Download Chapter 14 Sections 1 and 2 Student

The Roman Republic:
The Government
Chapter 14: Section 1
A Roman Republic
• At first, Rome was
controlled by a monarchy
under the Etruscans
• In 509 B.C. the king was
overthrown and the
government was replaced
by a republic
• Not everyone had equal
say in the government
Roman Social
Pyramid
Patricians:
High class citizens
Members of the oldest and richest families
Could hold office and perform religious rituals
Plebeians:
Poor and lower class citizens
Paid taxes and served in the army
Could not marry patricians or hold office
Slaves:
Plebeians could be sold into
slavery if they fell into debt
Roman Government
Head of government was two consuls that were chosen each
year as military leaders. They had the power to veto or say
no to any legislation.
The senate was composed of 300 men chosen for life. The
senate advised the consuls, made laws, and approved public
contracts.
All Romans
belonged to an
assembly.
Could declare
war or agree
on peace.
Government
structure of the
Roman Republic
Judges and
Tribunes
protected the
rights of the
plebeians.
Roman Laws
• Laws were first written
down in 450 B.C.
• Carved on 12 bronze
tablets and placed in the
Forum
• The laws applied to both
plebeians and patricians
• Included laws on wills,
property rights, and
court actions
Roman Laws
• The Twelve Tables became the foundation
for all future Roman Laws.
• Elections of tribunes and recording of laws
were the first steps towards a democratic
government.
• By 250 B.C. no one could be sold into
slavery because of
debt and plebeians
could hold office.
Do Now
• Why was it important for
Rome to have an army?
What was the importance
of developing roads in
Ancient Rome?
The Roman Republic:
Roman Expansion
Chapter 14: Section 2
Roman Expansion
• Once the Romans
created their republic,
they had to protect it.
• They conquered or
made allies with
surrounding Etruscan
city-states
• By 290 B.C., Rome was
the leading power in
central Italy
Roman Expansion
• By 275 B.C., Rome
ruled the entire
Italian Peninsula
• By 146 B.C., Rome
controlled most of
the Mediterranean
world
Roman Army
• Romans were able to gain
territory because they had a
powerful army
• Army was separated into legions
– had about 5,000 soldiers per
legion
– soldiers were called
legionaries
– legions separated into groups
of 60-120 soldiers
Roman Army
• Advantages of the legion vs. past armies
–Smaller and could move faster
–fought as individuals instead of a group
–could attack enemies from the front,
side, or rear
• They were very well trained
• Fought with double-edged iron swords
• Roads were built to allow soldiers and
supplies to move quickly
Rome as Rulers
• Romans were mild rulers
• Conquered people were allowed to keep
their own government and take care of
their own affairs
• Were expected to
serve in the army
and support Rome
• Resulted in creating
allies