Download The Rise of the Roman Republic

The Rise of the Roman Republic
Chapter 33
In the beginning…
• The Etruscans ruled Rome
• During this time, Rome was divided into 2
classes:
– PATRICIANS (“Fathers of the State”)
• Advised the Etruscan kings
• Rich; controlled most valuable land
– PLEBIANS (“The Many”)
• Peasants, laborers, craftspeople, shopkeepers
• Little say in gov’t but HAD to serve in army
The Etruscan Kings
• Etruscans rule over
Rome with great force
and fear
• Lucius Junius Brutus:
leads revolt to drive the
Etruscan kings
• Romans vow never
again to put power in
hands of 1 person
The Patrician Rebellion
• A Republic replaced the Etruscan kings
– DEF: Elected officials work for the interests of
the people (which at first meant the patricians)
– SENATE: Group of 300 patricians elected by the
patricians; served for life
– CONSULS: 2 patricians elected to share
control of the army
– DICTATOR: One who makes a decision in an
emergency situation if consuls disagree
• SPQR: “The Senate and People of Rome”
Creating a Republic
The Plebian Rebellion
• Plebeians were MAD:
– Not allowed to vote or serve in government
– Laws were not written
– Patricians could declare war
• WHY DO YOU THINK THESE BOTHER THE
PLEBS?
• CONFLICT (Struggle) OF THE ORDERS:
Series of protests the plebeians use to try
to gain political equality.
– 494 BCE: Plebeians abandon Rome
• Livy: “A great panic seized the city.” WHY?
Another Plebian Victory…
Plebeian Victories:
• Over a series of 200 years, plebeians used a
series of protests to gain the following rights:
– Tribune of Plebs
• Power to Advise Senate of Plebeian Interests
• Could veto actions of the Senate
– Council of Plebs:
• Could make laws for plebeians (not patricians)
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1 of the 2 Consuls had to be a plebeian
Plebeians could be Senators
Twelve Tables: laws are now written down
Plebeians could write laws that affected ALL Romans
(not just Plebeians)