Early Romans: Republic and Expansion PDF
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This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Early Roman Republic, touching upon key aspects such as the legend of Romulus and Remus, the role of the Tiber River, early Roman expansion, the Punic Wars, and the rise of major figures like Hannibal and Scipio. It details the political structures and societal elements of the era.
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**Key Idea:** The Early Romans established a republic which grew powerful and spread its influence. The Beginnings of Rome - Legend of Romulus and Remus. - Twins abandoned on the Tiber River. - Raised by a she-wolf. Romulus, Remus & the She-Wolf by pbr42. Geography - Rome in center of Italian Peninsula. - Develops along side of the Tiber River. - Rolling hills. - Fertile soil. 3 Groups live in this Area: - [Latins]: farmers and shepherds who built the original Roman settlement...1^st^ Romans - [Greeks]: establish 50 colonies that will be a commercial success while also spreading Greek culture. - [Etruscans]: N. Italy... skilled metal workers... Romans will adopt their alphabet and also their use of the **arch** in architecture.  Along the river (Tevere, Rome) by Giampaolo Macorig.  - Religion in Rome will be a mix of these three groups borrowing heavily from Greek legends and Gods...Romans will rename these thus Zeus = Jupiter and Hera = Juno The Early Republic - Etruscans will be King 1^st^. - Grows to nearly 500sqr. mi. under Etruscans. - "Forum" will be heart of Roman pol. life. - Romans vow to never be ruled by Kings again and also vow to kill any who plotted to become king. - **Republic** in place of Monarchy. - Form of govt. where power rest in citizens who elect representatives. - Free-born males were able to vote.  Patricians and Plebeians - Groups struggle for power. - **Patricians**: aristocratic land owners...inherit power and influence. - **Plebeians**: common farmers, artisans, and merchants...the majority...had right to vote. - **Tribunes --** plebeian assembly for which they elect reps. Protected plebeians from patrician officials. Twelve Tables - Plebeians force new written law code. - Unwritten laws left up for interpretation - A sort of Bill of Rights...protecting citizens. Government under the Republic - Rome takes "best" parts of other govt. systems to make their own. - **Consuls:** two officials who command army and direct the govt. -- had limited power. - 1yr. term and couldn't do it again for 10yrs. - One could overrule "veto" the other.  - **Senate:** aristocratic branch of Roman Govt. - 300 members - Plebeians will be allowed later. - Members for life = continuity - Powerful influence - **Assembly** = more democratic...patricians w/ less power. - **Dictator:** in times of crisis...leader who made absolute laws. Roman Army - Organized in large groups called **legions**. - 5000 heavily armored soldiers. - Infantry and Cavalry. Rome Spreads its Power & Conquers Italy - Roman power grows slow and steady. - Treats dif. sections of empire differently...dif. laws, rights, etc... - Some others called "allies"  Rome's commercial Network - Convenient location. - Trade by land and sea. - Carthage will compete with Rome in foreign markets. War with Carthage - Known as **Punic Wars** - Series of 3 wars  - **Hannibal** will mastermind Carthage in 2^nd^ Punic war. - 50,000 infantry men - 9,000 cavalry - 60 elephants - Hannibal terrorizes Italian peninsula. - **Scipio** will be Hannibal's equal on the Roman side. - Attacks Carthage forcing Hannibal to return to defend...Rome will be victorious. Rome Controls the Mediterranean - Victories in Punic Wars give Rome domination over the Western Med. - Rome will go on to conquer the eastern portions as well...i.e. Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Anatolia.  **\ **
