Western Civilization Ms. Tully

 The Myth: Romulus and Remus (twins) abandoned by parents; nursed to health by she- wolf & raised by shepherd 753 BCE: decide to found city where wolf found them dispute over location --> Romulus kills Remus founds city, names it “Rome” after himself

 The Reality small settlements around seven hills near Tiber River  tribes called “Latins” (from Plains of Latium) separated by swampy marshland  isolated  vulnerable to attack  marshes needed to be drained (took years) Roman towns formed alliances  manpower, resources, etc.  Romans learned the value of alliances early

 Influence of Etruscans Early Italian tribe – basis for civilization in Italy Pomerium – sacred boundary (Roman walls) Alphabet Fasces – symbol of political authority Toga Forum – influenced by Greek agora  Transformed Rome from villages to a city

 Rome’s first gov’t – seven Etruscan kings Romulus (1 st )  “Rape” of Sabine women Ex. of centrality of marriage and legitimate birth for citizenship Integration of non- Romans into culture  Tarquin the Proud 7 th and last king Rape of Lucretia

 Alliances helped to create army  509 BCE: number of Roman wars with other tribes on Italian peninsula resolution  Roman Republic!  ~ 500 – 340 BCE: series of wars with Gauls (modern day FR, GR, SWZ) and other Italian tribes

 Roman religious cults, mythology, drama spread through Italy  Rome spread not just through conquest, but also through diplomacy and assimilation Oldest allies (Latin cities) got full citizenship Some got citizenship, but could not vote or hold office  Paid taxes, under Roman rule  but had benefits of being Roman, ran their own affairs  Extensive system of roads tied Roman cultures together, both physically and symbolically  Consolidation vs. domination of Greek poleis Extension of citizenship brought power

 Built of several hills – difficult for enemies to attack  Tiber river allowed for resources to be brought in/transportation  In the middle of the Mediterranean sea – easy trade/communication

Alps Apennines Mt. Vesuvius Mt. Etna Sicily Sardinia Corsia

Adriatic Sea Ionian Sea Mediterranean Sea Tyrrhenian Sea

Po Tiber

Turin Genoa Parma Padua Venice Florence Pisa Perugia Rome Naples Syracuse Palermo Messina