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Explore Rome's rise from a small city-state to dominating the Mediterranean through geographical advantages, Etruscan influence, and the establishment of a republican government. Witness the expansion in Italy, wars against Carthage, and Rome's ultimate rise to power.
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Chapter 6 Ancient Rome
Geography and Peoples of Italy • Rome began as a small city-state in Italy and ended up ruling the entire Mediterranean world. • Because of its geography Italy was much easier to unify than Greece. • Italy has the advantage of broad fertile plains, both in the north and in the west that could support a growing population.
The Etruscans • Before 509 B.C. the Etruscans ruled much of central Italy including Rome itself. • Romans learned a lot from Etruscan civilization like their alphabet, how to use the arch in construction, and engineering techniques.
The Roman Republic • The Romans drove out their Etruscans ruler in 509 B.C. • This is generally accepted as the year of the founding of the Roman state.
Determined to never again be ruled by a king, the Romans set up a new type of government called a republic. • In a republic officials were chosen by the people. • They thought it would keep any individual from gaining too much power. The myth of Romulus and Remus is very famous
The Roman Republic • The senate was the most powerful governing body. • It was made up of 300 patricians or nobles. • Each year the senators elected two consuls. • In the event of a war the senate might choose a dictator, however the dictator could not rule longer then 6 months
Cincinnatus • Cincinnatus, an early Roman dictator, was regarded by the Romans as one of the heroes of early Rome and as a model of Roman virtue and simplicity. With one hand he returns the fasces, symbol of power as appointed dictator of Rome. His other hand holds the plow, as he resumes the life of a citizen and farmer."
Plebeians were the middle class of Rome. • They were often farmers, merchants, artisans, and traders who made up the bulk of the population. • They had little say in government affairs.
A breakthrough for the plebeians came in the form of the laws of the twelve tables. • Similar to Hammurabi’s code, the government of Rome had the laws of the land inscribed on 12 tablets in the city. • This made it possible for the first time for plebeians to appeal a judgment handed down by a patrician judge
Tribunes • In time, plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials to protect their interests. • These officials were called Tribunes. • Tribunes could veto laws that they felt were harmful to the plebeians.
Although the senate still dominated the government, the common people had gained access to power and won safeguards for their rights without having to resort to war or revolution.
Expansion in Italy • Roman armies expanded Roman power and influence across Italy. • Roman armies consisted of citizen-soldiers who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons. • They conquered the Etruscans and then the Greek city-states in the south 270 B.C. • Roman soldiers were well trained, loyal, and courageous. • Conquered peoples had to acknowledge Roman leadership, pay taxes, and supply the soldiers for the Roman army. • In return Rome let them keep their own customs, money, and local government.
War with Carthage • Rome’s conquest of the Italian peninsula brought it into contact with a new rival – Carthage • Carthage was a Phoenician city-state on the Northern coast of Africa • Between 264 B.C. and 146 B.C. Rome fought three wars against Carthage called THE PUNIC WARS
1st Punic War • During this war Rome defeated Carthage, forcing it to surrender Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia.
2nd Punic War • In 218 B.C. Hannibal, general of the Carthage military, embarked on one of the most daring expeditions in history. • Hannibal took almost 40 elephants and his massive army across the Alps and down towards Rome. • Hannibal had great success for 15 years. But was never able to capture Rome. This is because as Hannibal had his massive force located on the Italian Peninsula, Roman Armies attacked Carthage. • Hannibal rushed back to Carthage to defend his Homeland. • It was here that Rome finally defeated Hannibal.
3rd Punic War • This war was much smaller in scale but much larger in its end results. • Rome attacked Carthage and completely destroyed the 700 year old city. • Survivors were killed or sold into slavery. • The Romans poured salt all over the earth so that nothing would grow there again
End of Section 1 • With Carthage completely destroyed, Rome was now the sole dominant power of the Mediterranean, free to pursue whatever it desires
