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The Building of an Empire. ROME Unit I: 8000 BCE – 600 CE. A. B. C. D. Do Now: Make a story about the development of Roman Government. E. F. G. H. A. G. D. Life in Rome had two major social classes: The poor majority (Plebeians). And the wealthy Patricians.
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The Building of an Empire ROME Unit I: 8000 BCE – 600 CE
A B C D Do Now: Make a story about the development of Roman Government E F G H
A G D Life in Rome had two major social classes: The poor majority (Plebeians) And the wealthy Patricians. Plebeians had no rights and were at the mercy of the Patricians. B E C Plebeians revolted and refused to work until they were given more rights. Consuls and Senate for Patricians. F H A new structure was developed which allowed Plebeians certain positions in government. Written Law code was created to protect every citizen equally. Tribunes and Assembly for Plebeians.
The Republic • In 509 BCE Latins Rebel against the Etruscans, overthrow the King • Established a Republic, a government in which citizens have the right to • choose their leaders • Roman Republic was NOT a democracy – citizens did not have equal rights • Discipline, strength and loyalty – qualities called gravitas • All male citizens could take part in politics • Two social classes emerged: Patricians Plebeians • Roman Commoners • poor workers • Majority • Roman aristocrats • Wealthy, landowning elite • Minority
Structure of Government Consuls Senate • Chosen by the Senate • 2 chosen each year • Head of State – commanded army • Could become Dictator for 6 months in times of need • Veto (I forbid) power over Senate • Main lawmaking body • 300 Patricians appointed for life • Controlled foreign affairs • Selected Dictator Monarchy Aristocracy Assembly Tribunes • Elected by the Plebeians • Approved Consuls • Later given power to pass laws Democracy • 2 to 10 Chosen by Plebeian Council • Could Veto actions of the Consuls and the Senate
The Twelve Tables of Law • Finally in 450B.C. the laws were engraved on 12 bronze • tablets called the Twelve Tables. They were displayed • in the Forum, so all citizens could see their rights. • First written law code in Rome – written in 451 B.C.E. • All Free citizens had equal protection under the law. • Protected the rights of the Plebeians Marriages between plebeians and patricians are forbidden An obviously deformed child must be put to death. A person who admits to owing money or has been adjudged to owe money must be given 30 days to pay. If a father sells his son into slavery three times, the son shall be free of his father
B E C D A G F H I Make a story about Roman Expansion!
B E C D A G F H I They fought a series of wars known as the Punic wars Carthage General, Hannibal, had a plan to surprise the Romans from the north Rome and Carthage were rivals for control over Mediterranean trade And over the Alps! 70,000 soldiers and 37 elephants made the journey Hannibal brought an army with elephants across the Med sea Meanwhile, Roman General, Scipio, sailed to Carthage! After winning many battles, Hannibal returns to Carthage. However, Scipio defeats Hannibal and burns Carthage down! Hannibal drinks poison rather than be controlled by Romans!
Expansion of Power • Conquered Italy: By 264 BCE – Ruled all of Italy • The Punic wars (264-146 BCE) Series of Three wars • Rome defeats major rival Carthage located in Northern Africa • Hannibal: Carthage General who crossed alps with army and elephants • After fierce battles, Rome destroyed Carthage and controlled • the Mediterranean • C) Roman power soon spread throughout Europe and Northern Africa
Roman Conquest • Rome was in the middle of the Italian peninsula • Italy was in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea Central Location • Professional armies were well-trained • Accomplished Generals were brilliant strategists • Roman Legions – Armed infantry of 6,000 men • Conquered land and fortified towns Powerful Army • Sense of duty, courage, discipline • Ethnocentric belief – they should rule all! • Livy’s account of Cincinnatus Attitude of Superiority • Built roads, bridges, water routes that made travel easier Ability to move Army
Roman Control • Brought law and order to many distant lands • Created written laws that all citizens followed Organized Government • Gave citizenship to conquered people. • People were allowed to keep customs and traditions • People had religious freedom but had to also pay homage to Roman Gods Treatment of Conquered People • Roman roads, bridges, canals helped increase trade • Size of Empire allowed for the movement of a large variety of goods – led to cultural diffusion and new technology Improved Economy
