1. Roman Republic & Christianity
Chapter 6

2. I. Roman Republic
Greece polis began to decline and Rome grew into a mighty empire
Romans preserve and add to Greek civilization
According to Roman legend Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus
Twin sons of the god Mars and a princess

4. A. Early Republic
Rome grew from a small city to a city that covered 500 square miles
Republic – Government where power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders
Free-born, property-owning males were allowed to vote

5. B. Patricians vs. Plebeians
Patricians – Wealthy landowners who owned most of Rome’s land
Inherited their social class, wealth and power
Plebeians – Common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up most of the population but could not make laws
Tribunes – Plebeian assemblies that protect plebeians from unfair acts by the patricians

6. C. Government Under the Republic
Consuls – Like kings, commanded the army and directed government
Elected to one year terms to prevent them from becoming too powerful
Senate – Aristocratic branch of government that made the laws
Elected by the voters

7. Roman Forum

8. Dictator – Leaders who had absolute power to make laws and command the army
Appointed by the Senate during times of crisis
Dictator’s power only lasted for 6 months

9. D. Rome Spreads its Power
264 BC – Rome ruled most of Italy
Location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea made Rome an ideal place to trade
Helped spread Roman Culture

11. E. Punic Wars ( BC)
Carthage – Powerful African city that challenged Roman’s access to the Mediterranean Sea
Punic Wars – Three wars fought between Rome and Carthage
1st Punic War – Naval battle over Sicily – Rome wins

12. Second Punic War – Carthage attacks Rome
Hannibal – Carthage general who led an army of 500,000 men
March across Italy for 10 years destroying everything in his path until he was defeated
Rome wins again

13. Hannibal and His Armies

15. 3rd Punic War – Rome sacks the city of Carthage – Cato the Elder
Set fire to city and kill most of the adult males
Took the remaining people back to Rome and made them slaves

16. Rome wins again
Major result of the Punic Wars is that Rome is able to dominate the Mediterranean Sea