Download Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome
Learning Target #2: I can analyze the various
ways that society in Ancient Rome influenced
modern society in the United States.
CASS 10.1
Ancient Rome
Gov’t in Ancient Rome
• In 509 B.C., the Roman nobility overthrew the
king (Tarquin the Proud), and what had been a
monarchy became a republic.
– Republic: a government in which the people elect
their representatives.
• Republic consisted of two groups
– Senate and Consuls
• Rome had two major social classes
– Patricians: the wealthy class, land owners, nobility
– Plebeians: the common people, laborers
Roman Laws
• 450 B.C. The Romans laid down their laws on
twelve (12) bronze tablets which were set out in
the market place to be understood by all.
– “Defendant innocent until proven guilty”
– “Defendant has the right to challenge his accuser
before a judge”
– Written Laws
– No exceptions, no compassion, no mercy
– Stories of fathers who sentenced their own sons to
death without hesitation because the law demanded.
Twelve (12) Tablets
Life in Ancient Rome
• Roman empire expanded.
– Empire included Phoenicians, Jews, Greeks
• Romans looked down on ALL other groups of people
– “Others” were good only for one thing: paying up
• Crushing taxes
• Sending grain to Rome
• A handful of rich men controlled 99% of the wealth in Rome.
– Majority of population were slaves
• Farmers, miners, teachers…
• Treated and sold as cattle
• Julius Caesar
– Reformed the calendar to make it more like the one we know today
• Julian Calendar
• 12 months, leap years
• “July”