The Founding of Rome
Chapter 12 Lesson 1
Objectives

Explain how Rome was founded

Describe the advantages of Rome’s
location
Vocabulary

Arable – land that is good for crowing
crops

Forum – public square in ancient Roman
cities where the Romans exchanged
goods and ideas

Confederation – group of governments
joined together for a common purpose
Settling in Seven Hills

The Latins settled
on the seven hills
south of the Tiber
River in about
1,000 BC

The hills provided
protection from
attack, resources
for building, and
land for farming
A Cultural Mix

The Etruscans and
the Greeks, both of
whom had
settlements on the
Italian Peninsula,
influenced the
Romans

The Romans
adopted and
adapted aspects of
Etruscan and Greek
cultures, including
their architecture,
religion, and
alphabet
The City of Rome

Rome’s location
along the Tiber
River was ideal
for
communication
and trade

Roman legends
such as that of
Romulus and
Remus explain
Rome’s
beginning
Etruscan Rule

Etruscans became the leaders of Rome in
about 616 BC and built much of early
Rome

The Etruscans were experienced at
governing large areas, which helped them
organize and govern Rome’s territory
Summary






Latins founded the city of Rome in about
750 BC.
Legend says that the twins Romulus and
Remus founded the city
According to history, Rome began as small
villages, which joined together and grew
The city’s location was ideal for farming and
was easy to defend.
The neighboring cultures of the Etruscans
and the Greeks greatly influenced early
Roman culture
In time, Etruscan kings ruled over the
Romans
Reading Check Questions

What attracted the Latins to the hills near the Tiber
River?
◦ Arable land, a long growing season, protection, wood, and
stones

What two cultures influenced the Romans?
◦ Etruscan culture and Greek culture

Who was the first legendary ruler of Rome?
◦ Romulus

What influence did the Etruscan kings have on the
development of Rome?
◦ They completed building projects and expanded and
organized Rome.