Download 6th grade Chapter 11 review

Chapter 11 Review
Mr. Klein
Italy and Rome
Italy is centrally located in Europe and the Mediterranean.
It’s location, sunny, mild climate and fertile farmland have attracted
settlers. Ability to grow plenty of food supported a large population.
The Alps at the top of Italian peninsula kept Italy slightly isolated and
the Apennine's in the middle of Italy run North and South down the
peninsula.
Rome was founded 15 miles up the Tiber river. Rome’s distance from
the Mediterranean helped protect from pirates and the seven hills of
Rome helped make it easy to defend.
The founding of Rome lies with the myth of the Trojan Aeneas who
settled at Rome after the Trojan war and married a local princess.
Founding Rome and Influences
Another myth is that the twin boys Romulus and Remus were left
by the Tiber after they were born and kept alive by a wolf before a
shepherd and wife raised them.
Later they would found the city until in argument on where to
build the city caused Romulus to murder Remus in a rage.
City was founded in 753 B.C. in the area of Italy known as Latium.
Greeks influenced the crops they grew, architecture and art.
Etruscans to the north influenced Roman religion, government,
clothing and most importantly the military of Rome.
In 509 B.C. Rome threw out the last Etruscan king and established
a Republic. A type of government where leaders are elected.
Rome constantly fought against their neighbors and slowly gained
more territory.
Roman army and rule
At first the Romans fought like the Greeks but over
time the phalanx evolved to the use of legions.
Legion was quicker and more flexible then the phalanx.
Roman soldiers were also well armed and very
disciplined.
After conquering an area Rome would treat conquered
people fairly and became allies of the Romans. They
paid taxes and served in the military.
Rome’s policies were effective and the Republic grew
stronger and more unified.
Roman Government
Rome’s government reflected the division within its society.
Patricians were Rome’s ruling class and were wealthy land owners.
Most Romans were plebeians who were not as wealthy and were
usually artisans, shopkeepers or small farmers.
Both groups had to pay taxes, fight in military and vote.
At the beginning only patricians could serve in political offices.
Republic set up in three branches: one makes the laws, second ran daily
affairs of government and third acted as judges.
Two consuls were elected every year to head the government and lead the
army.
The senate was Rome’s legislature and they debated foreign policy and
proposed laws.
Conflict between classes
Plebeians grew frustrated and wanted more power.
They held a strike in 494 B.C. and the patricians allowed them to
have a Council of Plebs that elected Tribunes that served in the
Senate and voiced their concerns. Tribunes could also veto.
Eventually plebeians could become consul and the Council of Plebs
was given the ability to pass laws for all Romans.
In times of crisis Romans would elect a dictator to take over the
government. One of the most famous was Cincinnatus for
performing his duty, saving his country and laying down his power.
He has been admired for his civic duty ever since.
Plebeians also pushed for laws to be written down and the Twelve
Tables became the law of Rome. Focused on everybody being
treated equally under the law.
Punic Wars
When Rome had conquered most of Italy they looked overseas to
continue expanding and this brought them into conflict with Carthage.
Carthage controlled most of the area around the Mediterranean in
North Africa and the islands between Africa and Italy.
Rome wins the first war fighting in Sicily and large naval battles. The
war brings Rome to the brink but after 23 years Rome finally wins.
The second war is brought on by the Carthaginian general Hannibal.
Hannibal takes the war to Italy and wins amazing victories in Italy and
manages to separate many of Rome’s allies from Rome.
Scipio Africanis rises to power and captures Spain before taking the
war to Africa and defeating Hannibal at the battle of Zama.
Rome pushes for the third war and destroys Carthage in 146 B.C.