Chapter 8 Section 1

Rome’s Beginnings

Copyright on photo - Melissa Motes, 6/2008

The Origins of Rome

• Italy’s Geography- Shaped like a boot- Alps – separate Italy from Europe mainland- Apennines

- Better farmland than Greece - Located in the Mediterranean region

Rome’s Location

- Located on the plain of Latium - Near the Tiber River

- this protected Rome - Built on seven hills

- more protection

How Did Rome Begin????

• Legends - Romulus and Remus - Aeneas (Virgil’s Aeneid)

Aeneas united with the Latins

Early Influences

• Greeks - learned to grow olives and grapes - adopted Greek alphabet - modeled Greek architecture, sculpture, and

literature

Copyright on photos, Melissa Motes 6/2008

Early Influences (cont.)

• Etruscans - most influential to the Romans- skilled metal workers - changed Rome from a village to a city * Romans modeled their clothing style, buildings, streets, temples, and military

The Birth of a Republic

• Etruscans – ruled for 100 yrs.• Tarquins become cruel• Romans rebel – 509 B.C.• Republic begins• Romans become

masters of Italy

Copyright on photo – Melissa Motes 2/2007

Why was Rome So Strong?

• Excellent Soldiers• Soldiers were Practical problem solvers• Army divided into Legions• Smart Planners• Built Roads• Full Citizenship to some people• Allies could run their own government• Republic grew stronger