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The Roman Republic
Coach Parrish
OMS
Chapter 8, Section 1
Geographical Advantages
Rome was founded at its location
because it had a river (Tiber River)
that gave it fertile soil, and
mountains that protected the city.
The Etruscans
Rome was founded around 900 BC,
and it grew slowly as the Romans
fought their neighbors for land.
Around 600 BC, the Etruscans took
power in Rome. Their rule would be
short lived however because Rome
founded a Republic upon defeating
the Etruscans.
Romans Form a Republic
After removing the Etruscan king,
Rome vowed to never again have a
king with so much power. By 264
BC, the Romans had gained control
of the entire Italian peninsula.
Republic – citizens who have the
right to vote select their leaders.
The Roman Senate
In the Republic, the most powerful branch
of government was the senate. At first,
the senate was composed of 300 upperclass men called patricians. Senators
were appointed for life.
Patrician – member of a wealthy family.
Plebeians – ordinary citizen. They could
not hold office or be in the senate.
Roman Consuls
Consuls – two chief officials led the Roman
government. They were responsible for
enforcing laws and policies.
The consuls were elected by citizens, ruled
for one year only, and were advised by
the senate. Both consuls had to agree or
a government action was dropped.
Veto – rejection of any planned action by
a person in power. (Both consuls had veto
power)
Other Important Officials
Because of occasional consul
disagreement, Roman law held that a
dictator could be appointed to handle
such an emergency.
Dictator – Roman official who had all
the powers of a king but could only
rule for 6 months.
Patricians vs. Plebeians
Tension between the patricians and
plebeians began because:
1. Plebeians felt the Senate treated
them unfairly.
2. Plebeians were losing work b/c the
Patricians were buying farm land
and giving work to the slaves.
Patricians Versus Plebeians, cont.
Eventually, the plebeians refused to
fight in the Roman army.
The patricians responded by issuing
a written code of laws for all citizens.
It was called the Laws of the Twelve
Tables.
Masters of the Mediterranean
The Romans expanded their empire
by conquering new territories. They
conquered Carthage in North Africa
in 146 BC after a long and bloody
battle.
In the same year, Greece fell into
Roman rule, and the Roman army
turned its attention to Gaul (France).
Decline of the Republic
By 120 BC, Rome was in trouble.
Civil War broke out among the
Roman generals. Each consul no
longer respected the veto power of
the other.
Just when it looked like Rome was
going to collapse, a strong leader
came to power, Julius Caesar.
Julius Caesar
This is believed to be the only surviving bust made
during his lifetime.
Rise of Julius Caesar
From 58 – 51 BC, Caesar led the
army that conquered Gaul (France).
He killed and enslaved millions of
people living in Gaul.
In 49 BC, Caesar returned to Italy
where a major dispute began
between the senate and himself.
After Caesar’s victory, he became
dictator in 48 BC, ruling much longer
than 6 months.
Death of a Dictator
For four years, Caesar took over important
offices. In 45 BC, he became the only
consul. In 44 BC, he became dictator for
life. (He proclaimed this title himself.)
On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was
murdered by members of the senate.
They felt he had obtained too much
power. This date is referred to as the Ides
of March.
Place of Caesar’s Death
From Republic to Empire
Civil War followed Caesar’s death.
When the war ended 13 years later,
Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian held
power.
In 27 BC, Octavian was given the
title of Augustus by the senate which
means “highly respected.” He was
the first emperor of Rome. This
marked the end of the Roman
Republic. Rome was now an empire!