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In about 1200 B.C., the Latins invaded Italy. They settled in the central plains of the peninsula.

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According to Roman legend, the city that produced some of the world’s finest soldiers was founded by the sons of the war god, Mars: Romulus and Remus.

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The Latins lost their power to elect their own kings in the 600s B.C. when the Etruscans moved in and conquered them.

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The Etruscans introduced the Romans to Greek ideas and urged the Romans to trade with other Mediterranean countries. Contacts increased wealth and awareness of the outside world.

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From 616 to 509 B.C., the Etruscans ruled Rome. But the Romans rebelled and in 509 B.C., they established the world’s first republic.

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Although the new government was a type of democracy (citizens voted for representatives), only a small number of people had the right to decide how it was run.

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Patricians were wealthy landowners and held the power. The rest of the population consisted of small farmers, traders, and craftsmen. They were the plebeians.

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But in 494 B.C., the plebeians refused to fight or do work of any kind unless the patricians granted them more rights. Their status gradually improved.

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The government body called the Senate had the most power. The Senate, which had about 300 members, proposed laws, handled foreign affairs, and controlled public finances.

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The idea of being a Roman citizen was valued by outsiders. To win the loyalty of the people they conquered, the Romans might offer the reward of citizenship to the defeated.