is located in the central portion of the Italian peninsula, on the Tiber River about 15 miles (24 km) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Rome
- Generally considered to be the cradle of western civilization and Christian culture.
- Rome
was founded by the two brothers, and demigods, Romulus and Remus. The legend claims that in an argument over who would rule the city (or, in another version, where the city would be located) Romulus killed Remus and named the city after himself.
- Ancient Rome
- The city was named after a woman
, Roma,
the ancient name for the Tiber River, and was simply a place name given to the small trading center established on its banks.
Rumon
- Originally a small town on the banks of the Tiber, Rome grew in size and strength, early on,through
trade.
to the north, provided a model for trade and urban luxury.
● The Etruscans
- belonged to the upper class; and were usually the rich landowners.
- They held positions in the government.
● Patricians
● Patricians
a. Consul
in charge of drafting laws and controlling
finance and foreign affairs.
- composed of 300 council members
- Their position was permanent
b. Senate
- common people
- They could not hold high government positions nor marry a patrician.
● Plebeians
● famous for its organization, discipline, and military tactics
● All men from 18-20 years old were obliged to join the army. They had to fight for 20 years.
- The Roman Army
a large group of army composed of 3 thousand to 6 thousand soldiers.
● Legion
● Led to a conflict with Carthage known as the Punic Wars
- Roman Expansion
● Wide gap between the rich and the poor
● Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus - distributed lands to farmers with no land
- Both were killed in separate riots that were said to have been secretly organized by the Senate whose members were not pleased with the actions of these brothers.
● Various generals assumed political roles
- Crisis in the Republic
● Wide gap between the rich and the poor
● Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus - distributed lands to farmers with no land
- Both were killed in separate riots that were said to have been secretly organized by the Senate whose members were not pleased with the actions of these brothers.
● Various generals assumed political roles
- Crisis in the Republic
- Gnaeus Pompey, Marcus Crassus, Julius Caesar
- opposed the Senate
- Appointed themselves to rule the territory: Crassus - Syria, Pompey - Spain, and Caesar - Gaul
- Caesar returned to Rome and became a dictator and a consul. He implemented several reforms that favored the plebians. This angered the patricians, thus they hatched a plan to have him assassinated. He was stabbed 23 times in the Roman Senate.
- First Triumvirate
- Gnaeus Pompey, Marcus Crassus, Julius Caesar
- opposed the Senate
- Appointed themselves to rule the territory: Crassus - Syria, Pompey - Spain, and Caesar - Gaul
- Caesar returned to Rome and became a dictator and a consul. He implemented several reforms that favored the plebians. This angered the patricians, thus they hatched a plan to have him assassinated. He was stabbed 23 times in the Roman Senate.
- First Triumvirate
- Marcus Lepidus, Mark Antony, Octavian
- They divided Rome into three provinces: Spain and Africa (Lepidus), West (Octavian), and East (Antony)
- Octavian and Antony fought against each other in the Battle of Actium. This led to the annexation of Egypt as a province of Rome
- Octavian’s triumph ended the Roman Republic.
- Second Triumvirate
- When Octavian returned to Rome, he gave up his authoritative rule and involved the senate and the people in state affairs. This earned him the title Princeps (first citizen). He was also given the title Augustus (his highness). He also took the honorary title Caesar, thus he became known as Augustus Caesar.
The Roman Empire
- When Octavian returned to Rome, he gave up his authoritative rule and involved the senate and the people in state affairs. This earned him the title Princeps (first citizen). He was also given the title Augustus (his highness). He also took the honorary title Caesar, thus he became known as Augustus Caesar.
The Roman Empire
● took full control of the army
● He granted citizenship to the people in the provinces.
● He gave benefits to former soldiers and their family.
● He worked to bring back the values Romans were once known for: hardworking, disciplined, family-oriented, and loyal to the state.
● He punished adultery and encouraged couples to marry and start a family.
● He ordered the construction of roads and water systems, and the repair of public buildings.
● Under his rule, the government gave free or lowered cost of grain to the people.
● During his reign as emperor, Rome experienced a period of Pax Romana
- Augustus Caesar
- related to Octavian or his wife, Livia
- The Julio-Claudian Emperors
- son of Livia who was a capable leader but a tyrant
a. Tiberius
