Transcript Origins of Rome

Rome:
The Beginning
Foundations & the Early Republic
Background: Alexander’s Empire
By 150 C.E. the Hellenistic world in decline
Rome growing and gaining strength
Rome profoundly impacted by these cultural
influences
Romulus & Remus
• According to the Legend of Romulus and
Remus, how did Rome begin?
• Why do you think the myth of the twins was so
appealing to believe?
The Geography of an Empire
Built on seven rolling hills at a curve on the Tiber
River
Near the center of the Italian Peninsula
Livy “The Early History of Rome”
As you read, consider: Why was Rome’s geography
so important?
“Not without reason did gods and men choose this
spot for the site of our city – the hills, the river to
bring us produce from the inland regions and seaborne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near
enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring
danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very
heart of Italy – all these advantages make it of all
places in the world the best for a city destined to
grow great.” (29 B.C.E)
The First “Romans”
Latins: (900-800 century B.C.E)
1st around Rome
Palatine Hill
Greeks (750-600 B.C.E)
Colonize southern Italy & Sicily
Greek cultural influence
Etruscans (900-800 B.C.E.)
Native to central & northern Italy
Current day Tuscany
Roots of Roman Culture
Greek Influences
Greek Religion
Oikos: self sufficient
household
Arete: honor as a
patriarchal figure
Obedience to authority
Greek Stoicism
influences Roman
virtus: masculinity –
accepting one’s fate
Etruscan Influences
Alphabet
Gladiatorial Games
Religious Beliefs
Construction of statues
for the gods
Architecture
Marsh drainage
Roman View of the
Greeks & Etruscans
Viewed both as inferior due to the conquering and
subduing of both
Irony?
The Romans received many of their cultural values
from both groups
Similarities between Rome and America?
Ex: Greek values of obedience to authority that
will be shown in obedience to the Roman state
Rome:
The Beginning
The Early Republic & the Punic Wars
The First Romans
Etruscan King of Rome
(600 B.C.E)
Accomplishments:
Turns villages into a city
1st temples & public centers
Forum: Heart of Roman
political life
Forum: “A medium of open
discussion. A public assembly
involving an audience or panel
discussion”
Patricians vs. Plebeians
• Wealthy landowners = most of
the power (7-10%)
• Vs.
• Farmers, artisans, and merchants
= majority of the population
The Roman Republic
Two Counsels
Command Army
Command Government
Senate Army
Army Tribune
Senate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7vAAO-G2NQ
The Twelve Tables
Why is a written code of law important to this or any
civilization?
The Twelve Tablets: 451 B.C.E.
Hung in the Roman Forum
Form the basis for Roman law
The tablets outline political and social
rights for the plebeians
They establish the idea that all free citizens had a
right to the protection of the law
Expansion: The Mediterranean
Romans recognize key to expansion is control of the
Mediterranean Sea
To gain this control, the Romans must defeat the
Carthaginians
Hannibal Invades Rome
Hannibal: Carthaginian General - brilliant military
strategist who devises a surprise attack on Rome
Roman General, Scipio, attacks and forces Hannibal
back to Carthage
Victory gives Romans control of the Mediterranean Sea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAUfZaW7mgI
The Punic Wars
Expansion through Conquest
4th Century Romans dominated central Italy
Eventually defeat Etruscans and Greeks
By 265 B.C. Romans masters of all Italy and want to expand rule
Neighboring Latins became full citizens, other conquered people
enjoyed citizenship but not the vote, and others became allies of Rome
Expansion through Trade
Good access to the Mediterranean
Traded Roman wine and olive oil for food, raw materials, and
manufactured goods
Often interfered by other powerful cities such as Carthage