The Roman The Roman RepublicRepublic

Ancient Rome was….Ancient Rome was….

Next to the Mediterranean SeaNext to the Mediterranean Sea It covered parts of It covered parts of Europe, Asia and Europe, Asia and

AfricaAfrica A A peninsulapeninsula Rocky and mountainousRocky and mountainous Built on hillsBuilt on hills Next to the Next to the Tiber RiverTiber River

In the Beginning…In the Beginning… Ancient Rome Ancient Rome

begin as a group of begin as a group of villages along the villages along the Tiber River in what Tiber River in what is now Italy.is now Italy.

Around 750 B.C. Around 750 B.C. these villages these villages united to form the united to form the city of Rome.city of Rome.

The Seven Hills of RomeThe Seven Hills of Rome Rome was located in Seven Hills. Rome was located in Seven Hills. The The Seven Hills of RomeSeven Hills of Rome east of the east of the

TiberTiber form the heart of form the heart of Rome.Rome. The Seven The Seven Hills of early Rome – the Cermalus, Hills of early Rome – the Cermalus, Cispius, Fagutal, Oppius, Palatium, Sucusa Cispius, Fagutal, Oppius, Palatium, Sucusa and Velia – figured prominently in Roman and Velia – figured prominently in Roman mythologymythology, religion, and politics. The , religion, and politics. The original city was held by original city was held by tradition tradition to have to have been founded by been founded by RomulusRomulus on the on the Palatine Palatine HillHill. The other six are now the . The other six are now the AventineAventine, , the the Capitoline Capitoline , the , the Quirinal Quirinal , the , the Viminal Viminal , , the the EsquilineEsquiline and the and the CaelianCaelian..

The hills of RomeThe hills of Rome were of great strategic were of great strategic importance because of their height and importance because of their height and position. They have gradually been cut position. They have gradually been cut away and built over although they are still away and built over although they are still evident to the expert eye.evident to the expert eye.

From Whence We Came From Whence We Came ……

Three groups Three groups inhabited the inhabited the region and battle region and battle for control: for control: LatinsLatins GreeksGreeks EtruscansEtruscans

The Origins of RomeThe Origins of Rome Rome’s GeographyRome’s Geography

Site of Rome chosen for its Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic fertile soil and strategic locationlocation

Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.Mediterranean Sea.

Built on seven hills ( Built on seven hills ( Seven Hills of RomeSeven Hills of Rome (Italian: (Italian: Sette Sette colli di Romacolli di Roma, Latin: , Latin: Septem montes RomaeSeptem montes Romae) east of the ) east of the river Tiber form the geographical heart of Rome, within river Tiber form the geographical heart of Rome, within the walls of the ancient city.) along the walls of the ancient city.) along Tiber RiverTiber River

The First RomansThe First Romans LatinsLatins, , GreeksGreeks, and , and EtruscansEtruscans compete for control of compete for control of

the region.the region. Latins found original settlement of Rome between Latins found original settlement of Rome between 10001000

B.C. and B.C. and 500500 B.C. B.C. Etruscans native to Etruscans native to northernnorthern Italy influence Roman Italy influence Roman

civilizationcivilization

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Early RulersEarly Rulers

Around Around 600600 B.C. B.C. EtruscanEtruscan kings begin kings begin to rule Rome.to rule Rome.

Kings built Rome’s first temples and Kings built Rome’s first temples and public centerspublic centers

Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan kings Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan kings in 509 B.C.in 509 B.C.

Romans found a republic—a government Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.in which citizens elect leaders.

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Patricians and PlebeiansPatricians and Plebeians

Different groups struggle for power in Different groups struggle for power in early Roman Republicearly Roman Republic

PatriciansPatricians—wealthy landowning class —wealthy landowning class that holds most of the powerthat holds most of the power

PlebeiansPlebeians—artisans, merchants and —artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rulefarmers; can vote, but cannot rule TribunesTribunes—elected representatives who —elected representatives who

protect Plebeians’ rightsprotect Plebeians’ rights

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Twelve TablesTwelve Tables

In In 451451 B.C. officials carve B.C. officials carve RomanRoman lawslaws on on twelve tablets.twelve tablets.

Called the Twelve Tables, they become the Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law.basis for later Roman law.

Laws confirm the right of all Laws confirm the right of all freefree citizenscitizens to the protection of the law.to the protection of the law.

Citizenship is limited to Citizenship is limited to adult male adult male landownerslandowners..

