1. THE
ROMAN
REPUBLIC
UNIT 2 – GREECE AND ROME
LECTURE 4

2. Ancient Rome and Early Christianity, 500 B.C.– A.D. 500
CHAPTER 6
The Roman Republic
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
The Roman Empire
SECTION 4
The Fall of the Roman Empire
These are my notes for slide 2
SECTION 5
Rome and the Roots of Western Civilization

3. OBJECTIVES
CORE OBJECTIVE: Analyze the impact of Ancient Rome and how it continues to impact our lives today.
Objective 4.1: Explain the main institutions of the Roman Republic.
Objective 4.2: Describe the major events, cultural characteristics, and individuals in the Pax Romana empire.
Objective 4.3: Summarize and trace the fall of the Roman Empire.
Objective 4.4: Describe the legacy and achievements of Roman civilization.
THEME: The Roman culture will have a significant impact and influence on many other world cultures.

4. THE ROMAN REPUBLIC CHAPTER 6 SECTION 1
The early Romans establish a republic, which grows powerful and spreads its influence.

5. Rome is the capital of present day Italy.
Rome was the capital of the ancient Roman Empire.
The Romans were a practical and hard-working people, and her sturdy farmers made good soldiers.
Rome was only a small town on the Tiber River when Athens was at the height of its glory.

6. The Romans adopted Hellenistic culture.
Rome grew to become a strong city-state at about the time of Alexander the Great.
Their gods, arts, and architecture resembled those of the Greeks.

7. THE ORIGINS OF ROME Rome’s Geography The First Romans
Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location
Located on Italian peninsula in center of Mediterranean Sea
Built on seven hills on Tiber River
The myth is that twins sons Romulus and Remus of the god Mars founded the city around 753 B.C.
The First Romans
Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans compete for control of region
Latins found original settlement of Rome between 1000 and 500 B.C.
Etruscans native to northern Italy; influence Roman civilization

8. THE EARLY REPUBLIC Early Rulers
Around 600 B.C., Etruscan kings begin to rule Rome
Kings build Rome’s first temples and public centers
Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan king Tarquin in 509 B.C.
Romans found a republic—government in which citizens elect leaders

9. PATRICIANS AND PLEBIANS
Different groups struggle for power in early Roman Republic
Patricians — wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power
Plebeians — artisans, merchants, and farmers; can vote, can’t rule
Tribunes — elected representatives protect plebeians’ political rights

10. ROMAN LAW Twelve Tables
In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets
Called Twelve Tables, they become basis for later Roman law
Laws confirm right of all free citizens to protection of the law
Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners
Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum

11. EVOLUTION OF THE ROMAN FORUM
History Channel video

12. GOVERNMENT Government Under the Republic
Rome elects two consuls — one to lead army, one to direct government (Monarchy)
Senate — chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign, domestic policy (Aristocracy)
300 members chosen from upper class
Democratic assemblies elect tribunes, make laws for common people (Democracy)
Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis
Only for 6 months
Chosen by consul; elected by Senate

13. MILITARY The Roman Army Rome Conquers Italy Rome’s Commercial Network
Roman legion — military unit of 5,000 infantry; supported by cavalry
Army is powerful; key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness
Rome Conquers Italy
Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south
By 265 B.C., Rome controls Italian peninsula
Conquered peoples treated justly; this enables Rome to grow
Rome’s Commercial Network
Rome establishes large trading network
Access to Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes
Carthage, powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome

14. Carthage and the Punic Wars

15. Punic wars War with Carthage Rome Triumphs
Rome and Carthage begin Punic Wars — three wars between 264–146 B.C.
Rome defeats Carthage, wins Sicily, in first 23-year war
Hannibal — Carthaginian general — avenges defeat in Second Punic War
Attacks Italy through Spain and France, doesn’t take Rome
Rome Triumphs
Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 B.C.
Rome destroys Carthage, enslaves people in last war (149–146 B.C.)

16. Carthage was an ancient city on the coast of North Africa.
It was a powerful rival of Rome.
From BC, Carthage and the Roman Republic fought three Punic Wars.
During the second war, a general from Carthage named Hannibal led a huge army supported by war elephants from Spain through the Alps into Italy, a troop movement considered one of the greatest in history.

17. Hannibal could not be stopped.
He was threatening Rome when Roman armies attacked Carthage, forcing Hannibal to return to protect his homeland.
Hannibal later poisoned himself rather than become a prisoner of the Romans.

18. Rome settled things permanently with the Third Punic War.
In the third and final Punic War, Roman armies burned Carthage to the ground and plowed under the remains.
The people of Carthage were sold into slavery.
With Carthage out of the way, Rome was free to expand into new territories including Spain, Greece, and Egypt.

19. Punic wars map