• 12/3 Focus:12/3 Focus:– The Romans established a new form

of government known as a republic – The Romans influenced many of the

values and institutions of western civilization.

• Do Now:Do Now: – Identify the type of government found

in the United States

Ancient RomeAncient RomeThe Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic

ReviewReview

• What were some of the geographic characteristics associated with the Italian Peninsula?

ReviewReview

• What were some of the geographic advantages of Rome’s location in Italy?

Early History of RomeEarly History of Rome• The Legend of

Romulus and Remus – Legend states that

the city of Rome was founded by two twins, Romulus and Remus.

– Twins were abandoned near the Tiber River and raised by a she-wolf

– Romulus kills Remus and starts Rome

Early History of Rome

• 3 groups that influenced early Rome– Greeks

• Established colonies in Italy and Sicily

• Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives

• Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans

– Etruscans• From northern Italy

– Latins • First to settle in Rome• Gods were influenced by

Greeks and Etruscans

The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic

• Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B.C. to 509 BC – Roman aristocrats overthrew the last

Etruscan king in 509 BC– Establish a republic

The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic• Republic – A form of government in which elected

officials govern the state– power rests with citizens who have the

right to vote for their leaders– Indirect democracy or representative

democracy• Rome allowed free-born male citizens

to participate in elections–Women could not vote

The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic• Patricians – Aristocratic landowners

who held most power in Rome• Made up 10% of the

population

– Ran the government and made the laws

Patricians and PlebeiansPatricians and Plebeians

• Plebeians – Farmers, artisans,

and merchants–Majority in Rome–Were barred from

holding most government positions

Patricians and PlebeiansPatricians and Plebeians

• Plebeians demanded more rights in Rome from the patricians– Plebeian Council • Allowed to elect their own assembly

– Tribunes • Officials elected to protect the rights of

plebeians• Could veto laws that were unjust to

plebeians

The Twelve Tables of The Twelve Tables of RomeRome

• First written code of law in Rome

• Plebeians demanded laws of Rome be written down – Laws were carved on

twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum

• Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to protection of the law

Roman GovernmentRoman Government

• Consuls – 2 consuls elected

by the assembly for 1 year

– Chief executives and commanded the army

Roman GovernmentRoman Government

• Senate– 300 patrician

men– Served for life – Controlled

finances and foreign relations

– Advised consuls

Roman GovernmentRoman Government

• Assemblies – Tribal

Assembly and Centuriate Assembly

–Made laws and elected officials

Gaius Gracchus, tribune of the people, presiding over the Plebeian Council

•

Roman GovernmentRoman Government

• In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator to rule Rome.– Dictator

• a leader who has absolute power

– Could only rule for six months

– Were chosen by the consul and elected by the SenateCincinnatus

The Roman ForumThe Roman Forum

• The center of life in Rome

• Marketplace and civic center – Senate met in the

forum – Public speeches

were given here– Site of many

businesses

ClosureClosure

• What is the difference between a republic and a direct democracy?

• What was the difference between patricians and plebeians?

• How are the Twelve Tables of Rome and Hammurabi’s Code similar?