Ancient Rome Notes Geography ● Located on peninsula in southern Europe thus creating a sea-faring traders. ● Shaped like a high-heeled boot extending into the Mediterranean Sea. ● Two major mountain ranges, the Alps in the north and the Apennines in the south. Geography ● Hilly, rugged land with several volcanoes such as Mt. Vesuvius. ● Some fertile flatland can be found. ● Mild climate makes it excellent for farming grains, grapes, olives, and citrus fruits. ● Tiber River is one of several rivers that provided fresh water. Economy ● Surplus of crops such as grains and oils enabled growth of Rome. ● Sea traders traveled to Greece, Spain, northern Africa, and kingdoms of Asia. Economy ● Merchants sold meats, vegetables, cloth, sandals and pottery as well as books on Egyptian papyrus. Achievements ● Constructed roads of long lasting materials to withstand traffic and exposure to weather which connected large areas of the country. ● Created aqueducts or channels that carried fresh water from the mountains to the cities. ● Used concrete, a mixture of sand or gravel and cement as a building material. Achievements ● To support the roof they created a vault; a series of arches. ● Sought knowledge in order to improve their lives. ● The story of the Trojan War hero, Aeneas, tells how Ancient Rome was formed with a group of people called the Latins. Social classes ● Strong belief in such values as justice, honesty, valor, and loyalty. ● Society was divided into Rich Ancient Romans two groups: patricians, (wealthy leaders) and plebeians (the common people). Commoner Ancient Romans Social classes ● Slaves were common and those that were educated often held highly skilled professions such as teachers and doctors. ● The Forum, Rome’s public meeting place, served as heart of city where government, religion, and trading took place. Government & Leadership ● Formed a republic where the people elected leaders to govern them. ● Tripartite government divided responsibilities three ways. ● Two rulers called magistrates ruled at the same time to guarantee against corruption. ● Roman Senate consisted of wealthy, powerful citizens who advised leaders. Government & Leadership ● Assemblies and Tribunes contained both patricians and plebeians. ● Law of Twelve Tables ensured fair treatment of citizens and noncitizens. ● A census, or population count, was used to regulate taxes. Religion ● Polytheistic (the belief in many gods). ● The apostle, Paul, would bring Christianity to this area. ● Allowed many religions to practice in fear of offending any god. Sports ● To distract Romans from the problems of city life the government provided entertainment at large public arenas. ● The Colosseum was a large arena in Rome where ancient Romans attended entertainments such as chariot races. ● Gladiators were trained warriors who would fight to the death in the Colosseum..