The Twelve Tables are hung in the The Twelve Tables are hung in the ForumForum

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Government Under the RepublicGovernment Under the Republic

Rome elects two Rome elects two consulsconsuls—one to lead —one to lead the army and one to direct government.the army and one to direct government.

SenateSenate—chosen from Roman upper —chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy.class; makes foreign and domestic policy.

Democratic assemblies elect tribunes Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people.and makes laws for common people.

DictatorsDictators are leaders appointed briefly are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis.in times of crisis.

Government under the Government under the RepublicRepublic•Rome claim a balanced

government•Consuls (leaders) were limited in power•Limited terms•Senate represented Aristocrats of society•Senators were in office for life (continuity)•Major influence•Centuriate / Tribune Assemblies•Tribal Assembly represented the Plebeians and made laws for the common people•In times of crisis, a Dictator assumed absolute power for six months

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic The Roman ArmyThe Roman Army

Roman legion—military unit of 5,000 infantry, Roman legion—military unit of 5,000 infantry, supported by cavalry.supported by cavalry.

Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s Army is powerful and a key factor in Rome’s rise to greatness.rise to greatness.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power Rome Conquers ItalyRome Conquers Italy

The Romans defeat the Etruscans in the The Romans defeat the Etruscans in the north and the Greek city-states in the north and the Greek city-states in the south.south.

By 265 B.C., Rome controls the entire By 265 B.C., Rome controls the entire Italian peninsula.Italian peninsula.

Rome treats the conquered peoples Rome treats the conquered peoples justly. This enables Rome to grow.justly. This enables Rome to grow.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power Rome’s Commercial NetworkRome’s Commercial Network

Rome establishes a large trading Rome establishes a large trading network.network.

Access to the Mediterranean Sea Access to the Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes.provides many trade routes.

Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome.Africa, soon rivals Rome.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power War with CarthageWar with Carthage

Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three wars between 264 through 146 B.C.wars between 264 through 146 B.C.

Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war.23-year war.

Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War.defeat in the Second Punic War.

He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome.take Rome.

Rome TriumphsRome Triumphs Roman general Roman general ScipioScipio defeats Hannibal in 202 defeats Hannibal in 202

B.C.B.C. Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people

in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.

The End of the Roman The End of the Roman RepublicRepublic

A successful Roman general and famous A successful Roman general and famous speaker, Julius Caesar, was a governor of speaker, Julius Caesar, was a governor of the territory of Gaul and managed to take the territory of Gaul and managed to take control of many nearby territories.control of many nearby territories.

Fearing him the Roman Senate ordered Fearing him the Roman Senate ordered him to resign…but he had other ideas.him to resign…but he had other ideas.

Caesar fought for control and won, Caesar fought for control and won, becoming the dictator of the Roman becoming the dictator of the Roman world, ending the Roman Republic.world, ending the Roman Republic.

The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire Less than a year after gaining power Less than a year after gaining power

a group of angered Senators stabbed a group of angered Senators stabbed Caesar to death on the floor of the Caesar to death on the floor of the Roman Senate. (March 15, 44 B.C.)Roman Senate. (March 15, 44 B.C.)

This caused a civil war that lasted This caused a civil war that lasted several years.several years.

In 27 B.C., Caesar’s adopted son, In 27 B.C., Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian was named the first Octavian was named the first emperor of Rome.emperor of Rome.

The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire An An empireempire is a nation or group is a nation or group of territories ruled by a single of territories ruled by a single

powerful leader, or emperor.powerful leader, or emperor. As emperor Octavian took the name As emperor Octavian took the name

Augustus.Augustus. Augustus ruled the Roman Empire Augustus ruled the Roman Empire

for more than 40 years, known as for more than 40 years, known as the Augustan Age. the Augustan Age.

The Augustan AgeThe Augustan Age During the rule of Augustus the Roman empire continued to expand. Augustus kept soldiers along all the borders to keep peace in the Roman world. During this time architects and engineers built many new public buildings. Augustus, the first Roman emperor, ruled for 45 years.  It was during the reign

of Augustus that people got used to being ruled by one leader. Rome went on to greatness under the Empire, but the Roman Republic was no more. For 45 years, Rome was at peace. This period is the beginning of the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace.

The phrase "Roman Peace" is a bit misleading. The Romans continued to expand their empire during this period. They did not always do so peacefully. Things were not always peaceful in the city of Rome. Rome did not always have the best leadership. Some emperors were very cruel. Some were insane. But the empire continued to be stable. For around 200 years, the Roman Empire was united. 

The Romans were great builders. Many of their incredible buildings and engineering projects were constructed during this period of relative peace. Culture and literature flourished. Much of Greek culture was adopted during this period.  

