THE FOUNDATIONS OF ROME

SECTION ONE

Geography

Italy’s physical features aided the growth of a powerful civilization

- To the north, the peninsula was protected by the high mountains of the ALPS

- Sea provided both protection and a means of rapid transportation

- Rich soil and a mild climate, able to support a large population.

- Rome founded on the Tiber River– great for trade.

Etruscans

At first, Rome was ruled by Latin kings.

Around 616 BC, Rome came under the rule of the Etruscans of northern Italy.

Great metalworkers and jewelers whose culture had been heavily influenced by Greece.

- Built Rome’s first city walls and sewer- Introduced building techniques (the Arch)- Introduced alphabet and number system- Introduced gladiator games and chariot races- Influenced style of sculpture and painting.

ROME BECOMES A REPUBLIC The Etruscans rule ended in 509

BC when the last king, a tyrant, was thrown out.

In place of the monarchy, a Republic was established.

Republic- elected officials govern the state

Patricians

In the early days, the heads of a few aristocratic families, known as PATRICIANS, who were elected officials from among themselves, ruled.

Controlled every aspect of society – politics, religion, economics, and the military.

They maintained their power through a patronage system in which wealthy Romans provided financial, social, or legal support for lower ranking families in return for their support.

Plebeians

Common People = PLEBEIANS Challenged the power of the patricians. Invaders (wouldn’t fight) Patricians needed them- had to expand their

rights.

To guarantee their rights, the plebeians also gained the right to elect officials known as TRIBUNES.

-- It was the tribunes’ job to protect the plebeians against unjust treatment by patrician officials.

** Tribunes even gained the right to VETO, or ban laws that seemed harmful or unjust to the plebeians.

What is this cartoon describing?

ROMAN FORUM Forum- central square Plebeians forced the patricians to write

down all the laws. These laws would be displayed in the

Roman Forum on 12 large bronze tablets.

As a result, the code became known as the Law of the Twelve Tables.

^^ This way, judges could not make decisions based on opinions or secret laws.

Republican Government

Together the two groups created a practical and flexible unwritten Constitution, or a political structure.

The Romans also created new offices and institutions of government.

1. SENATE: a body of 300 members who advised elected officials, controlled public finances, and handled all foreign relations.

2. Various popular assemblies, in which all citizens voted on laws and elected officials

3. Officials called Magistrates, put laws into practice, governed in the name of the Senate and the people and acted as priest.

Government

The last king of Rome was taken over byCONSUL- chief executives and commanders

of the army.-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-

`-`-`-`-`-`-`-CHECKS & BALANCES

Elected Magistrates

SenateAssemblies & Tribunes

Tribunes could vetoofficials’ actions

Magistrates presided overthe Senate

Assemblies could reject lawsapproved by the Senate

Senate could refuse to give magistratesmoney.