1. Chapter 8: The Rise of Rome
Rome’s Beginnings

2. Rome’s Beginnings Italy Shaped like a boot In the Mediterranean
“toe” points at Sicily
Alps border Italy in the North
Apennines extend North to south
Terrain easier to farm than Greece
Italy supported more people because of this!

3. Rome’s Beginnings Latins built Rome on the plain of Latium
Located in Central Italy on Tiber River
2 stories tell of Rome’s beginning
Remus and Romulus
Aeneas and the Trojan followers

4. Remus and Romulus
As babies, they were abandoned by the Tiber River, rescued by a wolf, raised by a shepherd. Built a city, had a fight, Romulus killed Remus, became king and named the city after himself

5. Aeneas and Trojan Followers
A famous Greek poet named Virgil wrote an epic called the Aeneid. Aeneas was the main character, a Trojan hero who along with his followers sailed the Mediterranean Sea after the Greeks captured Troy. He had many adventures ending with marriage to the king’s daughter. He united the Trojans and the Latins (local people) and became known as the “father” of Rome.

6. Rome’s Beginnings
Latins were influenced by Greeks and Etruscans especially
The Etruscans were skilled metal workers
The Etruscans were a model for Roman army

7. Rome’s Beginnings Tarquins Leaders of Etruscan-ruled Rome
Romans rebelled after 100 years of rule
Established a republic
Leader is not king or queen
Elected by citizen vote to office by citizens

8. Rome’s Beginnings Rome had large army Very powerful
Excellent and disciplined soldiers
Soldiers were good problem solvers
Legion is a group of 6,000 soldiers
Roads connected all of Rome’s military settlements

9. Rome’s Beginnings Roman Confederation
Gave full citizenship to some (vote, serve gov’t)
Others received status of allies (rule own local affairs)

10. Rome’s Government
Cicero Denounces Catiline: Fresco by Cesare Maccari (

11. Rome’s Government Two classes of people in Rome
Patricians: wealthy land owners; made up Rome’s ruling class
Plebeians: artisans, shopkeepers, owners of small farms (most citizens)

12. Roman Principles of Government
Government organized around a Constitution
Not written; Constitution was a verbal tradition.
Powers were separated.
Power shared (initially) by three branches.
Assembly, Senate, and Magistrate. Tripartite Government.

13. Assembly
Assemblies: Adult male Roman Citizens which passed the laws and elected magistrates
All adult males could vote.
A form of direct democracy

14. Senate
Senate: Wealthy, important citizens who helped to pass laws. They controlled Roman money and foreign policy. Most powerful part of government.
Only wealthy and politically connected could become Senators.
Positions were prestigious and very influential.

15. Magistrates
Magistrates: Elected Officials who enforced the law and judged cases.
Race of Honors
Started off in lower offices
Quaestor (kept track of money)
Aedile (maintain public buildings and festivals)
Tribune of Plebs: Powerful position where they could veto laws or acts of any magistrate.
Upper offices:
Praetor: Judged cases, managed city, and led armies
Consul: Two top officials in government. The shared power and could veto the other. Good idea? Why?

16. Rome’s Government
Roman Republic had a dictator who served people and was a temporary ruler during emergencies.
Cincinnatus best know early Roman dictator
Cincinnatus AKA Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus
Born: 519 BC Died: 430 BC Cause of death: unspecified
Gender: Male Religion: Pagan Race or Ethnicity: White Occupation: Military
Nationality: Ancient Rome Executive summary: Republican leader of Rome

17. Rome’s Government
Twelve Tables first code of laws was adopted around 451 B.C
Basis of all future Roman laws
Law of Nations created to address issues of conquered people
Rule of law is idea that laws should apply to everyone equally
Table 1 and Table 2: Civil Procedure
Table 3: Debt
Table 4: Parents and Children
Table 5: Inheritance
Table 6 and Table 7: Property
Table 8: Torts (causing harm to another)
Table 9: Capital Punishment
Table 10: Funeral Regulations
Table 11: Marriage
Table 12:Crimes

18. How did Rome grow from a small Republic to a huge empire?
From what we know about large empires, how do empires gain more territory?
Colonization?
Conquering?
How do you think Rome did it?
War, of course. But, who did the Romans fight against?

19. Punic Wars.