Rise of the Roman Empire

Roman Empire Rise

• Early empires centered in the East (Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, Greece)
• Rome, on the Italian peninsula, began building an empire around 387 BCE
• Rome controlled the Western world for over a thousand years
• Rome's growth was partly due to its treatment of conquered people. Initially, Rome extended citizenship rights to conquered populations. This often led to the conquered people joining the Roman army.
• Rome unified most of modern Italy by 265 BCE

Roman Geography and Location

• Rome's location along the Tiber River facilitated travel and trade
• The Tiber River had a ford, making river crossings easier
• Rome's seven hills provided natural defense, offering lookout points and making it hard for invaders to approach
• Rome's proximity to farmland, wood, and stone resources supported its development

Mythical Origins: Romulus and Remus

• Romulus and Remus, twin brothers, were believed to have founded Rome.
• A king had them tossed in the Tiber River, but they were saved by a she-wolf.
• They founded the city on the Tiber River; a dispute arose, and Romulus killed Remus.
• Rome was named after Romulus, its legendary founder.

Early Roman Communities and Rule

• Initially, Rome comprised small communities developing into city-states.
• Early Rome was often ruled by kings from wealthy families.
• Around fifty years after Romulus founded the city, legends suggest the Etruscans conquered the Romans.
• The Etruscans were brutal rulers; later expelled by the Patricians.

Patricians and Plebeians: The Roman Republic

• Patricians were the noble families of Rome.
• In 509 BCE, patricians expelled the Etruscan king and established the Roman Republic.
• A republic has elected officials.
• Senators were elected by the Patricians serving their interests.
• Two Consuls served in place of the King.
• Plebeians (merchants, farmers, artisans) were allowed to vote but lacked Senate representation.
• In 471 BCE, plebeians elected Tribunes.
• Ten Tribunes were elected to represent plebeian interests against potential oppression by patrician consuls.
• By 287 BCE, plebeian laws bound all Romans.

Roman Governance

• The Senate met in the Forum (marketplace).
• Senators handled military and foreign affairs.
• Tribunes protected plebeians' rights and could veto laws (veto meaning "I forbid" in Latin).

Explore the key factors contributing to the rise of the Roman Empire, including its strategic geography and relationships with conquered peoples. Delve into the mythical origins of Rome through the legend of Romulus and Remus. This quiz provides insights into how Rome unified Italy and established dominance in the ancient world.