Ancient Rome

Geography• Located near the center of Italy • Unlike Greece, Italy’s

geography helped its people to unite

• Low mountains presented few natural barriers

• Fertile plains supported population growth.

• Location of the peninsula helped make movement easier

Government = The Roman Republic–Romans drove out the Etruscans

• Established a new form of government…

–Republic: Officials were chosen by the people.

–Senate = the most powerful governing body. (patricians)

Roman Republic

Political System• Senators :

1. landholding upper class 2. called the patricians who elected 2 consuls

• Consuls:1. Ran the government. 2. Commanded the armies.

• The Plebeians(farmers, merchants, artisans)1. Majority of the population.2. Had little power.

• Roman Republic Explained

Patricians

Plebeians

The Roman RepublicMALES FEMALES

Head of the Household

Hold public jobs

Members of the Senate

Own businesses