The Romans Create a Republic 1. Located on the Italian Peninsula, which sticks out into the Mediterranean Sea 2. Natural barriers for protection: Alps to the north 3. Rome itself was built on the Tiber River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea

4. Soil around Rome = Fertile 5. Lay of the land around Rome: city built on seven hills 6. Rome sits at the midpoint of the Mediterranean Sea which allowed for protections as well as sea-borne trade and commerce

1. Latins – farmers, shepherds who settled along the Tiber River, a region called Latium 2. Etruscans- from Northern Italy – metalworkers and engineers, Romans adopted their alphabet and arch 3. Greeks – established colonies in Southern Italy and Sicily. Romans adopted their polytheistic religion.

According to legend…. Romulus and Remus were children (descendants from a Trojan prince and the gods) abandoned on the Tiber River and raised by she-wolves. They founded Rome. 1. Etruscan kings ruled and expanded Rome- agriculture, temples

2. Last king of Rome was a tyrant – Tarquin the Proud who was overthrown by aristocrats 3. Established a Republic – definition: form of government in which power rests with citizens who vote for their leaders (freeborn males only in Rome) List similarities between Rome and Athens about how their government evolved to reach democracy/republic 1. Patricians – aristocratic landowners who controlled most of the power Inherited power and social status, allowed to make laws 2. Plebians- common farmers, artisans, merchants who made up a majority of the population citizens with the right to vote, but could not hold government position Tribunes – elected representatives for Plebians that served in the Senate 3. Foreigners- could be citizens 4. Slaves- no power, NOT based on race –prisoners of war 1. Consuls - two officials who commanded army and directed government - limited power: term length – one year, power to veto each other 2. Senate - aristocratic branch of government, 300 men from the upper class - term length – life membership, which provided continuity and stability -powers – influence over foreign affairs and domestic policy

3. Assemblies – more democratic side of the government, two types - Centuriate Assembly – all citizen- soldiers for life - powers – 1. Selected consuls 2. made laws - Tribal Assembly – made up of plebeians - powers – 1. Elected Tribunes 2. made laws for commoners 4. Dictator – served only in times of crisis for six months - chosen by consuls and elected by the Senate - powers – had absolute power to make laws and command the army - EX: Cincinnatus DICTATOR

2 CONSULS

SENATE

ASSEMBLIES

CENTURIATE TRIBAL Citizen-soldiers Plebeians

1. Right to vote 2. Pay taxes 3. Serve in the military

First written code of Rome, serves as basis of Roman law – Twelve Tables