Italian Peninsula100 Miles Wide700 Miles LongIt looks like a high-It looks like a high-

heeled boot with heeled boot with thethe

toe aimed at Sicily.toe aimed at Sicily.

arable landarable land

extinct volcanoextinct volcano

forumforum A public place whereA public place wherepeople could meetpeople could meetand exchangeand exchangeideas and goods.ideas and goods.

no longer activeno longer active

Land that can be used to Land that can be used to grow crops.grow crops.

Tyrrhenian Sea

Adriatic Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Apennines Range-runs from the northto the south of Italy

Po Valley-low land betweenthe Alps and theApennines

The Italian peninsula has some valleys The Italian peninsula has some valleys and plains.and plains.Most of them are at higher elevations.Most of them are at higher elevations. The land is less rugged than Greece, soThe land is less rugged than Greece, sotravel by land was much easier. travel by land was much easier. Travel by sea was more difficult becauseTravel by sea was more difficult becauseItaly had few good harbors. Italy had few good harbors. This made trade with others living on the This made trade with others living on the peninsula easier than trading with outsiders.peninsula easier than trading with outsiders.

There was much more arable land in Ancient Rome than in Greece.The fertile land and mild climate were ideal for farming.The Ancient Romans didn’t need to import as much, soextensive trade wasn’t necessary.

Rivers carried mineral rich silt that created good farmland.

Volcanic ash made the soil rich. (Most of the volcanoesare now extinct.)

Around 1000 B.C. (Latins) began migratingAround 1000 B.C. (Latins) began migratingto the Italian Peninsula.to the Italian Peninsula.They settled south of the Tiber River whereThey settled south of the Tiber River wherethey raised crops and herded sheep, goats,they raised crops and herded sheep, goats,and cattle.and cattle.

Farmers and herders founded Rome in theFarmers and herders founded Rome in the88thth century B.C. on a hill overlooking the Tiber century B.C. on a hill overlooking the TiberRiver. The village grew into the city of Rome.River. The village grew into the city of Rome.

The legend of Romulus and Remus is a storytold to explain how Rome began.

Good soil Supplies of wood and stone nearby for building 7 hills helped in defending the city Level ground near the river area for the forum Inland location – protected from pirates Sea – 15 miles away – close to sources of

fish and salt River route to the sea – trade with other civilizations Located in the center of the peninsula – ideal for

communication and trade with the rest of Italy

Around 600 B.C. the Etruscans, peoplefrom the northern part of Italy, tookcontrol of Rome. They had traded withthe Greeks, and they brought many of theGreek ideas and customs with them. After100 years of Etruscan rule, the Romansrebelled. The old monarchy ended and therepublic was formed.

republic

consul

dictator

senate

A nation in which political power lieswith the citizens who elect leaders and representatives.

Either of the two main elected officials of the Roman Republic.

A ruler who has absolute power.

In ancient Rome, the supreme council of the Republic and later of the empire.

to stop an action – from the Latin word meaning “I forbid”

plebeian

A member of the small class of wealthy citizens in ancient Rome.

A member of the large class of ordinary citizens in ancient Rome. From the Latin word plebs – “the masses.”

patrician

tribune An official elected by the plebeian assembly.

veto

Wealthy Romans started the republic.

Wealthy freemen formed the assembly.

Wealthy Romans were elected to represent the citizens of Rome.

A small number ofwealthy Roman families

that held all governmentalpower.

Most of the population –artisans, shopkeepers,peasants, etc. A few were wealthy, most

werepoor.

Class was determined by birth. Wealthy plebeians could not become patricians. Both classes had the

right to vote, but only patricians could hold political, religious, or military offices. Plebeians

had to serve in the army and pay taxes.

Each year two consuls were elected by the senate.They were the chief officials. Two were electedso that no one person could have all the power.

Consuls led the army and were judges. They had the same power as early kings, but they couldonly serve for one year and they could veto eachother’s actions.

During an emergency the consuls could appoint adictator to lead for 6 months. Even the two consuls had to obey the dictator.

The consuls were advised by the senate.

The 300 senators were elected for life. Theycontrolled the treasury and foreign policy.

Senators had to be patricians (descendents ofearly Roman citizens), and most were

members of wealthy families.

The Republic of Rome was not a democracybecause not every citizen had the same power.

Slaves had NO rights.

