1. The Age of Rome in World History
Ancient Rome – Roman social, cultural, and political history

2. Geography Few natural harbors despite 2000 miles of coastline
Romans were not avid sailors
Most fertile land was on the west side of the mountains and northern region

3. Chronology of Roman History

4. Early Political Developments
Romulus and Remus – Rome founded 753 BCE
Etuscan kings (monarchy)
Building of the fourm
Cruel/corrupt kings made Rome ripe for revolution
Greek style city-state is founded in 509 BCE
The Republic!

5. The Republic 509 BCE – 31 BCE Patricians Plebians
Land-owning families, wealthy, respected, of old lineage; only class eligible for public office and the Senate
30% of the population;
70% of the wealth;
100% of the government
Plebians
Everybody else, with no representation in the early government.
“Struggle of Orders” led to compromise between the two groups 471BCE – left bitter feelings between the groups

6. Roman Legislative Body: Bureaucratic Tradition
Senate – Oldest body; originally the council of the king
Made up of Patricians only
There were other legislative bodies:
Tribal Assembly – open to Plebians (domestic legis.)
Centuriate Assembly
Elected officials – one year terms and barred from re- election (Some examples):
Consuls
Tribunes

7. Roman Society Gauls Etruscans Hill peoples Latins Greeks
Roman Family Values
Peitas
Fides
Religio
Gravitas
Virtus
Pater familias (father of the famliy)

8. Rise of Rome 509 BCE – 31 BCE 272 BCE controlled Italian peninsula
Governed wisely
Conquered peoples allies
Public works
Cities able to govern their own affairs, but two requests:
Rome controls foreign policy
Military aid when asked
Eventually given citizenship throughout peninsula