Early Roman Civilization

• Rome is located on a peninsula in Europe
• Natural defenses surround Rome, including the Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Alps
• Roman civilization began near the Tiber River

History of Rome

• The myth of Romulus and Remus is at the beginning of Rome's history; they were raised by a she-wolf
• Romulus was the first king of Rome, and the city was named after him
• Rome was initially ruled by Etruscans
• A revolution overthrew the Etruscans, and Rome became a republic

Social Classes

• Patricians: Wealthy, elite class, descendants of Romulus, held high government positions
• Plebeians: Common people, including farmers and workers, made up the majority of the population
• Servi: Slaves, the lowest class, often captured in war or enslaved due to debt

Religion of Rome

• Romans were polytheistic, borrowing many gods from Greek mythology
• Jupiter (Zeus): King of the gods
• Juno (Hera): Goddess of marriage
• Neptune (Poseidon): God of the sea
• Mars (Ares): God of war
• Venus (Aphrodite): Goddess of love

Roman Government

• Rome was a republic
• Three branches of government: legislative (Senate), executive (consuls), and judicial (judges)
• The Twelve Tables were the first written laws

Roman Economy

• Agriculture, trade, and slavery played key roles in Rome's economy
• The Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade
• Slaves provided labor for various industries

Technology

• Romans built aqueducts to transport water
• Weapons like ballistae were used for warfare

Writing System

• Romans used the Latin alphabet, which was based on the Greek alphabet
• Roman numerals were developed

Expansion of the Roman Republic

• Rome’s desire for power led to its expansion across the Mediterranean
• They defeated the Etruscans, Greeks, and Carthaginians
• The Punic Wars were key to Rome’s rise

Punic Wars

• First Punic War: Rome defeated Carthage and gained control of Sicily
• Second Punic War: Hannibal of Carthage invaded Italy, but Rome ultimately won at the Battle of Zama
• Third Punic War: Rome destroyed Carthage in 146 BCE

Civil War and Reforms

• The Roman Republic faced internal struggles, including class conflict and power struggles among generals
• The Gracchi brothers attempted land reforms but were killed
• Julius Caesar’s rise marked the end of the republic

Julius Caesar

• Caesar became dictator, made reforms, and expanded Rome’s territory
• His assassination in 44 BCE led to further instability

The Roman Empire

• After Caesar’s death, his successors, Octavian (Augustus), Mark Antony, and Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate
• Augustus became the first emperor, marking the start of the Roman Empire

Pax Romana

• The Roman Empire experienced a period of peace and prosperity under emperors like Augustus, Trajan, and Hadrian
• The empire declined after Marcus Aurelius’s death, leading to the end of the Pax Romana

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

• The Western Roman Empire eventually fell in 476 CE, marking the end of ancient Rome

Explore the origins of Rome, including its geographical advantages and legendary founding. Learn about the social classes of Patricians, Plebeians, and Slaves. Discover the influence of Greek mythology on the Roman pantheon of gods.