Social and Political
Structure of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome Unit
Hang in there
for 1 week!!!
Do Now - Review of Friday
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How does Rome’s geography give it
an advantage?
What protects the Roman Empire
from the northern invasion?
What sea basin is Rome located in
the middle of?
What civilization does Rome borrow
much of their religion from?
Who are the mythological founders
of Rome?
Do Now - Review of Friday
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How does Rome’s geography give it an
advantage? Peninsula-protected on 3
sides, distance from East Mediterranean
Powers
What protects the Roman Empire from
the north? Alps
What sea basin is Rome located in the
middle of? Mediterranean
What civilization does Rome borrow much
of their religion from? Greek
Who are the mythological founders of
Rome? Romulus & Remus
The Founding of the Roman Republic
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Etruscans – group
from Northern Italy
that briefly controlled
the peninsula.
509 BC Romans drive
out Etruscans to create
new Roman state - a
Republic.
Republic =
government structure
where some officials
chosen by people;
prevented individuals
from gaining too much
power.
http://www.bible-history.com/ancient_maps/Rome_Maps/map_Etruscan_Empire_530_BC.gif
Structure of the Roman Republic
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Patricians
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Plebeians
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Land-owning upper class
Descendants of founders of Rome
5-10 % of population; held most power
Farmers, artisans, merchants
Majority of population; very little power
Slaves
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Lowest social class
NOT based on race
What rights did each have?
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Patricians and Plebeians both could
vote and make legal contracts.
Marriage WAS allowed for these
groups, however they could NOT
intermarry.
http://www.mrdowling.com/images/702p
atrician.gif
TV Timeout 
The Big Dogs - the Roman Senate
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The Senate
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Most powerful body of the Republic
About 300 members
Served for life term and made laws
Only patricians could be Senators
The Senators
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Chose two consuls – chief executives
Consuls responsible for commanding the
armies and directing the government.
Only serve one term, every 10 years.
Roman Senate, Cont…
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By limiting consul’s time in office,
Rome had system of checks and
balances on power of government.
Senate could also elect a dictator in
event of war.
Dictator = ruler with absolute power
over government (usually for 6
months)
The Story of Cincinnatus
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An Ideal dictator
457 BC appointed by
Senate
Organized army,
defeated enemy,
attended victory
celebration, and
returned home within
15 days.
Romans hoped future
dictators would be
modeled on Cincinnatus
http://www.nndb.com/people/833/00010
7512/cincinnatus-1.jpg
Patricians vs. Plebeians
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Patricians held most power, while Plebeians
struggled for equality.
Plebeians gained from 1st written Roman law,
created in 450 BC – 12 Tables.
Inscribed laws of the land on 12 Tables and
placed in the Roman Forum.
Forum = public meeting place
Laws of 12 Tables clarified laws in Rome for all
classes.
http://historylink102.com/italy-pic/rfoverlooking-roman-forum.jpg
The Plebeians
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Eventually gained right to elect own
representatives known as Tribunes.
Tribunes worked in the Assembly; it
wasn’t as powerful as the Senate.
Over time, he could veto laws that
were unfair for Plebeians and gained
equal status as the Senate.
Towards end of the Republic, the
tribunes were as powerful as the
Senate.
Structure of the Roman Political
System
Consuls
Two appointed by Senate for one year terms
Command army and direct Government
Senate
Senators chosen from Patrician class
Serve for life and make laws
Assembly
Made up of Tribunes chosen from Plebeians
Had limited power
Odds and Ends of the Political Structure
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Women, aliens, and slaves could not
participate in government.
Citizenship was granted to patricians
and plebeians. Citizens had two main
duties:
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Pay taxes
Military service
Military was mainly the legion – troop
of 6,000 men.
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Similar to Greeks – citizens soldiers fought
without pay and supplied own weapons
Quiz Tomorrow!!
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Quiz on information from these
notes and the notes on Friday.
Focus on fill in the blank areas,
what the headings are focusing on,
etc.