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The Roman Republic. Chapter 6, Section 1. The Origins of Rome. Rome’s Geography Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Built on seven hills along Tiber River. The Early Republic. Early Rulers
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The Roman Republic Chapter 6, Section 1
The Origins of Rome • Rome’s Geography • Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location • Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. • Built on seven hills along Tiber River
The Early Republic • Early Rulers • Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.
The Early Republic • Patricians and Plebeians • Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power • Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule • Tribunes—elected representatives who protect Plebeians’ rights
The Early Republic • Twelve Tables • In 451 B.C. officials carve Romanlaws on twelve tablets. • Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law. • Laws confirm the right of all freecitizens to the protection of the law. • Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. • The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum
The Early Republic • Government Under the Republic • Rome elects two consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. • Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. • Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people. • Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis.
The Early Republic • The Roman Army • Roman legion—military unit of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry. • Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness.
Rome Spreads Its Power • Rome’s Commercial Network • Rome establishes a large trading network. • Access to the Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes. • Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome.
Rome Spreads Its Power • War with Carthage • Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three wars between 264 through 146 B.C. • Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war. • Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War. • He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome. • Rome Triumphs • Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 B.C. • Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.
