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Questions and Answers
What role did Aeneas play in the founding of Rome according to the legend?
What role did Aeneas play in the founding of Rome according to the legend?
How did Romulus become the first king of Rome?
How did Romulus become the first king of Rome?
Which tribe was noted as the first group to settle in Rome based on historical accounts?
Which tribe was noted as the first group to settle in Rome based on historical accounts?
What significant action did Romulus take to increase the population of Rome?
What significant action did Romulus take to increase the population of Rome?
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What was the main characteristic of the early Romans, according to the content?
What was the main characteristic of the early Romans, according to the content?
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Who were the wealthier and more important individuals in Roman society during the monarchy?
Who were the wealthier and more important individuals in Roman society during the monarchy?
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What significant governmental change occurred after the expulsion of the last Etruscan king?
What significant governmental change occurred after the expulsion of the last Etruscan king?
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Which civilization influenced the Romans in architectural techniques and irrigation systems?
Which civilization influenced the Romans in architectural techniques and irrigation systems?
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How long did the Roman monarchy last before the establishment of the republic?
How long did the Roman monarchy last before the establishment of the republic?
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Who was the last king of Rome before the monarchy was abolished?
Who was the last king of Rome before the monarchy was abolished?
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Study Notes
Ancient Rome
- Located in the Latium plain, central-western Italy, a boot-shaped peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea
- Originated near the Tiber River, with fertile land ideal for agriculture
- Proximity to the sea, but sufficient distance from the coast for protection from pirates
- Served as a focal point for travelers from northern and southern Italy
Legend of Rome's Founding
- Mythical founding by Aeneas, a Trojan War hero who fled to Italy
- Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Rhea Silvia and the war god Mars, are said to have founded Rome
- Abandoned on the Tiber River, raised by a she-wolf, and later found by a shepherd named Faustulus
- Romulus killed Remus, becoming Rome's first king
- Romulus sought inhabitants, primarily men, and abducted Sabine women to increase the population
History of Rome's Founding
- Beginning in the 11th Century BCE, various Italic tribes, including the Latins, migrated to Italy
- Latins established the initial settlement in Rome during the mid-8th Century BCE
- Located on the Palatine Hill, one of seven hills near the Tiber River
- Rome began as one of Italy's city-states
- Latins (later Romans) were initially agrarian, not heavily militaristic
Etruscan Influence
- Romans were dominated by the Etruscans in the 7th century BCE
- Etruscans introduced political structures, like the Senate (a council of advisors to the king)
- Senate composed of patricians (wealthy, influential people)
- Common people (farmers, laborers, merchants) were plebeians
Rise of Roman Civilization
- Factors contributed to Rome's development from a small settlement
- Adoption of other cultures and settlements in Italy
- Architecture, irrigation and drainage systems, and artistic styles from the Etruscans
- Greek gods, mythology, and literature from the Greeks in southern Italy
- The Latin language
- Discipline and military prowess from the Sabines
Roman Monarchy
- Founded in 753 BCE
- Ruled by kings for over 200 years (excluding Romulus, a legendary figure)
- Kings handled state matters, legislation, judiciary, and the military
- Last three kings were Etruscans
- Tarquinius Superbus, the last king, was overthrown by the Romans due to his cruelty
- Romans established a new form of government: a republic
Roman Republic
- 509 BCE: Established after the expulsion of the last Etruscan king
- Republic: A government without a king, led by the Senate and Roman citizens
- Represented Roman citizens, and became a significant and strong foundation for their expansion and empire
- Consisted of the Senate and the Popular Assembly
- Senate: Council of 300 patrician men, serving for life; provided advice
- Assembly: Legislative branch
- Elected officials in short terms managed government affairs
- Consul (highest officials; in charge of the state, military campaigns) (2 elected every year, splitting duties)
- Praetor (second highest officials; took charge when consul were away, or handled judicial matters)
- Elected officials in short terms managed government affairs
- Social structure: Patricians and plebeians
- Patricians: wealthy families of senators from the monarchy era
- Plebians: Freemen, commoners (like farmers, laborers, merchants)
- Plebeians struggled for equal rights/political and social justice by the 5th century
- Elected a Plebeian Council (471 BCE)
- Allowed marriage between patricians and plebeians (445 BCE)
- Plebeians could become consuls (with reforms)
- Decline of the Republic
- Territorial expansion led to problems
- Farmers, who were soldiers in the earlier years, returned home to land destroyed in wars or seized by elites
- Loss of employment drove many to cities
- Conflicts among those in power
- Optimates (elites seeking to maintain power) versus Populares (reform-minded individuals)
- Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus (leaders advocating for farmers) were murdered
- Military leaders gained influence, ultimately undermining the republic itself
- General Marius reformed the military, enlisting and promoting the poor, leading to greater loyalty in soldiers to generals than the state itself
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