The Founding of Rome

Geography of Italy• Italy is a peninsula in

the center of the Mediterranean.

• The Apennines mountain range– “Backbone of Italy”– Doesn’t divide Italy like

the mountains in Greece did.

• The Tiber River– River allows them to get

to the sea.– Being inland keeps them

safe from sea threats.• Rome was located on

seven hills.– Easy to defend.

The People of Italy• There were a few different

groups of people living in and around Italy that influenced Roman culture…– Latins

• Lived near Rome.• Were herders and farmers.• Rome adopts their spoken

language– Sicilians

• Mostly Greeks that had migrated to Sicily.

• Impacted Roman architecture, sculpture, and literature.

• Rome takes their alphabet– Etruscans

• Had the largest impact on early Rome.

• Took control of Rome and turned it into a city.

• Romans adopted Etruscan dress and military organization.

Early Roman Social StructureRome was divided into two main classes.

• Patricians– Wealthy landowners.

• Plebeians– Less wealthy landowners, small farmers, craftsmen,

merchants.– The “working class”

Early Roman Government• Consuls

– Two, elected to one year terms.

– Led Rome both politically and militarily.

• Praetors– Judicial Branch

• Enforced the laws.

• Senate– 300, elected.– Discussed, passed legislation.– Patricians only!

• Assemblies– Advised the Senate– Council of Plebs

• Plebeian's “voice”• Could “veto” legislation by

civil disobedience.

REPUBLIC*Form of government in which the people elect representatives to do their will.

Early Roman Law

• The Twelve Tables– Created c. 450 B.C.