Rome before the Romans

1. Rome before the Romans Pre-history through the fall of the Etruscans

2. Pre-historic Italy • The early inhabitants of Italy were varied. Small tribal groups inhabited different regions. • There were outside influences as well. Celtic populations in the north dominated the Po Valley.

3. Pre-Etruscan culture. • Early civilizations in Italy were open to the influence of outsiders. • The Greeks had established colonial city-states in Sicily and southern Italy. • These settlements were engaged in trade but their customs, practices and loyalty lay with Greece. • The Phoenicians also set up trading contact and settlement in Sicily and Sardinia and exchanged goods and ideas throughout the Mediterranean. This included the area that would become Rome.

4. Etruscans • One of the largest groups and one of the more influential on the development of the Italian state were the Etruscans. • They were from the region of Italy now known as Tuscany.

5. Etruscans • They were urban dwellers who established fortified towns in strategic locations in Italy. • They had contact with the Greeks. • They Greeks gave them the alphabet in 600 BCE.

6. Etruscans • Cities needed to be founded according to religious practices that were laid out in Ritual Books. • Each city was surrounded by a sacred boundary that protected the citizens from unseen dangers. • They were laid out on a grid system that was later passed down to the Romans.

7. Etruscans • Temples were built on foundations of stone but with the rest of the building being built in wood. • Etruscan cemeteries are elaborate affairs. • They were built to resemble cities of the dead.

8. Etruscans • One of the more unique things about Etruscan burials is the elaborate sarcophagi with reclining statues of the deceased.

9. Etruscans • The religion of the Etruscans was said to have been revealed to the people by seers. • Their practices were written down in a number of ritual books that dealt with all aspects of life. • They also dealt with what needed to be done in founding cities, consecrating temples, and all public and private affairs.

10. Etruscans • Human sacrifices were offered. • Sacrificial offerings were often pitted against each other in battles to the death.

11. Etruscans • Early on they were ruled by kings. • They wore robes of purple and golden crowns. • They carried a scepter and were seated on an ivory throne. • Their attendants carried the fasces which was a symbol of the kings right to execute and scourge.

12. Etruscans • In the fifth century the kings’ rule was transplanted by that of the nobles. • When the monarchy fell some military leaders went on the warpath to establish personal power but they were stopped by local aristocracies. • Each city was an autonomous state that was joined to each other by the League of Twelve Cities.

13. Etruscans • Socially the Etruscans were organized into groups of powerful nobles who controlled large populations of slaves and serfs.

14. Etruscans • They introduced urbanization, constructed the first roadbed in Rome, the Sacred Way, and oversaw the development of temples, markets, shops, streets, and houses. • They gave the Romans the toga and short cloak, the fasces, and the alphabet.

15. Foundation of Rome-Mythological origins • Romulus, in addition to the founding of the great city-state, is credited with establishing several of its institutions, including the Senate. • He also established asylum on the Capitoline where all outlaws could find refuge and acceptance as a means to boost population numbers.

16. Rome • Romulus, in addition to the founding of the great city-state, is credited with establishing several of its institutions, including the Senate. • He also established asylum on the Capitoline where all outlaws could find refuge and acceptance as a means to boost population numbers.

17. Rome • He also attracted the Sabines and other neighbors to him with the promise of a festival. • He then seized the women of the Sabines for his people. • Tatius, the king of the Sabines attacked Rome and captured the Capitoline.

18. Rome • The first pre-Etruscan kings were followed by Tarquinis Priscus (616-579 BCE), • Servius Tullius (578-535 BCE), and • Tarquinius Superbus (534-510 BCE).

19. Rome • Servius was the most influential. • He changed the system of government, created new military units, and new classes in society. • He was responsible for walling in the city. • He established the cult of Diana in the plebian community on the Aventine.

20. Rome • Etruscans introduced architectural and engineering skill to the city. • The heart of Rome became the Forum.

21. Rome • The Romans, themselves, were agricultural people who were brought into larger communities with their contact with the Etruscans.