1. Rome

2. Geography of Italy Long narrow peninsula
Apennine Mts. Divide east and west – less rugged than in Greece
Fertile plains for farming – support a large population
Rome – good central location on river with access to sea but far enough and high enough to be safe
Geography of Italy

3. Latins – herders and farmers. Spoke Latin, an Indo-European language.
Greeks – settled on coast and in Sicily. Grew lives and grapes. Passed on alphabet and architecture styles
Etruscans – had the most influence in early Rome. Turned Rome into a city, togas were used as dress, organized Roman army
People of Italy

4. Started with monarchs – 7 of them, three were Etruscans
Overthrew last king and established a republic
Republic = leader is not a monarch and certain citizens have the right to vote.
This led to 300 years of conquering other peoples and expanding Rome
Early Government

5. Livy – Roman historian wrote stories to teach Romans the virtues that made Rome great - Believed in duty- courage, and discipline
1. Good diplomats – allowed extensions of Rome to control their own affairs but crushed rebellions without hesitation
2. Great military – good strategy and determined even in defeat
3. Law and government – did not to build perfect government – changed their government as problems arose
Rome’s Success

6. Government of Rome Divided into two groups (orders)
Patricians – great landowners, ruling class
Plebeians – less wealthy landowners, craftspeople, merchants, and small farmers
Both could vote but only patricians elected officials
Chief executive officers were the consuls and praetors
Consuls – 2 chosen to lead Roman army
Praetors – in charge of civil law
Government of Rome

7. Senate – 300 patricians who served for life
Senate – 300 patricians who served for life. Advise government officials and had the force of law
Centuriate assembly – people’s assembly
Council of Plebs – group of Plebs only with Tribune of Plebs as the head. Goal to protect the plebeians
Gov’t Cont

8. System of Law Greatest gift to the Mediterranean
First law code was the Twelve Tables – based on farming community but gave basis for sophisticated civil law
Law of Nations – natural or universal law. Controlled both Romans and conquered lands.
Innocent until proven guilty
Defend yourself against a judge
Look at evidence carefully
System of Law