The Augustan AgeThe Augustan Age During this time trade increased During this time trade increased

with olive oil, wine, pottery, marble, with olive oil, wine, pottery, marble, and grain being shipped all across and grain being shipped all across the Mediterranean. the Mediterranean.

Lighthouses were constructed to Lighthouses were constructed to guide ships into port. guide ships into port.

This was also a time of great Roman This was also a time of great Roman literature.literature.

The Rise of ChristianityThe Rise of Christianity After the death of Augustus in 14 After the death of Augustus in 14

A.D. a new religion begin to spread: A.D. a new religion begin to spread: Christianity. Christianity.

At first it took hold in the eastern At first it took hold in the eastern half of the Roman Empire.half of the Roman Empire.

By 200 A.D. this religion had spread By 200 A.D. this religion had spread throughout the empire.throughout the empire.

The Rise of ChristianityThe Rise of Christianity Christians were viewed with Christians were viewed with

suspicion and suffered persecution suspicion and suffered persecution and many were punished or killed and many were punished or killed for their beliefs. for their beliefs.

Things changed when Constantine Things changed when Constantine became emperor of Rome in 306 became emperor of Rome in 306 A.D. During his reign Christianity A.D. During his reign Christianity became the official religion of the became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Roman Empire.

The Rise of ChristianityThe Rise of Christianity Christians were viewed with Christians were viewed with

suspicion and suffered persecution suspicion and suffered persecution and many were punished or killed and many were punished or killed for their beliefs. for their beliefs.

Things changed when Constantine Things changed when Constantine became emperor of Rome in 306 became emperor of Rome in 306 A.D. During his reign Christianity A.D. During his reign Christianity became the official religion of the became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Roman Empire.

The Fall of the Roman The Fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire

The empire was too large The empire was too large to govern effectively. to govern effectively.

The army was not what it The army was not what it used to be. There was used to be. There was corruption in the military - corruption in the military - dishonest generals and dishonest generals and non-Roman soldiers. non-Roman soldiers.

Civil wars broke out Civil wars broke out between different political between different political groups. groups.

Emperors were often Emperors were often selected by violence, or by selected by violence, or by birth, so the head of birth, so the head of government was not always government was not always a capable leader. a capable leader.

The increased use of slaves The increased use of slaves put many Romans out of put many Romans out of work work

The rich became lazy and The rich became lazy and showed little interest in trying showed little interest in trying to solve Rome problems. to solve Rome problems.

The poor were overtaxed and The poor were overtaxed and overworked. They were very overworked. They were very unhappy. unhappy.

Prices increased, trade Prices increased, trade decreased. decreased.

The population was shrinking The population was shrinking due to starvation and disease. due to starvation and disease. That made it difficult to That made it difficult to manage farms and manage farms and government effectively. government effectively.

The Empire starting The Empire starting shrinking. The Huns, shrinking. The Huns, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Saxons and other barbarian Saxons and other barbarian tribes overran the empire. tribes overran the empire.

Credit: http://rome.mrdonn.org/fall.html

The Fall of the Roman The Fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire

The ancient Romans tried to solve some of their problems The ancient Romans tried to solve some of their problems by splitting the Roman Empire in half, hoping that would by splitting the Roman Empire in half, hoping that would make the empire easier to manage. make the empire easier to manage.

Each side had an emperor, but the emperor in charge was Each side had an emperor, but the emperor in charge was the emperor of the western half, the half that included the the emperor of the western half, the half that included the city of Rome. city of Rome. 

The Western Roman Empire did not do well. Instead of The Western Roman Empire did not do well. Instead of getting stronger, they became weaker. By 400 AD, it was getting stronger, they became weaker. By 400 AD, it was pretty much over. The Huns, Franks, Vandals, Saxons, pretty much over. The Huns, Franks, Vandals, Saxons, Visigoths – any of these barbarian tribes might have been Visigoths – any of these barbarian tribes might have been the group that finally brought Rome down.the group that finally brought Rome down.

They were all attacking various pieces of the Western They were all attacking various pieces of the Western Roman Empire. In 476 AD, the Visigoths sacked Rome. Roman Empire. In 476 AD, the Visigoths sacked Rome. Europe entered the Dark Ages. The eastern half of the Europe entered the Dark Ages. The eastern half of the Roman Empire received a new name – the Byzantine Roman Empire received a new name – the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire did fine. It lasted for Empire. The Byzantine Empire did fine. It lasted for another 1000 years! another 1000 years!

Credit: http://rome.mrdonn.org/fall.html