Ancient Rome: Geography, Etruscans and Republic

Geographical Advantages

• Rome was founded on the Tiber River because it provided fertile soil.
• The mountains surrounding Rome provided protection for the city.

The Etruscans

• Rome was founded around 900 BC.
• Rome grew slowly because the Romans fought their neighbors for land.
• Around 600 BC, the Etruscans took power in Rome
• Rome founded a Republic upon defeating the Etruscans.

Romans Form a Republic

• After the removal of the Etruscan king, Rome vowed to never have a king with so much power again.
• By 264 BC, the Romans had gained control of the entire Italian peninsula.
• A Republic is where citizens have the right to vote and select their leaders.

The Roman Senate

• The most powerful branch of government in the Republic was the senate.
• Initially, the senate was composed of 300 upper-class men called patricians.
• Senators held their positions for life, being appointed to their role.
• A Patrician was a member of a wealthy family.
• Plebeians were ordinary citizens.
• Ordinary citizens did not hold office or get to be in the senate.

Roman Consuls

• Two chief officials that led the Roman government were called Consuls.
• The consuls were responsible for enforcing laws and policies.
• Consuls were elected by citizens.
• Consuls ruled for one year and were advised by the senate.
• To pass legislature, both consuls had to agree for the government action to be approved.
• Veto is the rejection of any planned action by a person in power.
• Consuls had veto power.

Other Important Officials

• A dictator could be appointed during an emergency due to Consul disagreement.
• A Dictator was a Roman official who had all the powers of a king.
• Their rule was limited to 6 months.

Patricians vs. Plebeians

• Tension between the patricians and plebeians occurred because the plebeians felt the Senate treated them unfairly.
• Plebeians were losing work because the Patricians were buying farmland and giving work to slaves.
• The plebeians refused to fight in the Roman army.
• The patricians responded by issuing a written code of laws for all citizens, called the Laws of Twelve Tables.

Masters of the Mediterranean

• The Romans expanded their empire by conquering new territories.
• Carthage in North Africa was conquered in 146 BC after a long battle.
• In the same year, Greece fell into Roman rule.
• The Roman army turned its attention to Gaul (France).

Decline of the Republic

• By 120 BC, Rome was in trouble.
• A civil war broke out among the Roman generals, with each consul no longer respecting the veto power of the other.
• Just as Rome was about to collapse, Julius Caesar came to power.

Rise of Julius Caesar

• From 58 - 51 BC, Caesar led the army that conquered Gaul (France), killing and enslaving millions.
• In 49 BC, Caesar returned to Italy where a major dispute began between the senate and Caesar.
• After Caesar's victory, he became dictator in 48 BC, ruling much longer than 6 months.

Death of a Dictator

• For four years, Caesar took over important offices, becoming the only consul in 45 BC.
• In 44 BC, he became dictator for life, proclaiming the title himself.
• On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was murdered by members of the senate who felt he gained too much power.
• This date is referred to as the Ides of March.

From Republic to Empire

• Civil War followed Caesar's death.
• After 13 years, Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, held power.
• In 27 BC, Octavian was given the title of Augustus by the senate, meaning "highly respected".
• Augustus was the first emperor of Rome.
• This marked the end of the Roman Republic, starting the Roman Empire.