1. Section 1: Geography and the Rise of Rome
The Roman Republic
Section 1: Geography and the Rise of Rome

2. The Geography of Italy Is a peninsula in southern Europe
Two major mountain ranges:
Alps – in the north
Apennines – runs the length of the peninsula
Mount Vesuvius – volcanic
Land that isn’t mountainous is covered with hills
Built cities on the hills for defense
Rome is built on seven hills and lies on the Tiber River
Warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters
Italy’s mild climate allows people to grow a wide variety of crops
Grains, citrus fruits, grapes, and olives
A plentiful food supply was one key factor in Rome’s early growth
The Geography of Italy

3. Rome’s Legendary Origins
Rome’s leaders told legends, or stories, about great heroes and kings who built the city
Aeneas
Trojan hero
Aeneas’ long and dangerous journey after fleeing Try after the Trojan War is told in the Aeneid
The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil, a poet
Romulus and Remus
Founders of Rome
Twin brothers
Thrown in a basket into the Tiber River, rescued by a wolf, and raised by a shepherd
Romulus killed Remus
Rome’s Legendary Origins

4. Early kings Romulus was the first king of Rome
Roman records list seven kings who ruled, none of them were Roman
Rome’s last three kings were Etruscans, members of a people who lived north of Rome
Etruscans lived in Italy before Rome was founded
Estruscan contributions:
Built huge temples
Rome’s first sewer
Romans learned their alphabet and numbers from them

5. The Early Republic Romans created a republic
People elect leaders to govern them
Each year they elected officials to rule the city
These officials only stayed in power for one year
These officials came from a small group of wealthy and powerful men
They held all the power
Romans were at war with other regions
They won most battles, but lost many lives and property
During difficult wars, Romans chose dictators
Rulers with almost absolute power
They could only stay in power for six months
The Early Republic

6. Roman society was divided into two groups:
Cincinnatus
One of Rome’s famous dictators
Was a farmer
Once the enemy was defeated, he resigned and returned to his farm long before his term was up
Roman society was divided into two groups:
Plebeians – common people
Peasants, traders, and other workers – majority of the population
Wanted changes in government where they had more say in how the city was run
They formed a council and elected their own officials
Patricians – nobles
Wealthy, powerful citizens
Only they were allowed to be elected to office
Held all the political power
Not allowed to participate in trade or commerce
Once the plebeians for a council, the patricians decided it was time to change the government