The Founding of Rome and its Republic

1. The Founding of Rome and its Republic World History I Heritage High School Mr. Irwin

2. Main Ideas • Culture – Stories about the beginnings of Rome are a mix of legend and historical fact. • Geography – The people who settled Rome chose geographic location that was good for defense, travel, and trade. • Economics – Early Roman society was divided into two unequal classes. • Government – The Roman Republic had a government divided into three parts.

3. The Beginnings of Rome Essential Question: What is the early history of Rome?

4. The Founding of Rome • According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in 753 B.C.E. • Twins – Romulus and Remus– wanted to found city • Twins fought over city’s position and Romulus killed Remus • Legend: a popular story from earlier times that cannot be proved • In reality, settled by the Latins

5. The Founding of Rome • Earliest settlers were likely to be Greek or had contact with Greek colonists • Roman kings ruled city until conquered by Etruscans in 600s B.C.E. • Romans overthrew Etruscans in 509 B.C.E. • Formed republic: government in which people elect leaders

6. But why this location? • Rome had mild climate, good farmland, strategic location • Large plains made farming easier than in Greece • Built city on seven hills that could be defended • Farmed at base of hills and lived on hilltops • City was close to Mediterranean Sea and its trade routes • Helped in conquering new areas • Lay next to Tiber River, which aided in trade and provided protection • Alps, Apennines Mountains protected Rome, but didn’t isolate it

7. Review Question: Why was Rome’s location so favorable?

8. The Roman Republic Essential Questions: How was Roman society structured? How was the republican government organized?

9. Patricians and Plebeians • Complex civilization developed, along with two unequal classes • Patricians – upper-class landowners • Held high government positions • Plebeians – common farmers that could vote but not hold power • Tensions over patricians’ power led to written constitution

10. Legislative and Judicial • Roman government established tripartite or three-branch government • Legislative makes law • Executive enforces law • Judicial interprets law • Legislative branch included Senate, assemblies • Senate: 300 members, mostly patricians • Advised leaders • Assemblies: mostly plebeian • Protected plebeian rights • Eight judges of judicial branch oversaw courts and governed provinces

11. Executive • Two consuls led executive branch • Commanded army • Ran government for a year • Each consul could veto the other • In a crisis, consuls could choose dictator to rule for limited time

12. Legacy of Roman Law • U.S. Government adopted Roman Republic’s tripartite system • Checks and balances keeps one branch from getting too powerful • Government based on written constitution • Citizenship is important in republican government • Citizens expected to perform civic duties • American citizens vote, pay taxes, and serve on juries

13. Review: Flip to the chart on the back on the questions for the reading – The Founding of Rome.