What We Know So Far

About Rome

Rome was Founded by?

There are two theories:Romulus and Remus

Abandoned and raised by “shewolf” or herder

AeneasTrojan war hero. Set sail after Greeks captured Troy.

Sailed up Tiber river and married local King’s Daughter

Teamed up with the Latins to form Rome

• Go to Smart Presentation

The EtruscansBig bad king’s. Not really what the Romans wanted.

Through trade and learning to work with metal the Etruscans became super rich!

One ruling family was so bad the Romans rebelled.

They then set up a “Republic” where the leaders were elected.

Go to Smart Presentation.

The RepublicGovernment was much like ours.

Senate, Praetors, Council of Plebes, Dictator, Consuls

Became strong and expanded territory because of their great soldiers

Legions

Legionaries

Social ClassesPatricians = Wealthy land owners

Plebeians = Common folks

Roman Law12 Tables

Rule of LawAll treated equally under the law

Innocent until proven guilty

Defend your self before a judge

Judge must consider evidence

Punic Wars1st Punic War: Fought over? ___________________

Who won?

2nd Punic War: Fought over? __________________

Who won?

3rd Punic War: Fought over? __________________

Who Won?

Progress???Gap between rich and Poor grew

Rich folk took over farms and force the farmers to go to the cities to try to find work = Latifundia

Most non rich people were VERY unhappy and rich folk feared revolts.

A guy named Sulla used the Army to gain power and changed the political system = Professional soldiers

This idea of power led to Julius Ceasar

Julius CaesarCaesar and two buddies form the first “Triumvirate”

A ruling party of three

The Plebeians loved Caesar. He set up reforms to help them

Shakespeare: Wrote plays… specifically one about Caesar.

Go to Caesar video

EntertainmentThings were not well for all Romans so the leaders tried to distract the masses with entertainment…

These were called “Bread and Circuses”

The Coliseum Video

Circus MaximusVideo