1. What legacies were left to Western Society by the Romans?
The Roman Republic
What legacies were left to Western Society by the Romans?

2. The Senate would propose and vote on laws
Patricians form a republic, in which “citizens” can vote for representatives in the Senate (only Patricians)
The Senate would propose and vote on laws
Most citizens are Plebeians (farmers & merchants)
509BC: a group of rich nobles (Patricians) overthrow Rome’s king
The Plebeians want more say in the government
Plebeians force the writing down of Roman laws (12 tables)
All citizens would have the right to equal protection under the law
Except slaves who had no citizenship rights
Patricians
Plebeians

3. • The Justinian Code contained 5,000 Roman Laws
Next, Plebeians are allowed to serve in the government
Senate = Patricians
Two Assemblies = Plebeians
However, Senate had more power
Legal Legacies of Rome
1) All citizens are equal under the law
2) People are innocent until proven guilty
3) The accuser must prove their case, not the accused
4) Unreasonable or unfair laws would be set aside
Romans believed in a government of laws and not of men
1000 years later Emperor Justinian ordered the writing down of all laws
• The Justinian Code contained 5,000 Roman Laws
• The code was used in all legal matters - similar to the legal code be use today

4. 1. Romans = Republic = Representative Government (3 R’s)
Other Roman Legacies
1. Romans = Republic = Representative Government (3 R’s)
2. Stadiums

5. 3. Downtowns
4. Aqueducts
5. Language 6. Religion 7. Calendar 8. Architecture