Download Rome #1

Ancient Rome
The Romans Found Their
City
Legend of Romulus and Remes
(brothers)
Geography was Important to Rome’s
Success
1. Located midway between Alps
and Italy’s southern tip. Thus, is a
central point within a central
peninsula.
2. Ideal from which to send ships
and armies in all directions.
3. Built 15 miles
inland, at first
convenient place for
crossing the Tiber
River, thus trade
routes developed.
4. Many passes
through Alps for
invaders/ migrating
groups to enter.
5. Appennines
Mtns. run the length
of Italy.
Groups Battle for Italy
1. Latins
A. Entered around 1000 BC, settling on both sides
of the Tiber River. They called this Latium.
2. Greeks
A. Entered between 750 and 600 BC, settling 50
colonies on the southern coast and Sicily.
3. Etruscans
A. Entered northern Italy between 1200 and 800
BC. These people may have come from Asia
Minor.
B. Much more civilized than Latins (writing system
based on the Greek alphabet that is still
undeciphered).
Romans borrowed religious ideas

Polytheistic, like the Greeks. Unlike the
Greeks many gods had no names or
personalities.
Romans Overthrew Their Kings and
Established a Republic
1. Valley below Palatine Hill called the
Forum, became the heart of Roman political
life.
2. Legend = Son of last Roman king
attacked a Roman woman, Lucretia. The
outraged Romans rose in revolt and
overthrew the prince’s father. Then,
Romans declared they would never again
be ruled by a king.
Romans Overthrew Their Kings and
Established a Republic
3. Henceforth, any
Roman who plotted to
make himself king,
could be killed
without a trial.
4. Republic =
Established 509 BC in
which citizens have
the right to vote to
choose their leaders.
Romans Valued Family Ties
1. Discipline, strength, loyalty
2. Heart of society= Family (Pater
familias= complete power over his
family. He controlled all family
property. He could sell family members
into slavery or even kill any member of
his household without penalty).
Romans Valued Family Ties

3. Women?
Ran daily household,
was a citizen, could own
property, testify in court.
She ate meals with
husband, even though he
reclined on a couch
while she sat upright on
a chair. She did not have
the right to vote.
Society was Divided Into Classes
1.
2.
3.
Patrician= Upper class claiming
their ancestors were “founding fathers”
of Rome. They made the laws.
Plebeians= Common farmers,
artisans, and merchants. Did have the
right to vote.
Birth Alone determined every Roman’s
social and political status. Could not
marry between classes initially.