Ancient Rome

Foundation Through Republic753 B.C. – 27 B.C.

Republic Timeline753 B.C. Latins settle along the Tiber River at the location which becomes Rome.

600 B.C. Etruscans from Northern Italy conquer and control Rome.

509 B.C. Romans overthrow Etruscans and establish the Republic.

494 B.C.- “Struggle of the Orders” between upper class Patricians and lower 287 B.C. class Plebeians.

390 B.C. Cisalpine Gauls sack Rome.

264 B.C.- Punic Wars fought against Carthage. Rome gains control of the entire 146 B.C. western Mediterranean.

196 B.C.- Rome defeats the Carthaginian ally Macedonia and subdues the rest of 133 B.C. the Greek states to gain control of the east.

133 B.C. The Gracchi brothers begin to call for reform for the poor.

50 B.C Julius Caesar defeats Vercingetorix to add Gaul to Rome. 31 B.C. Octavian Caesar defeats Marc Antony and Cleopatra Ptolemy (Egypt)

completing Rome’s control of the Mediterranean Sea.

Foundation MythosRome takes its’ name from Romulus, a mythological son of Mars, the Roman god of war.

Legend has it that Rhea Silivia (a Latin princess) bore twins sons Romulus & Remis.

A Latin king fearing the twins had them set afloat in a basket.

A she-wolf found the twins and kept them alive with her milk until a shepherd found them.

Romulus vs Remes on the Palantine Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome).

Romans perpetuate this myth. They want to be seen as divine, rough & ready survivalists, deadly prideful, violent & merciless. This reputation aids them in conquering the Italian peninsula.

Geography – Italian PeninsulaThe peninsula is centrally located in and ideally situated to dominate the Mediterranean sea.Coupled with the island of Sicily, the peninsula nearly divides the Mediterranean in half. Only two miles separate Sicily from Italy and Sicily is only 80 miles from the coast of north Africa at the tip of Tunisia (Ancient Carthage).The Alps mountain chain caps off the peninsula from Europe. Though they do not provide an insurmountable defenseApennine Mountains run down the laces of the boot. Actually, they serve as a water source for much of the peninsula. Rome is built on the Tiber river which flows westward from the Apennines to the port city of Ostia.

Geography – City of RomeRome is centrally located on the Italian peninsula.

Located on the shallowest point of the Tiber river it was a focal point for trade traveling the length of the peninsula. Properly irrigated and maintained, the Tiber also offered Rome access to the sea. Rome was 15 miles up river from the port of Ostia.The seven hills uponThough most of the peninsula is mountain or foothill country, the fertile plains surrounding Rome could support a large population.

Outside InfluencesOver the course of their history, Romans exhibit a natural talent for military organization, governing and law. One of their cultural moorings is the virtue of gravitas (seriousness) based on discipline, strength and loyalty.

Latins ~ 1000 BC settle in Latium1. settled on both sides of the Tiber in region of Latium2. little trade with outside world

Greeks ~ 750-600 BC1. colonies off the coast of southern Italy and Sicily2. brought goods and culture from Greece3. alphabet, architecture, art, literature, military techniques, athletic

events, religion, epics

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Outside Influences continued

Etruscans ruled Rome from 600-509 B.C. 1. The Romans learned the art of irrigation, sanitation and road building from the Etruscans2. architecture and pottery.3. writing system with letters from the Greek alphabet ”Triumphs”, the spectacular and politically valuable Roman tradition of honoring victorious generals

The Etruscan AlphabetThe Etruscan AlphabetThe Etruscan AlphabetThe Etruscan Alphabet

Outside InfluencesWhen the republic is established in 509 B.C., Greek civilization is just about to enter its’ “golden age”. With Greek colonies like Syracuse established in Sicily and southern Italy, Romans come into contact with Greek culture very early in their development.

Rome conquers the Macedonians/Greeks in 196 B.C., Many enslaved Greeks are sent to Rome to become Litterators and calculators (teachers/tutors for roman youth).

Greco-roman culture is said to be the foundation of western civilization.

Roman Republic – Assembly of Centuries

Originated out of a system of military classifications by warrior and weapons. All male citizens age 16-60 were grouped in 7 classes. There were 193 centuries, 170 infantry, 18 cavalry, and 5 non-combatants. Patricians controlled the votes of 98 giving them a majority.Called by trumpet to gather on the plains of Mars. There they would vote for the Cursus Honorum and on declarations of war.

Roman Republic - Leaders

Cursus HonorumConsul -

Praetor -

Quaestor -

Censor -

Aedile -

Roman Republic – Assembly of TribesThe lower class of Roman citizens who were shopkeepers & small farmers (plebeians) were given the right to form their own assembly.

35 “tribes”.

Originally, this body could only pass laws with the approval of the Senate. Laws passed by the Assembly would only affect plebeians. Eventually the assembly was able to pass laws that affect all Romans without Senate approval.

