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The Roman Republic: Government and Early History

Explore the establishment of the Roman Republic, its early history, and the influence of Greek and Etruscan cultures on Roman society. Learn about the roles of patricians and plebeians, the Twelve Tables of Rome, and the structure of the Roman government. Discover how Rome built a mighty army and expanded its influence in the Mediterranean.

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The Roman Republic: Government and Early History

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  1. 10/16 Focus: • The Romans established a new form of government known as a republic • The Romans influenced many of the values and institutions of western civilization. • Do Now: • Identify the type of government found in the United States

  2. Ancient Rome The Roman Republic

  3. Early History of Rome • The Legend of Romulus and Remus • Legend states that the city of Rome was founded by two twins, Romulus and Remus. • Twins were abandoned near the Tiber River and raised by a she-wolf • Romulus kills Remus and starts Rome

  4. Early History of Rome • 3 groups that influenced early Rome • Greeks • Established colonies in Italy and Sicily • Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives • Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans • Etruscans • From northern Italy • Latins • First to settle in Rome • Gods were influenced by Greeks and Etruscans

  5. Geography • Rome is located on the peninsula of Italy. The Mediterranean Sea provides transportation and food. • Italy provides fertile plains and river valleys for food and easy communication.

  6. Roman Religious Ideals • Romans were polytheistic, believing in many gods and spirits. • Knowledge of the Greek Gods filtered into Roman culture. This is known as cultural diffusion. • The Greek God Zeus became the almighty Roman God Jupiter. • The Greek Goddess Hera became the Roman Goddess Juno.

  7. The Roman Republic • Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B.C. to 509 BC • Roman aristocrats overthrew the last Etruscan king in 509 BC • Establish a republic

  8. The Roman Republic • Republic • A form of government in which elected officials govern the state • power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders • Indirect democracy or representative democracy • Rome allowed free-born male citizens to participate in elections • Women could not vote

  9. The Roman Republic • Patricians • Aristocratic landowners who held most power in Rome • Made up 10% of the population • Ran the government and made the laws

  10. Patricians and Plebeians • Plebeians • Farmers, artisans, and merchants • Majority in Rome • Were barred from holding most government positions

  11. Patricians and Plebeians • Plebeians demanded more rights in Rome from the patricians • Plebeian Council • Allowed to elect their own assembly • Tribunes • Officials elected to protect the rights of plebeians • Could veto laws that were unjust to plebeians

  12. The Twelve Tables of Rome • First written code of law in Rome • Plebeians demanded laws of Rome be written down • Laws were carved on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum • Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to protection of the law

  13. Roman Government • Consuls • 2 consuls elected by the assembly for 1 year • Chief executives and commanded the army

  14. Roman Government • Senate • 300 patrician men • Served for life • Controlled finances and foreign relations • Advised consuls

  15. Roman Government • Assemblies • Tribal Assembly and Centuriate Assembly • Made laws and elected officials Gaius Gracchus, tribune of the people, presiding over the Plebeian Council

  16. Roman Government • In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator to rule Rome. • Dictator • a leader who has absolute power • Could only rule for six months • Were chosen by the consul and elected by the Senate Cincinnatus

  17. Rome Built a Mighty Army • Both patricians and plebeians lead double lives as farmers and soldiers because of the constant threat of war. • All male citizens were required to serve in the army, and no one could hold public office until he served 10 years as a soldier.

  18. Rome Built a Mighty Army • Massive military units were called legions. Which consisted of: • Infantry: 4,000-6,000 Heavily armed foot soldiers. • Cavalry: Smaller groups on horseback that assisted the infantry. • Each legion was divided into 60 smaller groups called a century.

  19. A Fight with Carthage • By 270 BC Rome had conquered all of Italy. They went on to control northern Africa (Carthage), Greece and parts of Asia Minor. But the expansion also led to much corruption.

  20. Closure • What is the difference between a republic and a direct democracy? • What was the difference between patricians and plebeians?

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