1. The Founding of Rome

4. Geography of Italy
Italy is a peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean.
The Apennines mountain range
“Backbone of Italy”
Doesn’t divide Italy like the mountains in Greece did.
The Tiber River
River allows them to get to the sea.
Being inland keeps them safe from sea threats.
Rome was located on seven hills.
Easy to defend.

5. The People of Italy
There were a few different groups of people living in and around Italy that influenced Roman culture…
Latins
Lived near Rome.
Were herders and farmers.
Rome adopts their spoken language
Sicilians
Mostly Greeks that had migrated to Sicily.
Impacted Roman architecture, sculpture, and literature.
Rome takes their alphabet
Etruscans
Had the largest impact on early Rome.
Took control of Rome and turned it into a city.
Romans adopted Etruscan dress and military organization.

6. Early Roman Social Structure
Rome was divided into two main classes.
Patricians
Wealthy landowners.
Plebeians
Less wealthy landowners, small farmers, craftsmen, merchants.
The “working class”

7. Early Roman Government
Assemblies
Advised the Senate
Council of Plebs
Plebeian's “voice”
Could “veto” legislation by civil disobedience.
Consuls
Two, elected to one year terms.
Led Rome both politically and militarily.
Praetors
Judicial Branch
Enforced the laws.
Senate
300, elected.
Discussed, passed legislation.
Patricians only!
REPUBLIC
*Form of government in which the people elect representatives to do their will.

9. Early Roman Law
The Twelve Tables
Created c. 450 B.C.