The Assembly also elected Tribunes. Tribunes were representatives sent to the Senate to protect plebeians’ rights..

Roman Republic – SenateThe most powerful body in the roman government during the republic.The senate controlled Rome’s finances and foreign affairs.originally made up of 300 representatives of the most influential, wealthy, land owning families (patricians) in Rome. These positions were hereditary. Also, since no government official received a salary only the wealthy could afford to serve.“Pater” means father in Latin. Early senators believed that it honored their families to serve Rome well.Military banners carried by the roman legions bore the symbol “S.P.Q.R.” In order to meet a crisis, the Senate had the authority to appoint a dictator for a limited amount of time (6 months) to address the emergency.

Struggle of the OrdersPatricians vs. Plebeians 494-287 B.C.

In order to gain greater equality within the Republic, Plebeians staged a number of military and tax strikes.Plebeian achievements toward equality:

Struggle of the OrdersPatricians vs. Plebeians 494-287 B.C.

Though Plebeians made up the vast majority of the Roman citizenry they were treated as second class citizens by the early Republic. Plebeians could not:

Rome Conquers The Peninsula

In 390 B.C. the Cisalpine Gauls sacked Rome.

After 7 months of looting, burning and terrifying, the Gauls decided to withdraw when they began to run low on food and were being stricken with dysentery.

The Gauls charged Rome 1000 pounds of gold for its freedom.

When a Roman magistrate protested that the weights being used to measure the gold were too heavy, the Chief of the Gauls also laid his sword on the scale saying, “Woe to the vanquished”.

The Romans never forgot this lesson. All Roman citizens were required to serve in the army. Walls were built around Rome to fortify its defenses.

Rome Conquers The PeninsulaSturdy Roman citizen farmers proved to be excellent soldiers. They were strong and loyal. When necessary they could march 30 miles a day carrying 60 pound packs of armor, weapons and supplies.Superior military discipline and organization.

adopted and improved on the tight Greek battle formation of the phalanx.basic Roman army unit was the “legion”. It was made up of 3000 to 6000 soldiers. At full strength a legion was broken down into 10 “cohorts” of 600 men. A cohort consisted of 6 “centuries” of 100 men.

Rome Conquers The PeninsulaRomans succeed in conquering the peninsula because:

Ability to move troops quickly. (organization & roads)Skill in the art of diplomacy and creating alliances. (Romulus myth)Wise treatment of conquered people.

• Offered full or partial citizenship plus self-rule for support.Roman Conquest:Uniting the peninsula gave Rome additional manpower to expand further. Added to the nearly 300,000 male Roman citizens were some 700,000 peninsula ally troops.

Punic Wars 264 – 146 B.C.

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Carthage (Tunisia, North Africa) was a Phoenician colony established in 800 B.C.

Punicus = Latin for Phoenician.

1st Punic War – 264-246 B.C.Carthage a sea/trade power feared Rome’s growing control over the Italian Peninsula. If Rome gained control over Sicily, they could close the Straights of Messina, control Adriatic trade or dominate the Mediterranean SeaRome coveted Sicily for grain and considered Carthage a threat to their southern peninsula allies.The fight chiefly took place on the island of Sicily and the Mediterranean Sea.

Carthage: large indemnity for damages and Rome won its first province, Sicily.

2nd Punic War – 218-201 B.C.

Both sides prepared to renew the struggle. Carthage gained control of part of Spain and recruited Spanish troops.

Rome conquered the Cisalpine Gauls and extended its rule northward to the Alps.

Carthaginian General, Hannibal led an army (complete with war elephants) through the Alps to attack Rome. Though he loses half of his army making the journey, he is supplemented by Gauls and wins numerous victories on the peninsula.

Respecting Hannibal’s skill Romans took to snipping at his flanks (Consul Fabius) instead of meeting him in pitched battles.

2nd Punic War – 218-201 B.C.Hannibal could not breach the defenses of Rome.

He remained on the peninsula for over ten years, but could not win a complete victory. His presence however did result in large scale destruction of much of the Roman countryside.

The Romans destroyed Hannibal supply lines/attacked his home in New Carthage (Spain).Hannibal was forced to evacuate Rome gained control of Corsica, Sardinia and all of Carthage’s Spanish provinces.

3rd Punic “War”Although Carthage had become too weak to be a threat, many Romans were driven by old hatreds and wanted to crush Carthage permanently.

Roman Senator Cato, ended every speech no matter what the subject with, “and Carthage must be destroyed”.

Finally, Rome attacked Carthage on the slightest provocation, destroyed the city, sold its’ survivors into slavery and annexed the territory.

By 196 B.C. Rome also defeated the Carthaginian ally of Macedonia and with victories over other Greek states gained control of almost the entire Mediterranean by 133 B.C.

Decline of the RepublicThe rapid territorial growth of Rome with its abundance of land, wealth and slaves put a significant burden on the operation of the Roman Republic and the morals of its leaders.

