The Rise of Rome

Major Concept• Geography played an important role in the

rise of civilization in the Mediterranean region

Rome Begins

• Romulus & Remus found the city of Rome– Rescued by wolves and raised by a shepherd– Begin to build a city– Romulus kills Remus and names the city, Rome after himself.

ORAeneas and his followers flee after the fall of Troy and end up at the mouth of the Tiber River.

Aeneas unites the Trojans and the Latins. Becomes the “father” of the Romans

Early InfluencesThe Etruscans

• The Etruscans were skilled metalworkers living north of Rome who became rich through mining and trade.

• They move south and change Rome from a village of straw roofed huts to a city of wood and brick with streets, temples, and public buildings around a central square.

• Estruscans introduced the Toga style of dress• The Estruscans army would be the model for the

mighty Roman legions.

Early InfluencesThe Greeks

• While the Greeks were building overseas colonies they came to Rome.

• They taught the Romans to grow olives and grapes.• The Greeks brought their alphabet and the Romans adopted it.• The Romans loved things “Greek” and modeled their architecture, sculpture and literature after the Greek style.

Etruscan art and buildings

Roman Republic Main Concepts

After defeating the Carthaginians, Rome took control of the entire Mediterranean region.

During the Roman Republic, the right to vote was expanded.

Hannibal & his elephants

Carthage Burns

The Roman Republic

• The ruling Etruscan family the Tarquins became so cruel the Roman people rebelled, overthrew the Tarquins, and set up a Republic.

• The Republic becomes powerful because of its army. Like the Spartans every male citizen who owned land, served in the army.

• Roman generals reorganized the army from phalanx to legions.• Each legionaire carried a short sword, a gladius, a spear and shield.

The RepublicGovernment

• Terms to remember:– Patricians: ruling class of wealthy, land owning

nobles– Plebeians: artisans, shopkeepers, and small

farmers– Consuls: top government officials (two

patricians were chosen each year)– Veto: Latin for “I forbid”. To reject a vote– The Twelve Tables: Rome’s first written code

of laws. Established the principle, all free citizens had the right to be treated equally by the legal system.

The RepublicShrewd Rulers

• Romans allowed conquered people the opportunity to become citizens of Rome. A new and powerful concept, make your enemy your friend.

• The Romans built roads between conquered towns which allowed the rapid movement of legions when necessary.

• Follow the Roman rules, pay your taxes or be destroyed.

The Fall of the RepublicMain Concept: Weakened by civil war,the Republic becomes an empire underthe rule of Augustus.

• Rich versus Poor: Poor farmers are forced to sell farms and work in the city.

• Politicians break the laws.• The army takes over.• Crassus, Pompey and Julius Caesar• Caesar becomes “dictator for life”• “Beware the Ides of March” or “Et tu

Brutus”• Octavian, the imperator, becomes

Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.