Rome’s Beginnings

The Origins of Rome

• Geography was important for the rise of Roman civilization.

• Across the top are the Alps, high mountains that separate Italy from European lands to the north.

• Italy’s mountain slopes level off to large flat plains that are ideal for agriculture.

• http://www.roman-empire.net/

Where was Rome located?

• Rome was built about 15 miles up the Tiber River

• Rome was far enough from the sea to escape raids from pirates.

• Rome was built on a series of seven hills, making it easy to defend the city.

• Rome became a stopping place for merchant ships sailing in the Mediterranean.

Italy and the Tiber River

How did Rome begin?• Twin brothers named Romulus and Remus

founded the city in 753 B.C.

• As babies, the boys were abandoned near the Tiber.

• They were rescued by a wolf and raised by a shepherd.

• Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of Rome, which he named after himself.

Early Influences

• From the Greeks

• Agriculture• Architecture• Alphabet• Literature

• From the Etruscans

• Army• Clothing• Streets• Temples• Public Buildings

The Birth of the Republic

• The ruling family, called the Tarquis was cruel.

• In 509 B.C. The Romans rebelled.

• They overthrew the Tarquis and established a republic.

• Over the next 200 years, the Romans fought war after war against their neighbors.

Why was Rome so strong?

• Excellent soldiers• Tough discipline

transformed soldiers into fighters who didn’t give up easily,

• The army was well organized.

Shrewd Rulers

• Romans were great planners.

• They built permanent military settlements.

• They allowed conquered people to have Roman citizenship and were treated under the Roman law.

Locating Places

• Sicily (SIH-suh-lee)

• Apennines (A-puh-NYNZ)

• Latium (LAY-Shee-uhm)

• Tiber River (TY-buhr)

• Etruria (ih-TRUR-ee-uh)

Meeting People

• Romulus (RAHM-yuh-luhs)

• Remus (REE-muhs)

• Aeneas (ih-NEE-uhs)

• Latins (LA-tuhnz)

• Etruscans (ih-TRUHS-kuhnz)

• Tarquins (TAHR-kwinhnz)