Ms. Soles Social Studies: Europe & Russia

1. Ms. SolesSocial Studies: Europe & Russia Lesson 42 The Ancient Roman Empire

2. It’s time to zoom back in time and across the ocean to another part of Europe! Google Earth

3. A New Power Arises! The earliest empires had been in the east. Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, and Greece were all home to at least one very powerful civilization. About 387BC, a city on the Italian peninsula began acquiring land and building an empire. That city was Rome. For over one thousand years, Rome controlled the western world.

5. One reason Rome grew into another great empire was because of how it treated the people it conquered. It was common for a city defeated by another empire to force its citizens from the land, or, even enslave them if they chose to stay. However, The Romans actually extended the rights of citizenship to the people it conquered.

6. Rome conquered many of its allies by force, but once the new people became citizens, they would often joined the Roman army. Rome managed to unify most of the modern nation of Italy by 265BC.

7. Let’s Find Rome!

8. A Closer Look at the City of Rome Map of Ancient Rome

9. Rome is an ideal place for a city. It is located along the banks of the Tiber River. The river made it easy to travel to and from the sea. The Tiber is very shallow near Rome. A shallow portion of a river is called a ford. The ford made it easier for people to cross the river.

10. The Tiber River Roman depiction of the Tiber River as a River-god

11. There are seven hills that surround the city of Rome. These hills made it difficult for outside invaders to approach the city, especially for an attack. Also, they provided good areas for lookouts for the Romans.

12. Map of Rome Showing the Seven hills of Rome

13. Rome is also close to excellent farmland and an abundance of wood and stone. Civilizations have grown and prospered in Rome for thousands of years, which is why Rome is nicknamed “The Eternal City.”

14. Remains of the First Stone Walls of Rome

15. Let’s Tour the Great City of Rome! http://www.roman-empire.net/tours/rome.html

16. Origins of Rome The origins of Rome are steeped in myth and legend. Many ancient Romans believed twin boys named Romulus and Remus founded the city. A king, Amulus. feared the twins would rob him of his throne, so he tossed them into the frigid Tiber River. Soon after, the brothers were rescued by a she-wolf who nursed them back to health.

17. Altar from Ostia: The Discovery of Romulus and Remus

18. Then a shepherd and his wife took them into their care and raise them to manhood as shepherds. The twins proved to be natural leaders, and acquire many followers. When told their true identities, they killed Amulius, restore the throne of Alba Longa to the rightful person, and decided to found a new city for themselves.

19. Romulus and Remus decided to establish a city on the Tiber River, but they could not agree on a location. As the legend goes, signs from the heavens decreed that each brother would build a city, but Romulus’ city would be much larger. Romulus completed his city on April 21, 753BC.

20. Remus was upset that Romulus had built his city, so he climbed over the wall. The enraged Romulus killed his brother with an ax. The city came to be known as Rome, named for its legendary founder.

21. The early Romans lived in small communities that grew into city-states. They were often ruled by kings from wealthy families. About fifty years after Romulus founded the city, the legends say the Etruscans conquered the Romans.

22. 1200 BC-550 BCExtent of Etruscan Civilization

23. The Etruscan civilization is the modern English name for the “civilization of ancient Italy”. Rome was founded within or adjacent to Etruscan territory. After about 500 BC, the Etruscan lands came under the control of the Romans. Etruscan Pendant; From 700-650 BC

24. The Etruscans conducted many campaigns during their summer months, raiding areas and trying to gain territories, as well as resources, goods, and even slaves. Etruscan Warrior

25. Etruscan Walled Town

26. Our time for this lesson has run out! We will learn more about the early years of Rome’s development and challenges to becoming another great empire! Google Earth

27. Resources http://wikkipedia.com http://MrDowling.com http://www.roman-empire.net/tours/rome.html