Beginning of Rome

Mrs. SaittaRomes BeginningsLocation:Middle of the Mediterranean SeaLong narrow peninsula boot shapedToe of boot points towards SicilyTwo mountain ranges: in the north the Alpsthe Apennines which run the length of the boot from north to south

Map

Landscape of ItalySimilar to Greece but Apennines not as rugged Think about how the mountains affected the way the Greek city-states developedPeople of Italy were not split up, or isolated Better farmland could support its population

Latium

Little is known about first peopleLatin speaking people built city of Rome on plain of Latium15 miles up Tiber7 hillsWhat would the benefits be of building Rome here?Legends of RomeLegend of AeneasLegend of Romulus and RemusFrom the Roman poet Virgil in The AeneidTrojan heroSails across Mediterranean with group of followers after the fall of TroyLand mouth of Tiber, warfare, marriage to local kings daughterUnites Trojans and Latins

Supposed descendents of AeneasRescued by a she-wolfFound and raised by a shepherd.Quarreled over a wall, Romulus killed RemusNames Rome after himselfRome ActuallyHistorians not sure of origin of RomeLatin people lived in the area @1000 B.C.E.Built huts, herded sheep, banded together for protectionCommunity became RomeGreek influenceMany Greeks lived in southern Italy. Why? (hint we studied this)Greeks taught Romans how to grow olives and grapesRomans adopted Greek Alphabet, architecture, literature and godsEtruscansNorth of Rome is EtruriaInhabited by EtruscansAfter 650 B.C. moved south and took control of the area around Rome and most of Latium

Etruscan life

Etruscans Change RomeChanged Rome from village to a cityLaid out wood and brick temples/public buildings around a central squareConnected city with streetsRomans copied style of dress Togas (loose garments draped over one shoulder)Army becomes model for Roman Army.End of Etruscan rule.. The RepublicRuled for 100 yearsTarquins (a ruling family) grew more and more cruelRoman rebelled, set up a republicA Republic is a form of government where the people have power and the people choose a leader to govern them.How the Republic grows Next 200 years, Romans fought numerous wars.By 332 B.C.E., defeated the Latin, next Etruscans, and finally the Greeks in southern Italy in by 267 B.C.E..Controlled most of peninsula of ItalyWhat aided the Romans in conquering their neighbors?Excellent soldiersHarsh disciplineDeserters killed/ rebels punishedAll males who owned land had to serve in armyOriginally fought like Greeks, slow and hard to control reorganized into smaller group units/Roman Legion

Roman ConfederationBuilt permanent military settlements in conquered areasRoads between townsRoman Confederation- system to rule conquests :Full citizenship given to some, especially the LatinThey were able to vote, serve in government and treated the same as citizens under the law

AlliesOthers given status of Allies. Free to run own local affairsPay taxesProvide soldiers for armyLoyal allies could become citizensHow would this way of dealing with conquered people help Rome to control its Republic?

Roman LegionsEach legion had 5,000-6,000 menLegio - mean levy conscription compulsory enlistmentCohorts basic tactical unitTen cohorts in a legion@ 500 men

Cohorts

Further divisionsEach cohort is divided into 6 centuries of 80 -100 menCommanded by a centurionEach century was further divided into 8-10 legionaries or a contubernium.