Ancient Rome:

How does a small town come to dominate the

Mediterranean World?

Unit IV: The Grandeur That Was Rome

Students should be able to

• Explain the geographic factors which

influenced developments in the Italian

peninsula. Students should be able to

• Identify the factors which explain Rome's

success in extending its control over the

Italian peninsula and subsequently the

Mediterranean world.

ROME – QUIZ #1

• Identify the factors which explain Rome's

success in extending its control over the

Italian peninsula and subsequently the

Mediterranean world.

3 times larger than Greece Central Location in the Mediterranean

Large coastline; few harbours Traded up and down the coastline and across the

Mediterranean Sea. Fertile land: especially along the Tiber and Po

River valleys

Able to produce more food than Greece

Geography of Ancient Rome

12 minute Task

Mapping Skills: Complete the Geography of Italy – label your map

Use Prologue to the Present p. 195-202 and atlases

Rome : The Broad Outline Rome was built along the Tiber River Myth of origin: Romulus & Remus (753 BC) Originally ruled by tribal chiefs Rome was influenced by Greek society and culture. It was city-state until 509 BC then became a Republic Etruscan kings ruled what is now modern day Italian

peninsula. Legend: Romans drove out last Etruscan King and declared a

Republic. Evolved from a Republic controlling Italy to a vast Empire

surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Empire: a collection of city-states or countries in which an

Emperor rules over a large, sprawling land mass.

I. Geographic Factors

Mountains to the north and east initially protect the city from invasion, as does the Mediterranean sea.

Hills around Rome include rivers= fresh water Strategically located in the middle of the Mediterranean

Sea As the city grows, colonies are founded – where? Large supply of volcanic ash and limestone to make a

type of concrete for building More forest area than Greece = good for building

II. Economic Factors

As the city grows, cannot produce enough food to supply itself – must secure trade routes at sea!

Punic Wars with Carthage – Carthage controlled Sicily and had a large navy which threatened trade in the Mediterranean (as well as the potential to invade Italy

III. Political/Social Factors Influences from Greeks and Etruscans Established a Republic following defeat of the

Etruscans – unwilling to allow themselves to be ruled by another group – will of the populace.

Rome made peace with conquered peoples and allowed them to keep local customs and most land. Conquered peoples given citizenship – became Romans.

IV. Military Factors

With the defeat of Carthage came compulsory military service for some

Professionalization of Army after Punic Wars – paid soldiers.

Army becomes huge – soldiering becomes a profession – army is an instrument of the state

Allowed Romans to control the Italian Pennisula and eventually the Mediterranean world

Punic Wars victory solidified Roman control over the Western Mediterranean

Roman Republic• Became a republic in

509 BC• supreme power rests

in the body of citizens• Started expanding

during wars with Carthage (N. Africa)

• Punic Wars.. spanned from 264 BC until 164 BC

Accomplishments of the Republic

270 BC biggest army in Mediterranean 264BC Rome controls Italy 264 BC Rome vs. Carthage 146 BC Rome destroys Carthage and

conquers the Greeks. 27BC Rome becomes an empire.

Roman Empire

• Who leads?– Emperor

• Length of rule?– For life

• How do they take power?– Inheritance or by force

Roman Republic

• Who leads?– Elected officials

• Length of rule?– One year

• How do they take power?– Appointed by senate