The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC)

1. The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC) Western Civilization October 23, 2013

2. Agenda • Things Mr. Taylor finds funny and hopes you will too • The Conquest of Italy • The Roman Republic Learning Target: Students will know and be able to explain the development of the Roman Republic and issues facing the citizens of Rome

4. End of the Kingdom • By 509 BC, Romans had expelled the Etruscan kings and were left to govern themselves • Began a campaign to expand their territory throughout the peninsula • Continued until the Punic Wars in 264 BCE

5. The Conquest of Italy • Summarize Rome’s patter of conquest. • Rome conquered land which they gave to poor Romans. With this new land, the poor Romans could afford arms and armor to serve in the army, which meant conquering and distributing more land. • Out of this cycle, Rome found colonies to secure newly acquired territories. Roads were also built to expedite travel for officials and the army.

6. The Conquest of Italy • Summarize Rome's process of governing conquered territories. • Rome offered limited citizenship with trade and marriage privileges. When a city and/or people proved loyal, they were granted full citizenship. Rome allowed cities to maintain their local governments and customs. This bred loyalty, rather than rebellion, among Rome’s colonies.

7. A Republic • What is a republic? • Res Publica– public life • Citizens elect representatives to make political and economic decisions for them • In Rome, consisted of three levels: • Consuls • Senate • Assembly

8. The Consuls • Two Consuls (or Magistrates) • Served as the “Executive Branch” • Supreme civil and military authority • Served as judges • Led the army • Religious duties • Veto Power • Served for 1 year, then entered Senate for life

9. The Senate • Senatus – council of elders • Made up of ex-consuls and other political officers • Advisory body to the consuls • Legislative Branch • Controlled Rome’s finances, except in time of war • Consisted of between 300 and 800 men

10. The Roman Senate

11. Assembly of the Centuries • Comitia Centuriata • Made up of all men of the army (Centurions) • Elected consuls • Accepted / rejected legislation and declarations of war • Ratified treaties • Order of vote determined by wealth • Wealthiest member voted first, giving him considerable influence over the outcome

12. Assembly of Tribes • Comitia Tributa • Made up of all citizens • Approves/rejects: • Consul elections • Laws passed by magistrates • Declarations of war

13. Comitium • Located in the Forum • Location of Senate houses and Rostrum

14. Senate House

15. Rostrum • Speaking platform • Located opposite the Senate assembly hall

16. The Struggle of the Orders • Patricians • Plebeians

17. Patricians • Legally and socially superior • Constituted ~ 10% of the population • Earned status through wealth or ownership of land • Monopoly of social, political, and economic power Plebeians • Everyone else

18. What’s the Issue? • Status determined by law • Could not move up • Aristocracy • Only Patricians could serve as Senators • Plebeians could vote in Assembly, but wealthier members voted first in both Assemblies and the Senate, leading to control by the wealthy

19. A Plebeian State? • The Roman Plebeians threatened to leave Rome and establish their own state • ConciliumPlebus • Wanted protection from unjust actions of Senators and magistrates • Victory • Plebeians allowed to elect Tribunes – plebeian members of the Senate

20. Tribunes • Absolute Veto Power • Could not veto actions of military commander or a dictator • Could not be called into account for their actions • Could not be harmed in any way

21. The Twelve Tables • 450 BC, Plebeians gain another victory • A law code specifying of civic and criminal, as well as relations between citizens and family members • Homework: Read and take notes on Chapter 5, Section 1 (if you haven’t already) & finish graphic organizer