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ANCIENT ROME

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Introduction Latins

1500 BCE crossed Alps, invaded Italy

founded Rome on Tiber River

according to legend Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus

EtruscansTook Italy around 750 BCE

New technologies (construction, weapons, tactics), but were driven out around 500 BCE

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Social Classes

ClassesPatricians: Upper class, could hold public officePlebeians: lower class (could not hold office, but over time, Rome became more democratic and Plebeians gained rights)

Plebeians demanded a law code for fair treatment and eventually law was written into the Twelve Tables which were displayed at the Forum

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Early Rome

Government: Republic, Aristocracy (power in the hands of the wealthy nobles)

2 Consuls (terms of 1 year), each could veto (“I forbid”) the other

In an emergency a dictator could be elected for 6 months

300 Senators (life terms)

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Religion

The early Romans worshipped nature spirits

Borrowed Greek gods and goddesses

Believed in foretelling the future

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Rome ExpandsPowerful, well-trained army; troops fighting for their own freedom, not a despot

quick troop movement

Treated those they conquered well; could either become partial or full Roman citizens

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Army

Well trained

Deserters put to death

Every male citizen had to serve when needed

Had Legions of 6000 men in units of 60-120 men

Centurion

Legate

Legionary

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Punic Warschief rival = Carthage (originally Phoenician which the Romans called Punic)

1st Punic War, Rome takes Sicily (264-241 BCE)

2nd Punic War, Hannibal Spain, over Alps into Italy, Rome wins (218-201 BCE)

3rd Punic War, Rome sacks Carthage, Cato “Carthago Delende Est!” (149-146 BCE)

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Conquests

Conquers Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor (eventually entire Mediterranean)Results

Greek Culture (Hellenism) spread and copied by RomeWealth to Nobles, Merchants, and Governmentt officialsRuin small farmers and workers: could not compete with slavesType of soldier changes: Mercenaries hired because small farmers could no longer be soldiers