In 494 B.C. the plebeians withdrew from Romeand formed their own assembly. The council of

plebeians elected officials called tribunes.

The patricians realized that the economy ofRome would suffer without the plebeians. Theyagreed to let the tribunes attend meetings and

veto laws they didn’t like.

Plebeians protested unwritten lawsbecause only the patrician leadersknew exactly what they were.

The Roman government began recording lawson clay tablets. The “Twelve Tables” were posted in Rome’s Forum.

Many plebeians couldn’t read thelaws, but the laws were no longerhidden.Plebeians eventually gained equalrights.

Tribunes Were elected to protect plebeians

rights Held office for one year Could be re-elected Could defend citizens against unfair

acts by magistrates or judges Could initiate laws Could veto measures made by the

senate

By 367 B.C. the government had become moredemocratic, and by 287 B.C. complete equalityhad been reached.Two consuls – One patrician & One plebeian

300 Senatorspatriciansand plebeians

10tribunes

CitizensAssemblies

Family wealth determined social class.Upper Class –

Wealthy held jobs as government officials.Many lived in large homes.Their needs were taken care of by slaves.Some owned 500 or more slaves.

Lower Classes ranged form the fairly wealthy to the very poor.

They held jobs such as: Soldiers Farmers

Merchants Craft workers

Most lived in apartment-style dwellings. Some

families lived in one room.

Slaves were at the bottom of society. They were not counted as citizens. They were not well protected by laws. Many were freed when their owners’ died. Some were given a chance to buy their

freedom. Living conditions depended on the owner.

In all classes the men ruled the households.Women helped make decisions and gave adviceto their husbands.Women could own property!Women could take NO part in government.

By 500 B.C. the Romans had extended theirBy 500 B.C. the Romans had extended theirpower to most of the Italian peninsula.power to most of the Italian peninsula.

By 272 B.C. all of the peninsula was under By 272 B.C. all of the peninsula was under Roman control and a rivalry developed Roman control and a rivalry developed between Rome and Carthage (a city-state inbetween Rome and Carthage (a city-state innorthern Africa founded by the Phoenicians)northern Africa founded by the Phoenicians)over who would control sea trade in the over who would control sea trade in the western Mediterranean.western Mediterranean.

Rome and Carthage fought threeRome and Carthage fought threewars betweenwars between264 B.C. and 146 B.C.264 B.C. and 146 B.C.11stst War – Rome Won War – Rome Won

22ndnd War – Rome was threatened when War – Rome was threatened when Hannibal and his army (some on Hannibal and his army (some on elephants) marched on the city elephants) marched on the city

of Rome.of Rome.

Roman general, Scipio, attackedRoman general, Scipio, attackedland in Northern Africa.land in Northern Africa.

Hannibal was forced to return to Africa to defendHannibal was forced to return to Africa to defendCarthage’s lands. Carthage gave up in 202 B.C.Carthage’s lands. Carthage gave up in 202 B.C.

After the 3After the 3rdrd Punic War in 146 B.C., Carthage Punic War in 146 B.C., Carthagewas left in ruins and many of the Carthaginianswas left in ruins and many of the Carthaginians

were sold into slavery.were sold into slavery.

Greece, Macedonia, and parts of southwest AsiaGreece, Macedonia, and parts of southwest Asiawere also under Roman control.were also under Roman control.

The Roman Republic was divided into provincesand a governor was appointed to rule each one.

The people of the new provinces had to pay taxesto Rome and some were taken into slavery.

Results:Results: The rich became richer.The rich became richer. The poor lost jobs and land because theirThe poor lost jobs and land because their

work was turned over to the slaves.work was turned over to the slaves. Conflict between rich and poor led to civilConflict between rich and poor led to civil

war.war. After 50 years of conflict, Lucius Sulla After 50 years of conflict, Lucius Sulla

became dictator for 3 yearsbecame dictator for 3 years.

In 79 B.C., Sulla retired and the government returned to consuls.

In 59 B.C., Julius Caesar was elected as consul. He wanted to rule all Roman Lands. He formed an army and captured Gaul (France). He became the governor of Gaul and watched

Rome closely. In 49 B.C. he returned to Rome

and a civil war began. After three years of war, Caesar

was appointeddictator for 10 years.

