TA6A

The Roman Republic

The Romans Create a Republic

I. The Beginnings of RomeA. Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C.

The Romans Create a RepublicB. Geographic features included:1. It was located on the Tiber River2. Rome was surrounded by very fertile soil and it had

a mild climate.

The Romans Create a Republic3. It was close enough to the ocean for trade, but far

enough away to protect from sea invasion.

The Romans Create a RepublicC. Three groups of people the Latins, Greeks and the

Etruscans formed Roman society.1. Latins – They were shepherds and the original

settlers of Rome.

The Romans Create a Republic2. The Greeks – They brought colonies to Italy along

with their culture.3. The Etruscans – These people were skilled

metalworkers, engineers and they had a written alphabet.

The Romans Create a RepublicD. Roman religious beliefs came from the Etruscans

and the Greeks.

The Romans Create a RepublicII. The Early RepublicA. The Roman monarchy was deposed and a republic

was set up in 509 B.C.

The Romans Create a RepublicRoman society was divided into two groups.1. Patricians – They were aristocratic landowners who

held most of the political power.

The Romans Create a Republic2. The Plebeians – They were common farmers,

artisans and merchants who made up the majority of population.

The Romans Create a Republic3. The struggle for political power forces the Senate

(composed of patricians) to allow the plebeians to elect their own assembly called Tribal Assembly.

The Romans Create a RepublicB. The Twelve Tables were a written law code. This

establishes the idea that patricians and plebeians are protected by the same laws.

The Romans Create a RepublicC. The Romans claimed to have had a balanced government. 1. Consuls were the leaders of Rome. There were two; one

commanded the army, the other the government. They each had limited power.

- Ruled for one year- One could veto others plans

The Romans Create a Republic2. The Senate was both the legislative and

administrative bodies in the Republic. Membership was for life and it provided stability for Rome.

The Romans Create a Republic3. The assemblies (Centuriate-patrician and Tribal-

plebeian) were the more democratic elements of government.

The Romans Create a Republic4. A dictator would be appointed in times of crisis.- Power lasted for 6 months- Chosen by the Consuls- Elected by the Senate

The Romans Create a RepublicIII. Rome Spreads its PowerA. The Roman army consisted of all citizens that

owned land. They were formed into legions and by cavalry.

The Romans Create a RepublicB. The legions organizational and fighting skill led to

military greatness.C. Rome had subdued all of Italy by 256 B.C.. Romans

were very lenient toward conquered people and this made it easy to make allies.

The Romans Create a RepublicD. Romans were expert traders. Its central location

made it a commercial powerhouse.

The Romans Create a RepublicE. Rome clashed with Carthage over trade and they

fought three wars with Carthage called The Punic Wars.

The Romans Create a Republic1. The First Punic War 264-241 B.C. – Rome won Sicily2. In the Second Punic War a Carthaginian general named

Hannibal almost conquered Rome. In 202 B.C. Hannibal is forced to go to North Africa to defend Carthage from attack. The Roman general Scipio the Elder defeats him.

The Romans Create a Republic3. The Third Punic War 149 -146 B.C. – Rome is jealous of the

wealth of Carthage and still angry over the destruction of Italy during the second war and it destroys Carthage. 50,000 people are sold into slavery.

Rome has now won complete control of the Mediterranean Sea.

HW: TA 6 B

Read pages: 160 – 165Copy and Define Terms (5) page: 165

Copy and Answer Questions 11 & 12 page: 184