Question of the Day:

• As Greece was declining, Rome grew and increased its power.

• At the height of its empire Rome: – Had a population of 50-60 million people

(that’s 15% of the world population at the time).

– Controlled the modern-day countries of Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, Morocco, Switzerland, Italy, and more…

• Map of expansion: http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/ca/books/bkf3/imaps/AC_13_427_romheight/AC_13_427_romheight.html

How did this great empire begin?

• Myth: Romulus and Remus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6M5sFXKRcY

• Reality: men built the city, choosing the location because of its strategic location and fertile soil

• Why??

Roman Geography

• Built on seven rolling hills near the Tiber River

• Close enough to the Mediterranean Sea for commerce and food, but far enough away for protection from invasions

Early Romans

• Three groups lived in early Rome—Greeks, Latins, and Etruscans

Latins built the original settlement. Greeks established colonies in Sicily and southern

Italy Etruscans shared their language/writing system

and architectural styles

• In 600 BC, an Etruscan became the king of Rome.

• Village of Rome becomes a city quickly—temples, Roman Forum

Rome in Three Phases

• Kingdom– Rule under Etruscans with a king

• Republic– Rule by the citizens who chose their

leaders

• Empire– Period of Roman expansion, during

which emperors with complete control ruled

The Roman Republic: 509-264 BC

• In 509, the Romans drove their harsh king, Tarquin the Proud, out of power.

• A republic is declared—never again did the Romans want to be ruled by a king.

How did the republic work?

• Romans were divided into two groups– Plebeians: common farmers, artisans, and

merchants (largest part of population)– Patricians: wealthy landowners with most of

the power

• Patricians inherited their status, were given the right to make laws for Rome

• Plebeians could vote, but they couldn’t hold public office, so they formed an assembly to protect their rights, elected representatives called tribunes

The Twelve Tables

• Written law code• Considered a

Plebeian victory• Twelve tables,

carved into stone and placed in the Forum

• Significance: Established the idea that all free citizens had protection under the law.

Government in the Republic

• Very balanced• Executive Branch: 2 leaders called consuls

– Commanded the army– Directed the government– 1-year term– Could only be reelected 10 years after a term– If one consul made a decision the other didn’t like, they had

veto power

• Legislative Branch: Senate– 300 members from upper classes of Roman society

• Dictator: In times of crisis, elected for 6 months to lead– Had absolute power– Could make laws– Commanded the army

The Roman Army• All citizens (adult, male landowners)

required to serve for a year– Had to be 20 years old– Want to retire with a pension? Serve 25

years.– Public office seekers had to serve 10

years

• Legions: 5000 men led by a legate• Century: 80 men led by a centurion

carrying a short rod to show importance, beat men if necessary

• Could march up to 20 miles a day in full armor

• Fought using a spear and shield• Very important in Rome’s expansion

Ever heard of earning a salary for your work? The word’s Latin origin is “salarium,” the Roman soldier’s money used to buy salt to keep his food fresh.

Spreading Rome’s Power

• First, the Romans conquered Italy by defeating the Etruscans in the north and the Greeks in the south

• Some conquered people were made citizens, others were made allies– Citizens could vote in Roman elections– Allies had to supply members for the army and could not

ally with Roman enemies

• Because of its strategic location, Rome was able to trade wine and olive oil for other goods that they needed

• One city was in their way, though--Carthage

War with Carthage

• 264 BC-146 BC• Struggle became known as the Punic Wars– First Punic War: Greeks defeat Carthage– Second Punic War:

• Carthage has a great general, Hannibal• Surprised the Romans by attacking through the Alps,

had many victories• Romans prevented Hannibal from capturing Rome• Romans find a military match for Hannibal—Scipio

– Attacked Carthage, forcing Hannibal to return home

– Third Punic War: Rome conquers Carthage, made its citizens 50,000 citizens slaves

• As Rome expands, it will challenge the republic.

• Main issue: unrest within the lower classes of society.– Large farms with slaves and equipment vs.

small farms that couldn’t keep up– Many former-soldiers sold farms and moved to

the city, joining the urban poor– 1/4th of the population was urban poor

• Two tribunes, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus propose help for the poor, but because the rich senators didn’t like this, they had the brothers killed

…CIVIL WAR FOLLOWS…

Caesar’s Rise

• From the urban poor, soldiers are recruited by generals that could pay them to fight

• Julius Caesar, a military leader, will join ranks with Crassus, a wealthy Roman, and Pompey, a popular general

• 59 BC: Caesar elected consul• 59-69 BC: Caesar, Crassus, and

Pompey ruled as a triumvirate.

So…what do we know about Caesar?

• Could trace his lineage to Romulus, the first king of Rome

• Had several affairs, including one with Cleopatra of Egypt

• He had a son with Cleopatra—Caesarian—though he wasn’t officially acknowledged.

• Was a brilliant military strategist

How did Caesar rule?

Rise to power…• Ruled as consul for one

year, in accordance with Roman law

• Appointed himself governor of Gaul, led many military campaigns, and returned to Rome in 46 BC with the support of the army and the masses

• The senate appointed him dictator in 46 BC and named him dictator for LIFE in 44 BC

Reforms…• Ruled as an absolute

ruler• Granted Roman

citizenship to all provinces

• Created jobs through public building projects

• Increased soldier salaries

Caesar’s Assassination

• Many feared his rule and power• March 15, 44 BC– Senators, led by Marcus Brutus and

Gaius Cassus, stabbed him to death in the senate

• Video Clip: http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/julius-caesar/videos

Another Civil War…

• After Caesar’s death, civil war broke out again

• A second triumvirate ruled briefly, but was corrupt– Leaders: Octavian (Caesar’s grandnephew),

Lepidus, and Mark Antony– Eventually, Lepidus retires and Mark Antony

runs off to Egypt with his mistress, Cleopatra (the two eventually commit suicide after a naval defeat…)

– http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/cleopatra

Octavian’s Rule

• Octavian becomes the undisputed ruler of Rome

• Takes the name Augustus, which means “exalted one”

• The empire flourished during a time known as Pax Romana—”Roman Peace”– Strong government– Strong economy– Roads to link the empire