Transcript Roman Law and the 12 Tables

BELLWORK

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
To answer bellwork today, read the Twelve Tables packet. This is yours to
keep, so you may highlight/take notes as you read. Answer the following:
Explain the earliest system of law, including the role of kings and
priests.
What is the jus civile? How was it used to settle disputes?
What was Roman law based on? Which specific laws prove this?
The laws were written in a way that everyone could understand.
Why do you think it was important for the leaders to do this?
What were the Twelve Tables?
What rights did Roman men have? Hint: look at tables IV & V.
Explain Table VIII. What does it forbid?
THINKER: Describe the similarities between the 12 Tables and
modern American law. Try and get at least 2!
The Twelve Tables




Based on custom
Written so everyone could
understand (Plebeians)
On display in the Forum
Romanum
Written on brass tablets,
called tables
Tables 1-4
1.
2.
3.
4.
You must appear in court if you are
summoned
If a witness does not show in court, they will
be summoned every three days until they
show
You have 30 days to pay a debt
If a child is born deformed, they will be
killed immediately & inheritance goes to the
eldest son
Tables 5-8
5. Females must have a guardian
6. You cannot take another person’s
property
7. Roads must be kept in order
8. Thieves cannot be killed by day; seditious
gatherings at night are forbidden
Tables 9-12
9. The penalty of receiving a bribe is death
10. You cannot bury/burn a corpse within the
city; women cannot wail/cry at funerals
11. Marriages between Plebeians and Patricians
are forbidden
12. Whatever laws are passed by the Senate, are
official laws in the empire.
THINKER Discussion

What are the similarities between
Rome’s 12 Tables and the current
U.S. government?
Roman Society under the
Republic
Review: Roman Revolts





How did expansion of the empire lead to
problems within Rome?
Explain the Punic Wars.
Why did Romans revolt against the Republic?
Why & how did Julius Caesar come to power?
Did people support this?
Describe Caesar’s reforms.
Roman Empire

Two periods of Roman government:



Roman Republic: 509BC – 30BC
Roman Empire: 30BC – 476AD
Rome technically had an “empire” under the
Roman Republic

The Term “Roman Empire” refers to the time
period, beginning with Augustus, when Rome was
ruled by emperors
Reform










After a period of civil war, Caesar’s nephew, Augustus,
became the ruler of Rome in 32 BC.
In the 40 years of Augustus’ reign he introduced many reforms:
Attacked government corruption
Encouraged the growth of business
Extended citizenship to more provinces
Established fire and police departments for Rome
Imported food for Rome’s poor
Built and maintained the empire’s infrastructure
Established a strong money system
Begun Pax Romana (Roman Peace) which lasted 200yrs
“I found Rome
a city of bricks,
and left it a city
of marble”
-Augustus
Caesar
Augustus Caesar’s Power






Originally named Octavian, the Senate gave him the name
Augustus meaning “most high”
Made consul for life by the Senate
Also made Princeps, meaning “first citizen”
 Origin of the word prince
Also made Imperator meaning “successful general”
 Origin of the word emperor
Also made Pontifex Maximus meaning “chief religious leader”
 Origin of the word pontiff (used to describe the pope)
Had the power to call the Senate, veto Senate laws & make
laws himself
Review!






What were the differences between Patricians and
Plebeians?
How did the Romans keep their government
balanced?
What is a republic?
How was the Roman army structured?
How could Roman rights of citizenship be acquired?
What rights did Roman citizens have?