3. Roman Republic a. Human and physical geography b. Contributions—law (Twelve

1. 3. Roman Republic • a. Human and physical • geography • b. Contributions—law (Twelve • Tables), architecture, literature, • roads, bridges

2. Suggested Documents: Hammurabi’s • Code, Hebrew law, the Twelve Tables of • Rome (http://members.aol.com/pilgri • mjon/private/LEX/12tables.html), the • Golden Rule, The Odyssey, Ptolemaic • maps

3. Ancient Rome & Early Christianity

4. Human and physical geography • Built on seven rolling hills on a curve in the Tiber River near the center of the Italian Peninsula. • Located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea (very ideal for trade) • The Latins built the original settlement at Rome but competed with Greeksand the Etruscansfor control.

5. The Roman Republic • After King Tarquin the Proud (a harsh tyrant) was driven from power, the Romans declared they would never again be ruled by a king. • Instead they established a Republicin which citizens have the right to vote for their leaders or representatives.

6. A group called the patricians(wealthy landowners) held most of the power. • The plebeians(the middle and lower classes) were citizens and allowed to vote for their representatives but were barred from holding most government offices. • Women did not hold full citizenship but did enjoy some legal rights such and owning land and willing that land to whomever they wished.

11. Twelve Tables • Plebeians were able to force the creation of a law code called the Twelve Tables. • These laws protected the plebeians from the patricians who often made laws that suited themselves. • They were carved on twelve tablets (or tables) and hung in the forum. They became the basis for all Roman law.

12. Roman Expansion • All Roman landownerswere required to serve time in the military. • The military was skillful and well organized. • Over time the Romans conquered the entire Italian peninsula. • Leniencytoward conquered enemies allowed Rome to build a long lasting empire.

15. The Romans were able to gain control of the western Mediterranean as General Scipio was finally able to defeat Carthage in the third of the Punic Wars. • By 70 B.C. they also conquered the eastern Mediterranean.

17. Julius Caesar • One successful military leader named Julius Caesar had gained popularity in Rome by fighting hard with his men. • Feeling threatened by this popularity a consul named Pompey urged the senate to order Caesar to disband his army and return home. • Instead Caesar returned with his army and drove out his political rivals.

18. In 44 B.C. Caesar was named dictator for life. • Caesar made many reforms that increased his popularity with the people. • Concerned that Caesar was becoming a tyrant senators led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius assassinated Caesar by stabbing him in the senate chamber.

19. PaxRomana • After many years of instability with one leader after another being killed and replaced Rome finally found stability. • A man named Octavious assumed the title Augustus or “exalted one”. • The leadership of Augustus lead to a period of peace and prosperity in Rome known as the PaxRomana

20. Roads • Trade using common currency drove the Roman economy. • They traded all over the Mediterranean taking advantage of their central location. • They also took advantage of a vast network of roads that were originally built for military travel.

21. Roman Architecture • Use of archesin bridges, aqueductsand even in the Coliseum. • Modern stadiums are still modeled after the Coliseum.

23. Roman Gods • Romans were polytheists. • They worshipped gods such as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.

24. Early Christianity • Around 26 B.C. a Jew named Jesusbegan to preach traditional Jewish ideas such as monotheism and the 10 commandments. • He stressed the importance of an individual’s relationship with God and claimed to be the son of God (the Messiah).

25. As some began to call Jesus the messiahRoman’s and Jews became threatened by his popularity. • The chief priests of the Jews denied that he was the messiah and said his teachings were blasphemy.

26. After preaching in Jerusalemthe Roman governor Pontius Pilate accused Jesus of defying the authority of Rome and had him arrested and crucified. • After this crucifixion it is said that he was resurrected 3 days later. His apostlesthen spread his message and Christianity had been born.

27. Literature • Philosophy and literature modeled after the Greeks. • Virgiltakes ten years to write epic called Aeneidwhich he wrote to praise Rome and it’s virtues.

28. The Fall of Rome • Many factors led to the fall of the Roman empire including… • many economic problems • Growing division between the wealthy and poor. • Hostility from tribes outside of the empire. • Instability in the government and military. • Weakening nationalism.

29. Legacy of Rome • The mixing of Hellenistic and Roman cultures created a new culture called Greco-Roman culture. • Western civilizations including the United States still use Greco-Roman ideas including… • A republican form of government • The legal system • Architecture