1. After the 2nd Punic War many citizens soldiers returned to farms 2. Selling their land to get out of debt, many landless farmers went to the city

to find work. 3. The Roman government leased land gained in the provinces in large

portions called latifundia. Crops grown by new slave labor on these large farms sold at a much lower price than Roman citizen-farmers could compete with dispossessing even successful farmers.

4. Devotion to the state weakens.5. Violence enters politics.6. Wealth replaces character in judging someone a success.

Violence Enters PoliticsTiberius Gracchus – elected Tribune in 133 B.C.

Many Senators were abusing public land for themselves.

called for legislation to limit the size of farms on public land. He also calls for redistribution of land to the poor.

Gaining great popularity amongst the Plebeians, tries to run for reelection as Tribune against the rules of the Republic.

Gaius Gracchus elected Tribune in 123 B.C.earns great popularity as Tribunes gain the power use public funds to buy grain for the poor.

Using his popularity he pushed through a number of reforms that limited the power of the Senate.

Fighting breaks out over his policies. Eventually he is declared an enemy of the state

Traditions of the Republic are Weakened

In order to defend Rome against an invading Germanic tribe, a Plebeian General Gaius Marius, recruited non-landowners (urban poor) into the Roman Army for the first time.Troops givenThis new army was more loyal to Marius than to Rome.

He used the support of this army to be elected Consul five consecutive years. This ended another long standing tradition of the Republic which stated that a Consul had to wait 10 years before being able to serve another 1 year term.

Traditions of the Republic are Weakened

In 88 B.C., Senator Lucius Sulla was elected Consul and immediately left for Asia Minor to put down a revolt. While Sulla was away a rebellion broke out in Rome. Gaius Marius, Sulla’s chief rival seized control and put down the rebellion. Seven years later, Sulla returned to Rome with his army and finally defeated Marius when he captured Rome.

A Patrician champion of the Senate, he restored power to that body. Yet, he weakened the power of the Senators by increasing their number from 300 to 600 members.

Granted the title of dictator. Unlike Cincinnatus who gave back the power in 18 days, Sulla remained dictator for three years, killing many of his opponents. He retired in 79 B.C.

The First TriumvirateAn alliance of wealthy and influential Romans in order to extort power from the weakened Republic.

Julius CaesarMarcus Crassus.Gnaeus Pompey

goals when Caesar was elected Consul in 60 B.C.

After serving his year as Consul, Caesar was appointed to two five year terms as Proconsul of Gaul

Caesar Rises To PowerCaesar earns the wealth, military experience and loyalty of an army necessary to become truly powerful in Rome.

Impresses plebeians by spending his own money to purchase grain and to fund entertainment for the urban poor.

“Communtaries from the Gallic Wars”.

In 52 B.C. Caesar brings Gaul under control of Rome when he captures the Gallic Chief Vercingetorix at the siege of Alesia.

Fearing his growing military power and increasing popularity, the Senate orders Caesar home to Rome without his army.

Caesar Rises To PowerCaesar decides to bring his army with him to the Italian peninsula.

Crossing of the Rubicon - rebell

civil war: defeated Pompey’s forces in Italy, Spain, Africa, Greece, and Asia Minor.

- Pompey was killed by Ptolemy XII. Cleopatra replaces her brother-husband, as Queen of Egypt, after he turns up

missing.

Caesar As Dictator

46 BC, Caesar returns home as Rome’s greatest hero.

45 BC, the Senate offers him the title of King which he refuses.

44 BC, he is named Dictator for life.

Caesar’s Reforms

The Second Triumvirate

On March 15, 44 BC . Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, the assassinated Julius Caesar..An alliance is formed in order to retain power and to avenge Caesar.

Octavian Caesar Marcus Lepidus Marc Antony

The forces of the 2nd Triumvirate defeat the conspiratorial Senators and then turn upon each other as rivals for power.

Collapse OF The 2nd TriumvirateIn 36 B.C. Marus Lepidus is granted the title of Pontifex Maximus (high priest)

Octavian, who controlled western Rome, used the scandal of Marc Antony’s divorce from his sister (Octavia) The turning point in the war was the naval battle of Actium in 31 B.C., where Octavian’s fleet defeat the combined fleets of Antony and Cleopatra.

Antony fell on his sword and Cleopatra allowed herself to be bitten by a poisonous asp.

Octavian Establishes The Empire

Octavian returns in 29 B.C as the unchallenged leader of Rome.

Octavian’s Reforms:

Octavian’s Many TitlesCaesar - Caesar’s adopted heir (Tzar, Kaiser)

Imperator – Commander of the armies

Augustus – “Honored and Majestic”

Princeps - First Citizen

Tribune - Authority over Plebeians

Consul - Authority over Republic, Patricians

Pontifex Maximus – High Priest

Octavian rules from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D.The reforms and order established by Octavian’s rule ushers in Rome’s golden age called the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.

7 Hills of Rome

Palatine

Aventine

Capitoline

Quarinale

Viminal

Esquiline

Caelian