Julius Caesar --Strong leaderStrong leader-improved livesimproved lives-made laws to help the poormade laws to help the poor-created new jobscreated new jobs-gave citizenship to more peoplegave citizenship to more people

In 44 B.C., Caesar was appointed dictator forlife. The Roman Republic was then adictatorship, and senators feared he wouldmake himself the king. Caesar was stabbed todeath on the way to the senate on March 15th

(the Ides of March). Another civil war began.

Caesar’s grand-nephew, Octavian, becamedictator in 27 B.C. He changed his name toAugustus, meaning “respected one.”

Augustuswas the first true

emperor of Rome.

Under the leadership of Augustus, the followingUnder the leadership of Augustus, the followingthings were accomplished:things were accomplished:

• laws were passed giving citizens more rights• Romans were the first people to take a census

(a count of the country’s people)• A professional army, divided into large groups

called legions, was established• Roads were built• New government buildings

(basilicas), temples, libraries,and public baths were built.

Accomplishments continued -

• The aqueduct system (a system to carrywater from place to place) was

constructed.

• The arts and literature developed.• The Roman language Latin was used in

government and education.

You can see the influence the Greekculture had on our

projects.

Augustus was the religious leader in Rome.Many gods (many based on the Greek gods)were worshiped.Roman law punished those who discouraged the worship of Roman gods.

Eventually emperors were worshipped as gods.

Rome controlled the land of Judea. Jews wereallowed to follow their religion, but were oftenmistreated.

The birth of Jesus affected the whole Roman Empire.

Born in BethlehemGrew up in NazarethLater taught –

to turn from sinbelief in one Godgrace/forgiveness

Performed miraclesJesus – the Messiah (one who is sent by God tosave the world.Disciples – followers of Jesus

Roman Leaders became concerned as more people began to follow Jesus.

The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate,ordered that Jesus be put to death by crucifixion (30 A.D.)

The teachings of Jesus spread and were calledChristianity. The Apostles – followers of Jesus – spread the word.Christians were persecuted, and Romans oftenordered their deaths. Many Christians becamemartyrs who would die willingly for their beliefs.

Persecution of the Christians stopped aroundA.D.313.

Constantine became the new emperor afterConstantine became the new emperor afterhe received a “message from God.” He won he received a “message from God.” He won

the battle against another Roman general and the battle against another Roman general and took over the leadership of Rome.took over the leadership of Rome.

Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, making Christianity an accepted

religion.

Christianity became the official religion of theChristianity became the official religion of theRoman Empire in A.D. 392. EmperorRoman Empire in A.D. 392. Emperor

Theodosius was in power.Theodosius was in power.

Writing by Christians, like Paul,were saved and shared with others.

The gospels told of Jesus’ birth, life, death, andresurrection.

The Old Testament – Books of the Bible before Jesus.

The New Testament – Books of the Bible about Jesus and His teachings.

Christianity in Rome eventually became theChristianity in Rome eventually became theRoman Catholic Church headed by the Pope.Roman Catholic Church headed by the Pope.

There are many other Christian churchesThere are many other Christian churchesin the world today with over in the world today with over

2 billion believers.2 billion believers.

Trouble in the Roman Empire

Barbarians – outsiders - began to attack the Empire’s borders.

•Germanic tribes from the north• Persians from the east•African people, called Berbers, from the south

Rulers in Rome were unable to govern effectively.Rulers in Rome were unable to govern effectively.Tyrants seized control.Tyrants seized control.Citizens lost respect for the government.Citizens lost respect for the government.

The economy began to suffer.

Trade declined and money lost value.

The price of food rose.

Diocletian came to powerin 284 A.D.He divided the leadership of the Empire.He led the east. His trusted friendled the west.

Constantine, another leader, made Christianity an accepted religion and helped keep the Empirealive.

He also focused on the eastern partof the Empire.

Constantine moved the capital of the Empire toByzantium – renamed the city Constantinople.

In 395 A.D., the Empire officially split.

East grew – West declined

EastWest

Division of the Empire

Late 300’s and 400’s A.D –

•They needed land to escape the Huns.• The Vandals, a tribe, attacked Rome in

406 A.D.• Germanic tribes invaded again.•They took items and destroyed monuments.

Today, the word vandal means – someone who purposely destroys another’s property.

By 500 A.D., the Roman Empire had broken intoseveral kingdoms.

The End