The Roman World Takes Shape
5.1
Mr. Pyzik
Objectives
• Describe the physical and cultural settings in
which Roman civilization arose.
• Outline how the Roman Republic was
structured.
• Explain how the Roman republic grew and
maintained its conquests.
Mediterranean Area Today
Influence of Geography
How did the geography of the Italian Peninsula benefit
ancient Romans?
• Italian peninsula is centrally located in the
Mediterranean Sea
• City of Rome sits towards center of Italy
• The Apennines
• The Tiber (food/trans)
• The 7 hills
-pasture land and wood
-fertile plain (good soil)
The Origins of Rome
Early Peoples Settle Italy
• The Myth
– Romulus and Remus
– Sons of Mars (War God)
The Reality
• The Latins (from North of the Alps)
– 753 BC founding of the city of Rome on Palatine hill
• The Etruscans (from Asia Minor)
– Arrived in 800 BC by 625 BC ruled all of Northern Italy (Tuscany)
– Influences on Rome:
• Military org (phalanx), Chariots, Engineering,, Gladiators
• Greek Influences?
– Greek alphabet
– Religion (also through the Etruscans)
Greek settlements in Italy
Res Publica
• Etruscan Domination of the City of Rome (c.
625 BC – 509 BC)
• Etruscan Kings ruled for life after the
approval of the Senate and the citizens
– Etruscans Kings Pushed out by 509 BC due to bad
monarchy
– In their place the Romans founded a Republic
(Defn?)
Structuring the Early Republic
• Patricians v. Plebeians
• Citizenship required descent from 2 Roman
parents
• Republic controlled by the senate – members
were all patricians
• Senators nominated two consuls for one term
-How did this create a system of “checks and balances?
• During times of war, or national emergency the
senate elected a dictator
Plebeians Fight for Rights
• Plebeians slowly gained more rights
– How?
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The 12 tables (451 BC)
No enslavement for debt
Marry Patricians
Eventually won the right to become Consul / Senator
Tribunes with veto power
The Cursus Honorum
• Roman Official career path
• Created age and position requirements
– Quaestar
– Aedile
– Tribune
– Praetor
– Consul
– Censor
The Roman Army
• All citizens had to serve
• Legions: Each with its own
standard and legionary Eagles
– Auxiliary troops made up
of non-citizens were called
on to support the regular
army
– Discipline: Decimation by
phalanx
Roman Expansion in Italy
• By 265 BC had conquered most of Italy
• Life under Roman Rule
– Citizenship (half)
– Allies by treaty
– All had to acknowledge Roman superiority, pay
taxes and supply soldiers
Exercise
• Table in skill packet
• Similarities and Differences
• Which one is more democratic?
Comparing Governments