Chapter 6: Ancient Rome

1. Chapter 6: Ancient Rome (This is from Wikipedia) • Beginning in the eighth century B.C., Ancient Rome grew from a small town on central Italy's Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe, Britain, much of western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean islands. • Among the many legacies of Roman dominance are the widespread use of the Romance languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian) derived from Latin, the modern Western alphabet and calendar and the emergence of Christianity as a major world religion. • After 450 years as a republic, Rome became an empire in the wake of Julius Caesar's rise and fall in the first century B.C. The long and triumphant reign of its first emperor, Augustus, began a golden age of peace and prosperity. • By contrast, the empire's decline and fall by the fifth century A.D. was one of the most dramatic implosions in the history of human civilization.

2. This section is about: How the geography of Italy influenced Roman civilization. The growth of the Roman republic and the reasons for its decline. Section I: Early Rome and The Republic (Pages 124-131)

3. Let’s start by looking at “Active Reading” and “Predict” on the top of page 126. And, at the same time, let’s look at the main ideas of Section I. One good reading skill (during reading) is to compare what you are reading to something else. Comparing Rome to another place (China): what may happen in the history of Rome - What’s your teacher thinking about? The Dynastic Cycle? Can it happen in places besides China?

4. At the height of it’s power, Rome (the “heart” of Italy), controlled most of Europe, Northern Africa, western Asia, and the Balkans. Italy is a 700 mile by 100 mile long “boot.” It’s “toe” is Sicily. The Mountains and the Tiber and Arno Rivers are important to Italy. …….. The Land and Geography of Italy

5. Climate / Agriculture Cold Good Soil 1 Warmer/Wetter Colder/Dryer Fertile Land (grapes and olives) Lots of Water (Good for Trade) Semi-Tropical

6. They had a big fight (near the Tiber River), and Romulus killed Remus. Romulus named the new city after himself and became the first king. The first Romans were probably farmers and herders (their people were called Latins). According to legend…Romulus and Remus (twin brothers) founded Rome

7. The Latins weren’t the only group living there. 2 • The Etruscans lived in central Italy (with a written language and skilled architects, builders and artists). • The Greeks were also in southern Sicily and southern Italy (the Romans liked the Greeks and tried to adopt some of their culture). • When Rome started as a civilization, it had seven different kings. • Romulus (founder of the city), Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Martius, Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Tarquinius Superbus. • – you don’t need to know about any of them (although it is a little interesting if you want to look on your own). 3 4

8. When the people revolted against him, they set up a republic (this is when voters choose people to represent them). Sound like a country you’re familiar with? But – we have a constitution – the Romans did not. Let’s quickly look on page 128 – in your textbook (on the top left). The last of the 7 kings was evil(took people’s property / had enemies executed, etc…)

9. Each year 2 people were elected to be “Head of State.” Consuls were the most important magistrates (government officials) – who held one year terms. The senate had the most power These consuls proposed laws and led the army – and they had to agree (one could veto the other). Other magistrates: praetors (judges), aediles (marketplace controllers), questors (financial officers), and censors (counted people every 5 years). They discussed issues and made decisions. The first senators were called patricians. None of this was written down in a “constitution” – it was just accepted. 5 6

10. The tribal assembly was controlled by the plebeians(common people). Eventually, the assembly won the right to elect their own officials – called tribunes. Tribunes could veto any government action. The patricians ran the government, but plebeians made up most of the countries people and army. Easy – huh? (maybe not) Since they had some disagreements, they decided to come up with the Twelve Tables (Rome’s first book of laws). All these people were elected 7

11. Patricians and Plebeians were free. Rome had many slaves (who’s masters had the power of life and death – or even to give them their freedom). Women: did not have the same rights as men, but it got better for them. By the end of the republic, they could own property and take part in government decision making. Families: oldest male made most important decisions and kept the family together. Religion borrowed much from the Greeks, but 3 main gods. Roman Society 8

12. By 265 BC, Rome ruled most of the Italian peninsula. But Carthage was just south of them – so you know what happened….. There were three wars between Rome and Carthage (The Punic Wars). Expanding Rome’s Control

13. The Punic Wars • 1 – fought for control of Sicily (Romans won). • 2 – Carthage’s general (Hannibal) tried to invade Rome and later, Rome tried to take over Carthage (Rome won, but didn’t get Carthage). • 3 – Rome destroyed Carthage and enslaved all survivors (Rome wins the Punic Wars). • So, Rome also continued on and conquered Greece and ended up ruling the entire Mediterranean region (next slide).

15. All these conquests made Rome wealthy. But… • It also caused Rome to get a big difference between the rich and the poor. • Romans made many captured people into slaves. They eventually had more slaves than citizens. • So workers would lose jobs to people who’d work for free. • This caused a lot of tensions and unrest in Rome. Google Earth / Ancient Rome

16. Finish the bottom of page "A"