RISE OF ROME

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• What were the social groups of Rome?

PATRICIANS

• Wealthy landowners

PLEBIANS

• Merchants, farmers and laborers.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• What was the Roman Republic?

Roman Republic

• Plebeians and Patricians could vote.• Only Patricians could hold office.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

• Two Consuls, who could veto each other.• Dictator- temporarily appointed in time of

crisis to overrule the Consuls.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

• Senate:• Advised the Consuls.• Proposed laws.• Approved contracts for gov. construction.

JUDICIAL BRANCH

• Patricians- who often ruled in favor of their social class.

PLEBEIAN UPRISE

• Tribunes:• Plebeian controlled, could veto gov. decisions• Twelve Tables:• Gave all citizens the same legal protections.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• What was Roman culture?

ROMAN RELIGION

• Borrowed Greek gods, with Roman names:• Zeus (chief god) became Jupiter.• Aphrodite (love) became Venus.• Ares (war) became Mars.• Poseidon (sea) became Neptune.

ROMAN FAMILY

• Patriarchal- father in charge:• Made career decisions for sons.• Arranged marriages.• Could sell family members into slavery.• Could kill them.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• What impact did Rome have on history?

ROMAN EXPANSION

• Legions- Roman Army.• Punic Wars- Rome v. Carthage (Africa)• Hannibal- Carthage general, used elephants to

cross the Alps to attack Rome.• Defeat of Carthage led to Roman conquest of

Northern Africa

TREATMENT OF CONQUERED NATIONS

• Indemnity- forced them to make payments.• Forced losers into slavery.• Could keep language, religion, gov.

SPARTACUS

• Led slave revolt against Romans, died on cross.

JULIUS CEASAR (King)

• Military victories:• Against Gaul (France).• Conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt.

REFORMS OF JULIUS CEASAR

• Social reforms (welfare) : job programs, reduced slavery, land for the poor, free grain.

• Created 365 day calendar, added extra day every fourth year.

DEATH OF JULIUS CEASAR

• Senators afraid of losing power stabbed him.

TRIUMVERATE- NEW LEADERS

• Octavian (Julius’ nephew)• Marcus Lepidus• Marc Antony

OCTAVIAN’S POWER PLAY

• Forced Marcus Lepidus into exile.• Forced Marc Antony (and wife Cleopatra) to

commit suicide.• Octavian becomes dictator of Rome.