE)

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10 Conquests Conquers Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor (eventually entire Mediterranean) Results Greek Culture (Hellenism) spread and copied by Rome Wealth to Nobles, Merchants, and Governmentt officials Ruin small farmers and workers: could not compete with slaves Type of soldier changes: Mercenaries hired because small farmers could no longer be soldiers