1. Early Rome & Early Republic (pg. 326-329)
I. Legends of Rome’s origins
A. Aeneas
1.Trojan hero
2. Came to Italy after Trojan war
3. Formed an alliance with the Latins
4. Descendents became prominent rulers in Italy
B. Romulus and Remus
1. Twin brothers
2. Raised by a wolf and then a shepherd
3. Romulus killed Remus
4. Romulus built Rome.

2. C. Rome’s Early Kings
1. Romans and Etruscans were kings
2.Etruscan kings contributed to Roman society
3. People no longer wanted kings, so they developed a new government system.
II. The Early Republic
A. Republic :people elect leaders to govern them
B. Elected officials from a small group of wealthy and powerful men.
C. Challenged from outside
1. During times of war, Rome chose a dictator to rule them.
2. After 6 months or end of conflict, dictator gave up power
3. Most famous dictator: Cincinnatus who fought and then went back to his farm.

3. Early Roman Society D. Challenges within Rome 1. Plebeians
a. commoners
b. They called for change in the government to give them more say in how things were run.
c. They also formed a council and elected their own officials.
2. Patricians
a. held almost all political power.
b. Only patricians could be elected to office.
c. Fearing that Rome would be split in two, they decided it was time to change the government.