Rome

6.1

Geography and People of Italy

Italian Peninsula Central Mediterranean Broad, fertile plains Apennine Mts. Rome is centrally

located

People: Latins and Greeks

Latins: Migrated about 800

B.C. Settled along Tiber

river in small villages along the 7 hills

Greeks: City states along the

S. tip

People: Etruscans

Ruled much of central Italy, including Rome

Adapted Greek alphabet, passed it on to the Romans

Use of the arch Developed engineering

techniques Etruscan religion blended

with Roman

The Founding

Alba Longa City near Rome

Rhea Silvia Vestal Virgin Became pregnant Claimed the Mars was

the father This was the only way

to avoid being buried alive

The Founding

Alba Longa ruled by King Amulius Usurped the throne from his brother

Numitor Rhea was Numitor’s daughter Favored by the people Amulius threw Rhea’s twin sons into the

river Tiber

Romulus and Remus

The babies washed ashore and were suckled by a she-wolf who had lost her cubs

Found by a shepherd, Faustulus and raised with riff raff

As young men, the two were involved in a cattle dispute and brought before Numitor for judgment

Numitor recognized them and used them to regain his throne

Sacred Spring

‘Lupa’ the Latin word for wolf, also means ‘prostitute’

Latins had a tradition of ‘Sacred Spring’When a settlement grew too large, young

people would leave to found a new city. Probably took place in the spring.

Bloody founding

7 hills Romulus wanted to found the city on the Palatine hill and

began building a wall Remus favored the Aventine hill, leapt over the wall in

contempt and Romulus killed him Romulus opened his city to criminals and castaways Asylum (‘a’ – without, and ‘syle’ – right of seizure) comes

from the temple Romulus built to attract settlers They soon found themselves short of wives

Rape of the Sabine Women

Romans needed wives Asked their neighbors, the Sabines, for women Refused Romulus invited them to a festival The Romans seized the unmarried women and

carried them to their homes – crossing the threshold is still traditional in western cultures

The Age of Kings

753 – 509 B.C. Etruscan Kings Last was Lucius Iunius

Brutus ‘Brutus’ cognomen =

simple minded, not entirely true

Romans banished Tarquin the Proud

Brutus died in battle defending Rome

Republic

Governed by the Senate 300 members were all Patricians:

landholding upper class 2 Consuls elected each year

Could serve 1 term Must consult with senate Provided for checks on power

Dictatorship

In time of war, the Senate could elect a Dictator to lead Rome through the conflict

Cincinnatus was the model dictator: Former Consul Retired to farming Called to lead an army against invading Volscians,

Aequians, and Sabines Raised an army, defeated the enemies, and laid down

Dictatorship in 16 days.

Plebeians

Plebeians: farmers, merchants, artisans, traders Little influence in government 12 tables: plebs protested that since laws were

not written down, people could not know and obey them

Tribunes: officials elected by plebs. Could veto laws

Society

Patrilineal Ideal Roman woman: loving, dutiful,

dignified, strong Women eventually played larger role in

society – p 130

Education

Literacy was stressed, even amongst lower classes

Wealthy hired private tutors Rhetoric, public speaking, very important

for those with high aspirations

Religion

Polytheistic Gradually assimilated Greek gods and

goddesses Celebrated many festivals to honor the

gods, along with daily tributes

Citizen Soldiers

Republican armies: citizens who supplied their own equipment

Legion: 5000 men Conquered people required to supply

soldiers (auxilia) Military offered great rewards and harsh

punishments – pp. 131

Conquered lands

Treated with respect Allowed to continue to worship their own gods,

many were assimilated into Roman Pantheon Kept their own money, customs, and local

government as long as they paid taxes and supplied soldiers and acknowledge Roman authority

Most conquered lands remained loyal to Rome

Protection and unification

Rome posted soldiers throughout conquered lands

Built massive network of roads Gradually, conquered people adopted

Roman language, customs, and beliefs

Vestal Virgins

6 women chosen to honor the goddess Vesta

Serve for 30 years 10yrs – learn 10yrs – practice 10yrs – teach

Keep the sacred fire alight If it goes out, the city will

fall

Roads

Cincinnatus

7 Hills of Rome