Ancient Rome and the Origins of Christianity Lesson 1: The Roman Republic
Lesson 1 Objectives Describe the development of the classical civilization of Rome Outline how the Roman republic was structured and governed Understand the rights and religious practices that characterized Roman society Explain how the Roman republic grew and used its political influence
The Rise of the Roman Civilization Rome started out as a small city-state and grew to be the dominant power of the Mediterranean world Their system of law applied to a large population of ethnically diverse people in a powerful empire Over 1,000 years of history make up Rome s journey
Geography of Italy A peninsula that juts in the Mediterranean Sea Rome is in the center The land rolling hills, not isolated valleys Apennine Mountains split the country lengthwise Broad fertile plains in the north and west
The Roman People 800 B.C.E. the Latins (the ancestors of the Romans) migrated to Italy Settled along the Tiber River in small villages to farm and herd Eventually these small villages merged and formed the city-state of Rome
Romulus and Remus Legend holds these twin brothers were the founders of Rome Story says they were the sons of a Latin woman and the war god Mars Were orphaned and raised by a she-wolf
The Etruscans Their origins are not known Believed they migrated from Asia Minor or the Alps They ruled much of central Italy, including Rome
Rome s Relationship with the Etruscans Romans learned many things from the Etruscans: Adapted the alphabet that Etruscans borrowed from the Greeks Engineering skills including how to build an arch, drainage of land Gods and goddesses and some religious practices
The Early Roman Republic 509 B.C.E. Romans drive out the Etruscan king ruling the city-state This is the founding of the Roman state Create their own government in which officials were chosen among their citizens - male
The Republic They called this res publica that which belongs to the people We call it a republic today Romans developed this in order to make sure no one person gained to much power and control of the people
The Senate Made the laws and controlled the government 300 members, all patricians Each year senators nominated two consuls to supervise and command the armies Could only serve one term and had to approve each others decisions Supposed to consult the senate
Dictator In the event of war the Senate would go to dictator rule Dictator was granted power to rule for six months, but had absolute control Best example is Cincinnatus who showed his devotion to Roman law by how he handled being dictator
Change Patricians ruled the Senate for about one hundred years Plebeians were very vocal in wanting to have power in government, as they were the majority of the population This desire for power shaped change in the government structure
The Twelve Tables 450 B.C.E. the laws of Rome were inscribed in stone They were publicly displayed in the Forum Created the appeal process of law for plebeians They also were able to elect officials from their class - tribunes - to protect their interests in government
Tribunes This propelled the concept of a veto as well Tribunes were able to block laws that were harmful to the plebeians interests It also set the stage for plebeians to be chosen as consul and occupy high offices of state Made the government more representative
Roman Society The family was the core of Roman society Law that the male head of the household has absolute power in the family Wives were subject to their husband s authority
The Role of Women Roman women were supposed to be loving, dutiful, dignified, and strong They had few rights during the early years of the Republic They gained more freedom regarding finances and politics and developed a prominent role in society Many ran businesses and created independent wealth
Role of Women Patrician women earned respect and power in social events by planning and paying for festivals and parades They even started going to the public baths, the theater, and going to other forms of public entertainment on their own Others took on strong and vocal roles in politics and government
Education Everyone learned to read and write regardless of gender or social class Wealthy Romans hired private tutors by the end of the Republic, usually Greek The history of Rome was seen as important content Boys wanting to have a political career studied rhetoric
Religion Gods and goddesses similar to those of Greece and the Etruscans The calendar was full of feasts and other celebrations to honor them Honors were to ensure divine favor for the city Everyone in Rome participated which made them have a sense of community
Worship Temples to the gods, with statues of them, were in every city Rituals were performed outside these temples The public participated in these rtitual
The Roman Republic Expands The Republic lasts for over 500 years During this time a highly successful, well trained, and loyal army conquered many of Rome s neighbors in Italy 270 B.C.E. they controlled most of the Italian peninsula
Citizen-Soldiers Basic military unity was the legion Made up of about 5,000 men Men supplied their own weapons and fought without pay Small stipends were issued over time They made their wealth in the things they acquired in a victory
Successes They were well-trained by commanders who praised and punished Their military skills outmatched their enemy They were loyal and courageous because that was what was valued They had many significant victories
Conquered People Acknowledge Roman leadership, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for army Rome let them keep their customs, money, and local government Treatment was just as long as they did not try to rebel Some received full Roman citizenship Most lands remained local to Rome
Unity Rome protected its conquered lands by posting Roman soldiers throughout the land Built a complex road system to link everyone to Rome The Latin language become commonly used in most areas Roman customs and beliefs spread All travel through trade