The Roman Republic

The Origins of Rome

• 753 By Romulus and Remus (myth)

• Twins of the god Mars and a Latin princess

• Abandoned and raised by she-wolf

• Three groups battled for control – Latins, Greeks (south), and Etruscans (north, alphabet and arch)

The Early Republic

• 600 B.C. –Etruscan king of Rome

• City grows to nearly 500 square miles

• Tarquin the Proud driven from power

• Republic formed – power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders. (free born males)

Patricians and Plebians

• Patricians – wealthy landowners who held most of the power.

• Plebians – common farmer, artisans, and merchants who made up majority of population.

The Twelve Tables

• 451 B.C. a group of officials began writing down Rome’s laws.• Tables hung in the Forum• Idea that all free citizens had right to protection by law.

Comparing Republican Governments

Government Under the Republic• 1st Century Roman writers

boasted of balanced government.– Features of monarchy,

aristocracy, and democracy.– Two Consuls (kings) one year

term, veto, and once every 10 years

– Senate – 300 members, foreign and domestic policy

– Tribunes – elected by senate, representatives to protect plebians

– Dictator – elected in times of crisis, sixth month term.

The Roman Army• All citizens who owned land

were required to serve.• Certain public offices had

requirements of 10 years of service.

• Legions – 5000 heavily armed foot soldiers.

• Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) supported each legion.

• Centuries – groups of 80 men. Led by Centurion

• Organization and skill are keys to success

Rome Spreads Its Power

• By 265 B.C. They were masters of Italy, having defeated the Etruscans and Greeks.

• Different laws and treatment for conquered groups.– Latins became full citizens– All rights of Roman

citizenship except vote– allies

Romes Commercial Network• Location was key

– Easy access to lands ringing Mediterranean Sea– Traded wine and olive oil for foods, raw materials, and manufactured goods.

War with Carthage• In 264 B.C. Rome

and Carthage go to war

• Long struggle known as Punic Wars (264 – 146 B.C.)

• Series of three wars.

• First war 264-241 B.C. for control of Sicily and western Mediterranean

• Ends in Defeat of Carthage

Second Punic War• 218 B.C.• Mastermind behind

the war – Hannibal• Assembled 50,000

infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 60 elephants with intent to capture Rome

• Surprise route• For more than a

decade he marched his forces up and down the Italian peninsula

• Did not capture Rome• Scipio attacks Carthage

and forces Hannibal to return and defend.

Hannibal’s Elephants

Rome Triumphs• Third Punic War• 149-146 B.C.• Rome laid siege to

Carthage• Carthage set on fire

and its’ 50,000 inhabitants sold into slavery.

• Its’ territory becomes a Roman province

• Dominance over eastern half of Mediterranean

Ruins of Carthage