1.2 The Roman Republic and Empire

I. Establishing a Republic

The Romans drove out the Eturscans and established a Republic

Republic- people choose officials, “thing of the people”

Consuls-elected officials who supervise business of government

Dictator-ruler who has complete control over the government

A. A New Government

Common people- “plebeians”Gained right to elect tribunesTribunes-officials elected by the plebeians,

have veto powerVeto-power to block laws

B. Common People Demand Equality

II. From Republic To Empire

Rome conquered an Empire that stretched around the Mediterranean Sea, including Carthage

Carthage- a city-state on the north coast of Africa that ruled a large empire

Rome prospered through this conquest

A. Continuing Conquest

Julius Ceaser- a military commander who forced the Senate to make him a dictator

Augustus Ceaser-absolute power Emperor, created a well trained civil service, opened jobs to all men of talent

Pax Romana- “Roman Peace” under Augustus= good times for Rome

B. Julius Ceaser/Augustus Ceaser

III. Roman Law

Law of Twelve Tables- written laws displayed in the common area

Rome had a set of laws for Roman Citizens only called Civil Law and a set of laws for everyone including conquered territories, this was called the Law of Nations

Common principles- innocent till proven guilty, ect. From Rome

Justinian’s Code-Emperor Justinian reformed the Roman Law code

A. Laws and Justinian’s Code

Key Questions