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Ancient Rome. Early Beginnings to the Republic. Virgil’s The Aeneid. Aeneas – Trojan Prince who fled Troy as it was burning. Legend has it that Aeneas sailed first to Africa, then settled in what is now Rome Romans wanted to link themselves back to the culture of the Ancient Greeks. .
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Ancient Rome Early Beginnings to the Republic
Virgil’s The Aeneid • Aeneas – Trojan Prince who fled Troy as it was burning. • Legend has it that Aeneas sailed first to Africa, then settled in what is now Rome • Romans wanted to link themselves back to the culture of the Ancient Greeks.
Romulus & Remus • Romulus and Remus argue over where to build the city • Palentine Hill or Aventine Hill • Look for omen from the gods • Vultures. • Romulus kills Remus • Becomes the first king of Rome
The story of Romulus and Remus describes the mythical founding of the city of Rome. The story emphasizes strength, honor and sacrifice. Romulus and Remus
Romulus & Remus • Lasting influence on Roman culture
Location of Rome • Rome’s location offered 3 advantages. • Rome was built on several hills, so it was difficult for enemies to attack. • The Tiber River allowed food and goods of inland countries to be brought to Rome. • The Mediterranean Sea is only 15 miles away, so Rome is near enough to the sea for trade, but not too near danger from enemy ships.
Early Roman influences… • The city of Rome was founded by the Latins who settled near the Tiber River. Over time the Romans borrowed many ideas and skills from their neighbors. • Etruscan Influence: Engineering and building techniques and sports such as gladiator contests • Greek Influence: Roman culture such as art, architecture, writing, art and mythology
Etruscans & Greeks • Influences on Latium
Patricians and Plebeiansin Early Rome (ruled by the Etruscans) • Patricians: Upper-class citizens, comes from the Latin word patres meaning father. Patricians controlled the most valuable land and held the most important military and religious offices
Plebeians • Plebeians: Lower-class citizens such as peasants, shopkeepers, laborers & craftspeople. Plebs: means many in Latin. 95% of the population, they could not be priests or government officials. They had little participation in government yet still had to serve in the army.
Need for Change The common people of Rome were very angry over harsh treatment by the rich and powerful people of Rome, so they had moved out of the city. The leaders knew that their city was in serious danger unless the common people returned. So they agreed to give the people more rights. This struggle between the Roman leaders and the common people continued for 200 years as the common people of Rome tried to gain equal rights.
Republic! • When the last Etruscan king was thrown out of Rome in 509 B.C., • In place of a King they created a REPUBLIC: In a republic elected officials work for the interests of the people (In this case the patricians themselves!) • In Rome, the leaders chosen to replace the king were called consuls.
Organization of Republic • Consuls were elected by a group of ordinary citizens known as an assembly, and the consuls were given advice by a group of rich people known as the Senate. • Although the citizens elected their own representatives, the Roman Republic was not a democracy because not every citizen had equal power. Citizens were divided into two classes, patricians and plebeians. • A Roman was born into their class.
Early Roman Republic • Most power went to the hands of the Senate • Senate: 300 men that the patricians elected, they served for life and appointed government officials and judges • Consuls: Two of these elected leaders shared command of the army, the Senate advised the consuls • The Senate’s decisions were treated as law • Only patricians could participate in government…
Unfair Treatment • Only Patricians could become consuls or senators and Plebeians had to obey their decisions • Laws were NOT written down which allowed the Patricians to interpret them to benefit themselves • As a result several families of Rome held ALL the power…
Plebian Revolt • Over time Plebeians began to demand more political rights • This struggle is known as the Conflict of the Orders or conflict between the classes • The conflict grew especially heated during time of war because Plebeians had to fight even though Patricians decided whether or not to go to war…Plebeians resented this!
Revolt cont. • 494 B.C. Angry over their lack of power all Plebeians marched out of the city and camped on a nearby hill…they refused to come back until the Patricians met their demands. • By this time the population of Rome had grown to approximately 40,000 people most of whom were Plebeians…the city and surrounding farms grind to a halt • Rome was in crisis…without the Plebeians the city was all but defenseless too!
Political Equality for Plebeians • A MAJOR CHANGE in Roman Government occurs as a result! • Tribunes of the Plebs: elected officials of the plebeians • Tribunes: later gain veto power • Council of Plebs: Lawmaking body, made laws for Plebs only!
Plebian Advancements • Plebeians demand that laws get written down…The result is the Twelve Tables • Twelve Tables:
Example of the 12 Tables: Table XI • Table XI. • 1. Marriages should not take place between plebeians and patricians.
XII Tables • Publishing of the Law of the Twelve Tablets in Rome, circa 442 B.C • Note the tools in the plebs hands
