1. The Roman Republic Homework Review
Chapter 6 Section 1

2. Punic Wars
A series of 3 wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 B.C. to 146 B.C. over TRADE in the Mediterranean. (TRADE = $$ = POWER)
Rome wins and establishes itself as the superpower in the Mediterranean.

3. Hannibal
Carthaginian General of the 2nd Punic War (218 B.C. – 202 B.C.),
Invaded the Roman Peninsula by crossing the Alps and crushing Roman armies for 16 years (the Battle of Cannae in 216 B.C. – Rome’s worst defeat).
Eventually defeated by the Roman General Scipio at the Battle of Zama in North Africa in 202 B.C.

4. ADD: Scipio To your Ch 6.1 Vocab Opener
Roman General who attacks Carthage, lures Hannibal out of Italy and defeats him in 202 B.C. at the Battle of Zama in North Africa.

5. Add: Latin & the Latins
The Latins are the early settlers of the Italian boot (peninsula), to the north were the Etruscans, to the south were Greek colonies. The Latins settled in the middle and established the city of Rome as their capital.
Latin was their language.
Ex: E Pluribus Unum
– Out of many, one.

6. Add: The Etruscans
Northern Italians who were ruled Rome until 509 B.C.
Influenced the Romans greatly, the Romans copied Etruscan:
1) Architecture – The Arch.
2) The Alphabet
3) Metalwork – arms & armor, tools.
4) Religion – thought to be the origin of the Gladiator Games – Etruscan nobles would have two “slaves” fight in a death match for the honor of guarding their master in the afterlife.

7. Add: The Greeks
Colonized ( BC) the southern Italian boot and on Sicily.
These colonies were very prosperous and taught the early Romans a lot about commerce (trade) and influenced them greatly in many things like:
1) Religion (Every Greek god, like Zeus, had and equivalent Roman god, like Jupiter).
2) Art & Architecture: Temples, classical art, sculpture.
3) Government: democratic influences – citizens voting.

8. ADD to back: Republic
A form of democratic government in which citizens exercise the power of self government by voting for representatives who then make, enforce, and interpret the laws.
The Roman Senate:
Rome was a Republic
from 509 B.C. until ~44 B.C.

9. Dictator
Temporary office (max 6 months), elected only in times of great crisis. TOTAL POWER to make laws and command the military.
Cincinnatus: A
farmer who led Rome
as a dictator during crisis
& then gave up power
And went back to
His farm.

10. Patricians
The upper class “nobility” in Rome.
The aristocrats.

11. Plebeians
The common people of Rome.

12. Tribune
An office in the Republic of Rome, elected by the Plebeians to represent the common people and protect plebeian rights and interests in the Senate (which was made up of patricians).

13. Consul
Chief Executives (like our President), but Rome elected 2 Consuls for a 1 year term, Commander in Chief of military.

14. Senate
Chief law making body in ancient Rome’s Republic, 300 members, life terms, had to be patrician (aristocrat).

15. Legion
A roman army unit ~5,000 men. Each Legion was broken down into 10 smaller self-sufficient units called Cohorts that were made of 6 Centuries (100 men each) led by a Centurion.
This military organization is still used today by most modern armies – The US included!

16. Add: SPQR
Stands for a Latin phrase: Senatus Populus que Romanus ("The Senate and the People of Rome" or "The Senate and Roman People")
Symbol of the Republic.

17. 3. What limits were there on the power of the Roman consuls?
Only 1 year terms.
Two Consuls at a time checked each other’s power (veto power).
Could not hold the office again for 10 years.

18. 4. What was the significance of the twelve tables?
It was the written code of law for the Republic – like our constitution and Bill of Rights.
It assured equal protection under the law for all citizens.

19. 5. How was Hannibal’s attack on Rome daring and different?
Hannibal’s attack on Rome was daring and different because he led his army over the Alps and down into the boot of Italy for a surprise attack.

20. 6. Do you think the Roman Republic owed its success more to its form of government or its army? Why?
Mr. F’s Opinion: Its government - The Republic.
Why?
B/C the core of any successful military is its moral – any army must BELIEVE in its mission. If it does not - it is doomed to FAIL. The Republic stood for their Homeland and Freedom – each soldier participated.

21. 7. Do you agree with claims that early Rome had achieved a “balanced” government? Explain.
Yes b/c it combined the best features of:
A monarchy (the consuls & the occasional dictator with time limits that limited power).
Aristocracy (the senate – life term).
Elements of Democracy (the assemblies – centuriate & tribal).
12 Tables: Rule by law – citizens had RIGHTS.