Built upon the Tiber River Different cultures The Latins Etruscans Greeks Mainly trade colonies
Etruscans (800-500 B.C.E.) Hugely influential to Rome: Toga, roads, and army organization Etruscans ruled Rome as kings until 509 B.C.E. Cruel Etruscan king overthrown; republic established Republic: a form of government in which the leader is not a king and certain citizens have the right to vote
Republic begins to drastically expand Conquered most of Italian peninsula Conquered people were either made full citizens or allies
Sometimes used dictators (temporary rulers) Keys to success: Good diplomats (cautious about citizenship) Excellent military; good strategists Colonies built around Rome (roads connecting them) Practical in law (responsive institutions)
Cincinnatus
Two political groups: Patricians (aristocrats) Plebeians (middle/lower class) Both could vote; Only patricians served in office No vote for women Patricians and plebeians could not marry
Two Consuls One ran the government, one led troops Praetor Enforced laws; served as judges Roman Senate 300 patricians; lifelong appointment Advised government officials on foreign and domestic policy Centuriate assembly Elected consuls and praetors Dominated by the wealthy
Twelve Tables of Rome First Roman law code Eventually replaced Law of Nations Universal; both citizens and non-citizens Similarities to U.S. Constitution Innocent until proven guilty Trial by jury
What advantages might Rome have over the Carthaginian Empire?
Rome vs. Carthage Fought over Sicily (controlled by Carthage) Rome creates powerful navy Roman success Gained Sicily; Carthage pays a fine Hannibal of Carthage swears revenge
General vs. General Publius Cornelius Scipio Hannibal Barca
Short peace after 1 st war Rome incites revolts in Iberia (Spain) Hannibal attacks Rome through Spain Crossing the Alps = huge casualties Defeats Roman armies Could not take Rome Rome defeats Carthage
With a partner, create a Venn diagram with patricians in one circle and plebeians in the other. Fill it in as much as you can with various facts, comparing and contrasting the two groups. You may use your phones. Turn in tray when finished.
Cato the Elder: In my opinion, Carthage must be destroyed. Who are the people who have often broken their treaties? The Carthaginians. Who are the people who have waged war with the utmost cruelty? The Carthaginians. Who are the people who have disfigured Italy? The Carthaginians. Who are the people who ask to be forgiven? The Carthaginians.
Carthage pretty decimated Massive debt and attacked by neighbors Senator Cato called for its complete destruction Siege and destruction of Carthage Lasted 3 years Romans eventually broke through Slaughtered Carthaginians; razed Carthage to the ground; enslaved survivors
Speaking on Rome s demands before the 3 rd Punic War: Consul Lucius Marcius Censorinus said to the Carthaginian envoys: Your ready obedience up to this point, Carthaginians, in the matter of the hostages and the arms, is worthy of all praise. In cases of necessity we must not multiply words. Bear bravely the remaining commands of the Senate. Yield Carthage to us, and betake yourselves where you like within your own territory at a distance of at least fifteen kilometers from the sea, for we are resolved to raze your city to the ground. While he was yet speaking, the Carthaginians lifted their hands toward heaven with loud cries, and called on the gods as avengers of violated faith. They heaped reproaches on the Romans, as if willing to die, or insane, or determined to provoke the Romans to sacrilegious violence to ambassadors. They flung themselves on the ground and beat it with their hands and heads. Some of them even tore their clothes and lacerated their flesh as though they were absolutely bereft of their senses. After the first frenzy was past there was great silence and prostration as of men lying dead.