The Founding
of Rome
Geography of Italy
• Italy is a peninsula in the
center of the
Mediterranean.
• The Apennines mountain
range
– “Backbone of Italy”
– Doesn’t divide Italy like the
mountains in Greece did.
• The Tiber River
– River allows them to get to the
sea.
– Being inland keeps them safe
from sea threats.
• Rome was located on
seven hills.
– Easy to defend.
The People of Italy
• There were a few different groups
of people living in and around
Italy that influenced Roman
culture…
– Latins
• Lived near Rome.
• Were herders and farmers.
• Rome adopts their spoken language
– Sicilians
• Mostly Greeks that had migrated to
Sicily.
• Impacted Roman architecture,
sculpture, and literature.
• Rome takes their alphabet
– Etruscans
• Had the largest impact on early Rome.
• Took control of Rome and turned it into
a city.
• Romans adopted Etruscan dress and
military organization.
Early Roman Social Structure
Rome was divided into two main classes.
• Patricians
– Wealthy landowners.
• Plebeians
– Less wealthy landowners, small farmers, craftsmen, merchants.
– The “working class”
Early Roman Government
• Consuls
– Two, elected to one year terms.
– Led Rome both politically and
militarily.
• Praetors
– Judicial Branch
• Enforced the laws.
• Senate
– 300, elected.
– Discussed, passed legislation.
– Patricians only!
• Assemblies
– Advised the Senate
– Council of Plebs
• Plebeian's “voice”
• Could “veto” legislation by civil
disobedience.
REPUBLIC
*Form of government in which the
people elect representatives to do
their will.
Early Roman Law
• The Twelve Tables
– Created c. 450 B.C.