Roman Republic

The Roman republic was established in 509 B.C. and lasted nearly 500 years.

Government

• The Roman government was a republic.• In a republic, citizens can choose their leaders.

Rome vs. GreeceRoman republic• only men with

money and property could vote.

• the wealthy elected representatives to make laws for everyone.

Greek democracy• all male citizens

could vote• voted on every

law

Roman Government

• Romans did not want one man to make all of the laws, so they decided to balance the power of the government between three branches.

1. The Executive Branch• The two leaders of the executive branch, the consuls, were elected for

just one year by the upper class• They supervised the Senate and

ordered the Roman army during wars.

• Other members of the executive branch were the tax collectors,

mayors, city police, and other people in positions of power in cities.

2. The Legislative Branch

2. The Legislative Branch

• The most powerful part of the legislative branch was the Senate..

• They could tell the consuls how much money they could spend and on what.

• These men were appointed by the consuls.

3. The Judicial Branch• The judicial

branch had six judges who were elected every two years.

• They were in charge of deciding punishments that criminals would receive.

Compare to the USA

oBalance of power

oSenate and House of Representatives

oConsul (= president)

oCourts

Daily Life: EducationPrimary School• Reading simple

letters, phrases from texts & inscriptions

• Writing w/ erasable wax tablet & stylus

• Simple math w/ abacus or pebbles (and Roman numerals)

• Low fees, open to any student, mixed social classes

Daily Life: EducationSecondary School • Writing w/ parchment

& quills for advanced students

• Latin & Greek for elite students

• Oratory, poetry, grammar, civic/political training

Oratory School/”College” • More advanced • Typically noble

students

Daily Life: Education• Academic Year

• Began March 24 (Feast of Minerva)

• 7 days/week, except many holidays

• Sunrise start, followed by lunch, break and more classes

• Corporal Punishment common• Knuckles, ears, hair, posterior

all fair targets

• Pedagogy• Oral emphasis • Memorization and recitation

School Tools

Daily Life: Women

• It was legal for women to own land, run businesses, free slaves, make wills, inherit wealth, and get a paid job.

• In ancient Rome, only free adult men were citizens. Although women were not citizens of ancient Rome, they enjoyed a great deal more freedom than did women in ancient Greece.

Daily life: Games

Mancala• Oldest board game of

all• Race game, trying to get

the most stones in your big square

Early Roman Beliefs

• Roman beliefs were similar to ancient Greece. In fact, many of the Roman gods were the same as the Greek gods, just with different names.

Early Roman Beliefs

• King of the Gods/Ruler of the Skies

• Greek name is Zeus• Married to Juno• Symbols: Eagle, Shield,

Thunderbolt and Oak Tree

Early Roman Beliefs

• God of Light and Truth, Healing, Archery, and Music

• Greek name is Apollo• Brother of Diana• Symbols: Crow, Dolphin,

Laurel and Lear

Julius Caesar

• Julius Caesar was a dictator who ruled Rome from 49BCE to 44BCE.

• He was very popular with the poor in Rome.

• He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

Caesar’s Death

• Julius Caesar was assassinated by his close friend and other members of the senate.

• They said they feared he was becoming too powerful and would abuse his power.