ROME

• GEOGRAPHY

• EARLY SETTTLERS

• REPUBLIC

The Ancient Mediterranean

Fertile Crescent Empires

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome

Ancient Carthage

The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome

Trade and contact with other civilizations was possible but invasion was also a constant threat, thus a strong military developed.

1. Alps to the north separate Italy from the rest of Europe. They offer some but not total protection from invasion because of natural passes.

2. Apennines run the length of Italy but do not hinder trade or travel.

Effects:

The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome Mountains: Two Major Ranges - Alps and Apennines impact Italy

• People turned inland for trade rather than to the sea as the Greeks had. • The long coastlines made invasion easier.

1. Long coastlines with fewer natural harbors than Greece. 2. Rivers are generally short and shallow. Poorly suited for travel and transportation.

The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome

Seas: Adriatic Sea lies to the East and Mediterranean to south and west

Effects:

• The Romans were mostly self-sufficient in early history but turned to trade to supplement food supply as empire grew.

1. Most soil is sandy and easily erodes. Best suited for grazing. 2. Northern valleys are fertile enough for grains. 3. Most other areas are good for vegetable, grapes, olives, and citrus fruits.

Effects:

The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome Land, Soil and Vegetation: Most of land is foothills and mountains except in the

valleys of the north.

• Like the Greeks, Romans spent much time outdoors socializing and trading ideas. • Citrus, grapes, and olives were major exports for trade.

Climate: Mediterranean Climate 1. Mild temperatures and plentiful winter precipitation. 2. Suitable for citrus, grapes, olives, and vegetables.

Effects:

The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome

Italy in 750 BC

Three Groups of Early Settlers in Italy

Latins – 1000 B.C. Etruscans – 900 B.C. Greeks – 750 B.C.

Early Rome Before the Republic 1. The Latins and Etruscans began to merge and

became known as Romans. 2. Around 600 B.C. an Etruscan was elected king of

Rome and established the Tarquin dynasty. 3. Rome began emerging into a major city with

impressive engineering and architecture. 4. Great temples and the forum were built during this

time. 5. In 509 B.C. a harsh and unjust Tarquin king was

overthrown by the Romans. The Romans declared they would never again be ruled by a king.

6. The Romans established a republic that would last for nearly 500 years. This began Rome’s climb to glory and world prestige.

1000 BC

3000 BC

900 BC

Neolithic Culture Latin Settlement

Etruscan Settlement

600 BC

509 BC

264 BC

146 BC

73 BC

Etruscan Rule of Rome

Establishment of the Republic

Punic Wars

Spartacus Slave Revolts

60 BC

44 BC

First Triumvirate Formed

Assassination of Julius Caesar

ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY – THE REPUBLIC

Greek Colonization 750 BC

Patricians

(Aristocrats)

Plebeians •Farmers •Merchants •Artisans

Freedmen

Slaves •City Slaves •Household Slaves

(Early Republic)

Patricians vs.

Plebeians

1. The Patricians were wealthy landowners and held most of the power.

2. They inherited their power and social status and claimed to be descendants from the original Romans.

Patricians vs. Plebeians 3. Plebeians were the common

people and made up the majority of Romans.

4. Plebeians were citizens, could vote but couldn’t hold powerful government office.

5. Eventually Plebeians gained the right to appoint tribunes to protect their rights.

6. Around 450 B.C. the Plebeians began writing down Rome’s laws and posting them. These were known as the Twelve Tables.

The Twelve Tables, 450 BCE

Provided political and social rights for the plebeians.

Established the idea that all free citizens had a right to protection by the law.

Roman Expansion (133 BC - 27 BC)

Conquered territories became known as Provinces

Provinces were ruled by governors known as Proconsuls who were appointed by the Senate and had great power

Tax collectors known as Publicans collected heavy taxes from provinces. They collected more than required and kept the excess. This corrupt practice was known as Tax Farming

Problems of Roman Expansion

Economic Turmoil Soldiers often returned home to desolated farms, were

forced to sell to nobles and move to the city in search of work.

Nobles began using slaves rather than paid workers and the gap between rich and poor widened.

Slums began to develop in the cities.

The government had to begin a welfare system and entertainment to keep the poor and unemployed content.

Corruption by officials in Roman provinces increased and bribery became common.

Changes in the Roman Military With the disappearance of the small farmer, the

nature of the army began to change

Individual commanders began building their own armies and paid mercenaries

Soldiers were promised a share of the booty and land in return for service

Soldiers were loyal to commanders rather than Rome

Problems of Roman Expansion

Attempts at Reform

Two brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were elected as Tribunes and attempted reforms to help the poor

Tiberius was assassinated by several senators in 133 BC

Gaius continued to work on reforms and attempted to limit power of the Senate. He was killed in a riot.

Rome fell into disarray. Civil War followed.

Civil war broke out in Rome between 88 – 82 BC between two

rival generals, Marius and Sulla.

Thousands of Romans died in the war.

Sulla defeated Marius and became a dictator. He retired in 79

BC

Slave revolts led by Spartacus broke out from 73-71 BC. New

military leaders struggled for power.

Civil War Marius vs. Sulla

Marius Sulla

The First Triumvirate

CAESAR CRASSUS POMPEY

After the slave revolts three generals, Crassus, Pompey, and

Julius Caesar tried to gain power.

When none of them could do so they joined together as a

triumvirate to rule.

Crassus was killed in battle in Syria.

Caesar and Pompey eventually fought for power. Pompey

fled and was eventually killed in Egypt.

Caesar became the sole ruler in 45 BC.

Julius Caesar

After Pompey fled Rome Caesar seized power in

Rome and attempted to save the republic through

several reforms.

Gave land, money and food to the poor.

Increased the Senate membership and allowed ordinary

citizens to serve in it.

Expanded citizenship to people in the provinces.

Began numerous public works programs to put people

to work.

Beware the Ides of March! 44 BC

On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by several members of the Senate who opposed his reforms and feared that he was too powerful.

The Second Triumvirate

Lepidus Marc Antony Octavian

After the assassination of Caesar, three leaders, Marc

Antony, Lepidus, and Caesar’s great nephew Octavian

formed the second Triumvirate.

Lepidus eventually retired.

Octavian defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra of Egypt in

31 BC in the Battle of Actium and became sole ruler.

In 27 BC he was named Emperor and became known as

Augustus Caesar. This began the Roman Empire.

31 BC

43 BC

27 BC

Second Triumvirate Formed

Rule of Augustus Caesar Begins

Establishment of the Empire

1 AD

14 AD

30 AD

180 AD

284 AD Division of the Empire

330 AD

476 AD

Establishment of Constantinople

Fall of Western Roman Empire

ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY – THE EMPIRE

Birth of Jesus

Death of Augustus

Crucifixion of Jesus

380 AD Christianity Becomes Official Religion

Th

e Em

pire

End of Pax Romana