Download 3 ROME - Duluth High School

ROME
The Republic
The Empire
The Origins of Rome
3 founding groups
 Latin shepherds
 Greek colonies
 Etruscan settlements
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Geography
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Excellent location
Built on the Tiber
River
Mountainous
Mid-point of Italian
peninsula
Center of
Mediterranean Sea
Roman Religion
Polytheistic
 Blending of Greek and
Roman religions
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Social Organization
Family

Gravitas
(seriousness)
 Role of fathers
was important
 Role of women
was less
important
Classes
Patricians - upper
class, wealthy
landowners
 Plebeians - lower
class, farmers,
artisans and
merchants

Rome had a balanced government
*form of democracy called a republic
*written law code: the Twelve Tables
Monarchy-
consuls
Democracy-
Election of
Senators
Aristocracy- Dictatorship
Senate
-crisis times
The plebeians made progress
toward equality.

Tribunes of the “Plebs’
– 10 elected officials to represent the plebeians
in the Senate
– Were granted veto power
Twelve tables - codified the laws
 Citizens’ Assemblies
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– More democratic form of government
– All adult, Roman males could attend and vote
Punic Wars
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Carthage vs. Rome
Control of trade in
Mediterranean
Three separate wars
Rome ultimately
won but was
weakened
Lead to rise of
proletariat
Julius Caesar
Military/government leader, gained popularity
and power
 Tried to save the Republic
 Made many reforms

– Grants citizenship, expands senate, creates new
jobs, starts colonies, increased pay for soldiers,
Became dictator for life, 44 B.C.E.
 People fear his growing power
 Assassinated by group of senators
 Republic collapses at his death

The Roman Empire
 1st
emperor, Octavian (Caesar’s nephew)
Ruled as Emperor Augustus for 41 years
Created a strong government
Civil service
Many problems after his death
Succession crisis
religion
Contributions of the Roman Empire
Pax Romana: 207 years of peaceful rule
 Engineering
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– Aqueducts
– Complex sewer system
– Thermal baths
– Series of highways
– Coliseum
The Rise of Christianity
Based on the teachings of Jesus
 Spread rapidly through empire
 Christians persecuted
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Fall of the Roman Empire
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Economic Problems - three sources of prosperity
ended (trade, plunder, farms)
Military Problems - Goths over ran legions,
soldiers fought for money not patriotism
Political Decay - officials were no longer loyal to
Rome
Social Decay - loss of loyalty for government
Weakened empire falls after Barbarian attacks
(the Huns)