Geography and Life in Ancient Rome: Jedi Journal Notes

1. Chapter 13: The Rise of Rome Lesson 1 - The Geography of Ancient Rome Jedi Journal (Learning Target Notes)

2. Miscellaneous Notes • A legend says that after the Trojan War, Aeneas settled in Italy. • The legend continues that twins, Romulus and Remus, descendants of Aeneas, were raised by a wolf and fought about the location of Rome. Around 753 B.C., Romulus killed Remus and set Rome’s boundaries around Palatine Hill. • Legend says there was a series of kings after Romulus, but eventually were conquered by the Etruscans. • Then in 509 B.C., the Romans overthrew the Etruscan king and formed a Republic. • A Republic is where people elect their leaders.

3. 1. I can understand geographic factors that helped ancient Romans build a civilization. • The location was chosen because of its mild climate, good farmland, and strategic location. • Rome was built on hilltops that allowed them to defend themselves against attack. • Rome was located on the Tiber River, which took them to the Mediterranean Sea. • Rome was also on the Italian peninsula, which allowed them to sail to other lands easily. • There are two mountain ranges that helped protect Rome. They are the Alps and the Apennines. • Rome has a lot of large plains that made farming easy. • In short, the location offered water, protection, and trade.

4. 2. I can analyze what life was like in early Roman society. • Like other ancient civilizations, Romans lived by farming. • They planted grains, veggies, and fruit. They also raised different breeds of animals. • The land owners also served in the army. • The farmers lived in extended family units ( i.e – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) • They farmed with simple tools and fetched water from a well or spring. • Because life depended on farming, the Romans developed a sense of discipline, loyalty, and hard work. These qualities and attitudes helped Rome conquer all of Italy.