The Roman Empire

Timeline of Ancient Rome

Geographic Factors of the Rise of Rome

• Link between Europe, Africa and Asia; easy access to trade routes: Italian Peninsula is central in Mediterranean world (halfway between east and west)

• Seclusion and protection: rugged mountains separate northern Italy from the rest of Europe which provide good protection

• Agricultural Climate: mild climate, fertile land, river beds, volcanic soil, mountain deposits

• Rivers: Po and Tiber allowed for transport and created borders from other peoples

The Seven Hills of Rome

• The city of Rome allegedly was founded in 753 BCE and Romulus was the first of seven Etruscan Kings

•Romulus was believed to be a great warrior king and started Rome’s first army and government

•According to legend, Rome traced its roots back to Aeneas, a Trojan prince who fled from Troy’s destruction

•Romulus and Remus were said to be descendents of Aeneas

The Etruscans

• First inhabitants of Northern Italy c. 750 BCE

• Conquered Rome around 600 BCE

• Skilled artisans, farmers and accomplished traders

• In Rome, the Etruscans dug an enormous ditch (Great Sewer) to create a drained area named the Forum

• contributed to the rise of Rome and culture

Etruscan Influence on RomAN Culture

• artistic styles• religious practices and

gods• clothing• Blood sports

Influence on Rome (continued)

• The Alphabet• The arch• Design of houses and temples• Water and drainage systems

Etruscan Monarchy

• First Etruscan King was Romulus • Etruscans expanded power and

took control over Romans• Last Etruscan King was Tarquin the

Proud= expelled by a popular rebellion in 509 BCE

• Romans did not want to be ruled by kings anymore

• Paved way for Rome to create a Republic