1. Ancient Rome and the Roman Republic

2. Geography
-Located on the Italian peninsula, in the center of the Mediterranean Sea
-The Alps are in the North
-broad, fertile plains in the north and west
Rome is located:
-On the banks of the Tiber River
-On and around seven hills

3. Politics - 509 B.C. Rome is Founded
Romans drove out their Etruscan ruler and established a republic
They did not want one person to have all the power

4. Politics Rome grows strong and begins conquering the rest of Italy
-By 270 B.C., Rome controls most of the Italian peninsula
Military is made up of citizens
Rome conquered justly- allowing those conquered to keep their culture, customs, and government- as long as they supplied soldiers, paid taxes, and acknowledge Roman leadership

5. Structure of the Republic
Patricians= landholding upper class
Plebeians= farmers, merchants, artisans, traders; NO say in the government
Senate= governing body
Consuls= two patricians
Dictator= assigned to be in charge in the event of a war for six months
Patricians
Plebeians

6. Religion
-Romans were polytheistic-they believed in many gods and goddesses
-Many of the gods were adapted from the Greek gods
Greek God
Roman God
Zeus-ruler of all gods
Jupiter-ruler of all gods
Hera-wife of Zeus, protected marriage
Juno-wife of Jupiter, protected marriage
Poseidon-god of the sea
Neptune-god of the sea
Roman calendar is full of feasts and celebrations to honor the gods and goddesses
Temples for worship to ask for divine assistance

7. The Roman Forum