Chapter 8 Section 2

The Roman Republic

Chapter 8 Section 2 Questions1. The ruling class & top officials of the Roman

Republic were the _________________.2. In 494 B.C., many Roman plebeians ____________

to protest for equal rights. 3. The best known early Roman dictator of the

Republic was _________________. 4. Adopted around 451 B.C., Rome’s first law code

was called the ________________. 5. Rome fought ________________ in the Punic

Wars for control of the Mediterranean region.

Chapter 8 Section 2

Rome’s GovernmentMain idea

How did Rome’s Government

Work?

Main idea

Plebeians against Patricians

Main idea

Who was Cincinnatus?

Main idea

Roman Law

Chapter 8 Section 2

Rome ExpandsMain idea

1st Punic WarMain idea

2nd Punic WarMain idea

More Conquest

Rome’s Government• Divided into 2 classes: Patricians –

wealthy landowners. Could serve in Gov. and Plebeians – artisans, shopkeepers, & owners of small farms. Could not hold public office.

• Both men were Roman citizens.• Had the right to vote & responsibility

to pay taxes & serve in the army. • No marriage between classes.

How did Rome’s Government Work?

• Consuls – top Government officials. 2 Patricians were chosen every year to head the army & run the Government. Could veto each other.

• Praetors – interpret the law & act as judges in court cases.

• Roman Senate – 300 Patrician men who served for life. They proposed laws, held debates on issues, & approved building programs.

• Assembly of Centuries – elected officials.

Plebeians Against Patricians

• The Plebeians wanted equal rights. • 494 B.C. – went on strike. Refused to serve

in the army & tried to set up their own republic.

• 471 B.C. – Council of the plebs was est. They brought concerns to the Senate, & won the right to veto Gov. decisions.

• 300 B.C. – Plebeians were allowed to become consuls.

• 287 B.C. – could pass laws for all Romans.

Who was Cincinnatus?• Dictator – had complete control, and

ruled temporary during times of emergencies.

• Most notable Roman Dictator. Ruled for 16 days.

• Could have remained in power but chose to return home and continue farming.

Rome’s Government• The 12 Tables were Rome’s first

code of laws. They were the basis of all future laws. The Law of Nations were created to address issues of conquered people.

• The rule of law is the idea that laws should apply to everyone equally.

Rome Expands• Carthage, a state on the coast of North

Africa, was a powerful enemy of Rome. • The 1st Punic War began after Carthage

expanded into Spain. • Hannibal was a great Carthaginian

general who fought in the 2nd Punic War.• At the battle of Cannae, Hannibal’s

forces overpowered the Romans.

Rome Expands• The Roman General Scipio led his forces

to defeat the Carthaginians at the Battle of Zama.

• Rome destroyed Carthage in the 3rd Punic War.

• Rome also took all of Greece and Macedonia and parts of Africa during the Punic Wars.