Aim: How did early Romans establish a powerful Republic? Do Now: By looking at the map, What advantages does Rome have based on its location? Standards: 2 and 5 HW- Due Friday

The Beginnings of Rome  According to Roman legend, twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded the city in 753 B.C.

The Beginnings of Rome  Three groups inhabited the Italian peninsula: The Greeks, The Latins and the Etruscans  The Greeks were very influential to Rome. (Grapes, olives and trade)  The Etruscans were native to Northern Italy.  The Etruscans had a system of writing, and the Romans adopted their alphabet. They also influenced Rome’s architecture, especially the use of the arch.

Beginnings of Rome  The Romans borrowed religious ideas from both the Greeks and the Etruscans.  Roman gods were very similar to Greek Gods:  Zeus = Jupiter

The Early Republic  Rome began a republic: a form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote to select their leaders.  Citizenship was only granted to free-born male citizens  In the early republic, different groups of Romans struggled for power.

The Early Republic  a. Patricians: landowner who held most of the power.  There power was inherited.  They believed their ancestry gave them the authority to make laws for Rome and its people.

The Early Republic  Plebeians: the common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up the majority of the population  Plebeians had a right to vote  They were not allowed by law to hold a high position in government

 The two sides fought for many years on how power in the republic should be divided. Eventually they settled on allowing the Plebeians to have there own body in the government called the tribunes.  Tribune: protected the right of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials.

Task:  In pairs create a dialogue between a patrician and plebeian arguing over who has the right to control Rome’s Republic. Why does one believe they should have the power? What solution can you come up with? Each person should have 3 lines of meaningful dialogue. This will be collected and performed in class.