1. Ancient Rome: Birth of the Republic

2. Journal Entry #5
Why is it so important to create a uniform system of laws in a society?
Why must those laws be made public?
When we study most ancient civilizations, are these legal codes focused on PUNISHMENT or REHABILITATION?

4. Geography Italian Peninsula
Boot-shaped Peninsula that juts south into the heart of the Mediterranean---KEY!
Halfway Point
Protected by the Alps to the North
Sea- Protection, Transportation
Rich Soil & Mild Climate!

5. Romulus & Remus Legend of the founding of Rome in 753 BCE
Twin brothers set adrift on Tiber River as babes
Instead raised by a she-wolf
Adopted by a Shephard who raise them as sons
-Agrarian Link-
Romulus & Remus decided to build city on Tiber
Fought over name, Romulus killed Remus & named Rome after himself

6. Etruscans Rome came under Etruscan rule around 616 BCE MONARCHY
Hugely Influential on the city of Rome
Arch in Architecture, 1st city walls & sewers, alphabet & number system, gladiator games & chariot races
Tarquin the Proud, the last Etruscan King, overthrown by Romans

7. Arch, Jewelry, Bronze Sculpture

8. Patricians v. Plebeians
NOBLES
Controlled all aspects of society
Politics, Religion, Economics, Military
COMMON PEOPLE
Little influence
Constant battle w/Patricians
Tribunes
Ability to Veto laws that adversely affected Plebeians

9. Establishment of the Republic
Republic – representative government; elected officials governed
Senate – 300 members; initially only Patricians
Upper class, landowners
Served for life
Made the Laws
TWO Consuls- Why Two?
Didn’t want another King!
Executives of the Gov’t (much like a president)
Command the Military
1 Term Limit, could only run again 10 years later
Dictator –times of emergency, 6 months only

11. Government Structure Based off an unwritten, flexible Constitution
-Political Structure, Source of Great Pride
Senate- 300 Members; Advised magistrates, controlled public finances & foreign relations; reviewed proposed laws
Tribunes- Plebeians; could veto laws that were harmful to plebeians
Assemblies- All Citizens voted on laws & elected magistrates; tried cases, declare war

13. Creation of the Roman Forum
Central Square in which all major government buildings & temples were located
Located b/w Palatine Hill (Wealthy) & Capitoline Hill (Temples)
Political, Social & Cultural Center of Rome
-Sound familiar? Greek Acropolis & Agora…
Law of the Twelve Tables- Displayed for all to see, at the Plebeians’ insistence; prevented Patrician judges from making unjust rulings against them

16. Law of Twelve Tables
In groups of 2-3, complete the Law of Twelve Tables Handout
One per Group, but all will be responsible for knowing the material!
Turn in upon completion
Big Q- Why is this so important to Roman Society?