THE ROMAN EMPIRE

TIMELINE OF ANCIENT ROME

GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS OF THE RISE OF ROME

• Link between Europe, Africa and Asia; easy access to trade routes: Italian Peninsula is central in Mediterranean world (halfway between east and west)

• Seclusion and protection: rugged mountains separate northern Italy from the rest of Europe which provide good protection

• Agricultural Climate: mild climate, fertile land, river beds, volcanic soil, mountain deposits

• Rivers: Po and Tiber allowed for transport and created borders from other peoples

The Seven Hills of Rome

• The city of Rome allegedly was founded in 753 BCE and Romulus was the first of seven Etruscan Kings•Romulus was believed to be a great warrior king and started Rome’s first army and government•Rome’s 2nd king was Numa Pompilius. He brought peace to Rome and began the Roman religion. •The early kings got advice from a Senate (from the Latin word for “old men”) also known as a council of elders.

•According to legend, Rome traced its roots back to Aeneas, a Trojan prince who fled from Troy’s destruction

•Romulus and Remus were said to be descendents of Aeneas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jToagTve4hs

THE ETRUSCANS• First inhabitants of

Northern Italy c. 750 BCE

• Conquered Rome around 600 BCE

• Skilled artisans, farmers and accomplished traders

• In Rome, the Etruscans dug an enormous ditch (Great Sewer) to create a drained area named the Forum

• The Forum became the heart of Roman society and trade

• Contributed to the rise of Rome and its culture

ETRUSCAN INFLUENCE ON ROMAN CULTURE

• artistic styles• religious practices and

gods• clothing• blood sports

(gladiators, chariot, discus)

INFLUENCE ON ROME (CONTINUED)

• The Alphabet• The arch• Design of houses and

temples• Water and drainage

systems

ETRUSCAN MONARCHY• First Etruscan King was Romulus

• Etruscans expanded power and took control over Romans

• Symbol of authority over life an death called fasces (axe bound into a bundle of wooden rods; when magistrates were present, it was carried by an escort of officials)

• Last Etruscan King was Tarquin the Proud = expelled by a popular rebellion in 509 BCE

• Romans did not want to be ruled by kings anymore

• Paved way for Rome to create a Republic