1. Chapter 17 Section 1 On the Banks of the Tiber

2. Anticipatory Set
Most civilizations have myths or legends about their history. Can you name some American myths or legends?
Johnny Appleseed is one for example
Most myths and legends tell us about civilizations. What do myths and legends tell us about civilizations?
Beliefs and values
History of a civilization

3. Standards S.S. 6.7.1 E-LA Reading 6.1.3
Identify the location and describe the rise of the Roman Republic, including the importance of such mythical and historical figures as Aeneas, Romulus and Remus, Cincinnatus, Julius Caesar, and Cicero.
E-LA Reading 6.1.3
Recognize the origins and meanings of frequency used foreign words in English and use these words accurately in speaking and writing

4. Objective
Students will learn about the location and origins of Rome

5. Language of the Discipline
Arable Land
Arid
Virgil
Divine
Navigate

6. The Location of Rome (Input)
Rome is located near the center of the Italian Peninsula shaped like a “boot”
It extends from southern Europe into the Mediterranean Sea
A high mountain range called the Alps separates the peninsula from the rest of Europe
Rivers flow across the peninsula to the Mediterranean
Another long mountain range called the Apennines runs down the center to the “toe” of the Italian Peninsula

7. Rome’s Geographic Setting (Input)
The Italian Peninsula is similar to Greece
They have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers
They have natural harbors
Suited for trading with lands surrounding the sea
They are linked by land to the rest of Europe
The Italian Peninsula is also different
Less rugged landscape
Several large plains (this gave arable land, or land suited for farming)
Several navigable rivers that provide water and transportation routes

8. Geography of Rome (Input)

9. The Tiber River (Input)
The Tiber River stretches for more than 250 miles, making it the second longest river in present-day Italy
The waters evenly flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea after passing through Rome
It drains in a region called Latium
Latium is rather arid, or dry today but was green and lush in ancient times
There are many volcanoes in this region
Ash helped create fertile soil
Before reaching the sea the Tiber flows through an area of low hills. On those banks Rome was founded

10. The Tiber River (Input)

11. The Origins of Rome (Input)
Around 1000 B.C. the Latin’s settled in Latium
They founded a village on Palatine Hill, one of the 7 hills on the east bank of the Tiber River (about 15 miles from the sea)
Later on other villages settled on nearby hills
Those hilltop villages later would become the city of Rome

12. Palatine Hill (Input)

13. Founding Myths (Input)
The Romans had two myths regarding their cities origins
One appears in the Aeneid, an epic poem by Virgil
This poem describes the journey of a Trojan warrior named Aeneas who escaped from Troy after its defeat by the Greeks in the Trojan War
Aeneas traveled until he reached Latium and married a Latin princess, then founded a town. Eventually he descendants found Rome.
This myth became well known for its patriotic portrayal and Virgil was known as a national poet

14. Founding Myths (Input)
The second myth has to do with two of Aeneas’ descendants; twins named Romulus and Remus.
This includes both Greek and Roman mythology
Like Hercules the twins were born with a human mother and a divine, or godlike, father, the god of Mars
A jealous uncle had the babies put in a basket and thrown into the Tiber
The boys were saved by a she-wolf and raised by a shepherd
When they grew up the went to look for a new city and could not agree so during their heated dispute Romulus killed Remus.
He then founded Rome on Palatine Hill and named himself the first king of Rome

15. Founding Myths (Input
Legend states that Palatine Hill was the location Romulus and Remus had been rescued and raised
During later time periods Palatine Hill was home of Rome’s most prominent citizens
These myths are not facts but do tell something about Roman people, they believed Rome was destined for greatness
They wanted to link its history to gods and legendary heroes
They did this to glorify Rome’s beginnings as well as its founders

16. Growth of the City (Input)
For many years Rome remained a collection of tiny villages
Those villages grew together and formed a single city covering the 7 hills on the banks of the Tiber
At this time the population increased to 80,000 people
It’s location also helped Rome to grow
The hills became a natural defense against attack where they could start at the bottom and run to the top for safety
The river gave access to a nearby port where small boats could navigate, or make their way, by river to sea

17. Growth of the City (Input)
Romans used the river to transport trade goods such as grain
The river was so fats and dangerous for large boats so Rome could never be attacked by large ships
Rome was located on key trade routes
The Tiber Valley provided an easy east-west route for trade
Many north-south routes crossed the south of Rome
Salt and iron found nearby were sent also
Each of these factors helped Rome grow and prosper

18. Check for Understanding
Please determine the BEST answer for the following question.
Please write your answer on your white boards and wait for the teacher’s signal.
On the teacher’s signal, hold up your white boards.

19. Checking for Understanding #1
Fill in the blank
_______________ is land suitable for farming
Arable land

20. Checking for Understanding #2
Answer the following question.
What northern mountain range separates the Italian peninsula from the rest of Europe?
The Alps

21. Checking for Understanding #3
Answer the following question.
According to legend who was the first king of Rome?
Romulus

22. Guided Practice/Independent Practice
Complete questions on the reading comprehension worksheet.
Raise your hand and wait to get stamped.
If you received an “R” go to the back table with Ms. Graham.
Independent Practice
Once you have been stamped moved to independent practice and complete numbers 4 and 5 on the reading comprehension worksheet.
Homework
Note-taking guide on the reverse side.