Chapter 8 Section 1 World History Mrs. Deborah Thompson

Geography played an important role in the rise of Roman civilization.

Italy is a narrow peninsula in the Mediterranean that looks like a high- heeled boot jutting into the sea. The “heel” points toward Greece and the “toe” toward the island of Sicily.

Across the top are the Alps, craggy mountains that separate Italy from other European lands. T h e A p e n n i n e M o u n t a i n s r u n a l l t h e w a y d o w n t h e b o o t f r o m n o r t h t o s o u t h.

The Apennines can be crossed more easily than the mountains of Greece. This resulted in settlements not split up into isolated communities like in Greece. The farmland of these mountains was better than those of Greece. (more food means MORE PEOPLE!)

Groups from the north settled in Italy between 1500 B.C. and 1000 B.C. Newcomers were attracted to mild climate and rich soil, and among these were the Latins, who built the city of Rome on the plain of Latium in central Italy. People on the Move!

Where was Rome located? The site chosen was about 15 miles up the Tiber River from the Mediterranean Sea. Rome became a stopping point for people traveling north and south in western Italy and for merchant ships sailing in the western Mediterranean Sea. The Tiber River was a water source and outlet to the Mediterranean Sea. Rome was built on seven steep hills, so the Romans were able to protect their city from attack.

A bridge over the Tiber River

The traditional story is that twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded the city. As babies they were abandoned near the Tiber River and rescued by a wolf and raised by a shepherd.

 They decided to build the city in 753 B.C. but fought as Remus made fun of the wall that his brother was building. Romulus killed Remus and then became the first king of Rome.

Check for Understanding True or False 1. A myth is a true story. 2. Romulus and Remus were twin brothers. 3. The twin babies were thrown into the river Nile. 4. Italy and Greece are both peninsulas. 5. The babies were rescued by a she wolf. 6. Italy has three mountain ranges. 7.The brothers were found by a shepherd. 8. The land of Italy is shaped like a glove. 9. Remus killed Romulus. 10. Rome’s location helped it become a center for trade.

The other story involves the Aenied written by Roman poet Virgil. It is the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas. He and his followers are said to have sailed the Med. Sea after the Greeks captured Troy. The Trojans landed at the mouth of the Tiber. Aeneas united the Trojans and the Latins through war and then marriage to the local king’s daughter. He became the “father” of the Romans.

The other story involves the Aenied written by Roman poet Virgil. It is the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas. He and his followers are said to have sailed the Med. Sea after the Greeks captured Troy. The Trojans landed at the mouth of the Tiber. Aeneas united the Trojans and the Latins through war and then marriage to the local king’s daughter. He became the “father” of the Romans. Historians think the Latins arrived in the early 1000s B.C., tended sheep, built huts, and formed a community that eventually became Rome.

After 800 B.C., other groups migrated to Italy. From the Greeks the Romans learned to grow olives and grapes, the Greek alphabet, architecture, sculpture, and literature. The Greeks and the Etruscans played a major role in shaping Roman civilization. Many Greeks came when they were building colonies between 750 B.C. and 550 B.C.

were metalworkers who became rich from mining and trade forced slaves to do the heaviest work After 650 B.C. they moved south and took control of Rome and most of Latium. had tomb paintings that show men and women feasting, dancing, and playing music and sports The Etruscans lived north of Rome in Etruria.

They left behind painted scenes showing bloody battles and pride in their military. They had an army that served as the model for the mighty army the Romans eventuallyassembled. They changed Rome from a village of straw huts to a city with wood and brick buildings, streets, temples, public buildings around a central square More on the Etruscans! They taught Romans new dress with cloaks and togas (loose garments draped over one shoulder)

The Romans created a Republic and conquered Italy. By treating people fairly, they built Rome from a small city into a great power.

The Etruscans ruled Rome for more than 100 years. In 509 B.C. the Romans overthrew the Tarquins and set up a republic. In a republic the CITIZENS have power! The ruling family, called the Tarquins, grew more and more cruel. A republic is a form of government in which the leader is not a king or queen but someone put in office by citizens with the right to vote.

At the time Rome became a republic, it was still a small city with many enemies. In 338 B.C., they finally Defeated the other Latins nearby and defeated the Etruscans in 284 B.C. By 267 B.C., the Romans had conquered the Greeks in southern Italy and became the masters of almost all of Italy.

Every male citizen who owned land had to serve in the army. Discipline was harsh and deserters were put to death. Remember when I told you That the Romans used Realism in their sculpture? He is Scary Real!!

The results were … So this happened … Then this happened … And that led to this … Started with … They were problem solvers and developed effective military strategies. Each unit carried its own standard-a tall poll with a symbol. The standards helped keep units together. Roman soldiers, or legionaries, were armed with a short sword called a gladius and a spear called a pilum. At first they fought like the Greeks (shoulder to shoulder with spears in hand). The Roman generals organized soldiers into smaller groups called legions that had about 6,000 men. Groups were further divided into groups of 60 and 120 men and could easily cut through enemy lines.

Rome was able to conquer Italy because the Romans were excellent soldiers. All male citizens that owned land had to serve in the army. Discipline was harsh, and deserters were punished by death. kids/romancent.htm

Horrible Histories Video Conscription Decimation Surviving the Roman Army

They built permanent military settlements in the areas they conquered. They built roads between these towns that allowed troops to travel swiftly to any place in their growing territory.

They created the Roman Confederation to rule their new conquests. Romans gave full citizenship to some peoples, especially other Latins. Citizens could vote and serve in the government, and they were treated the same as other citizens under the law.

The Romans granted other peoples the status of allies. They knew that conquered peoples would be more loyal to the government if they were well treated. Allies were free to run their own local affairs but had to pay taxes to the republic and provide soldiers for the army. Romans were not afraid to use force if necessary to put down any revolt.