The Roman Republic & the Punic Wars

Hypothetical reconstruction of Roman Forum in Imperial times. Watercolor (18th century), Giuseppe Becchetti

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy & the Mediterranean World?

-Journal: 3 Ideas

Ancient Italy (c. 6th century B.C.)

PEOPLE:

The Latins-Rome: “The First Romans”

The Etruscans-Northern Italy-Urbanized Rome: Building Programs (the Forum)-Influence on Romans: the arch, alphabet

The Greeks-Southern Italy and Sicily-Influence on Romans: art, architecture, literature, ..government, engineering

GEOGRAPHY:

-Tiber River & Mediterranean Sea-Fertile Soil & Strategic Location

Think about… What danger did the Romans face? What did Horatius do to defend the Romans? What qualities does Horatius demonstrate in this

passage? What is the moral of Livy’s account? What can we

infer about Roman values based on this?

Excerpt from Livy’s The Early History of Rome

Beliefs & Values:

Military Valor

Government:

Republic

509 B.C., Romans rejected Etruscan king (monarchy) and established a republic. Power rests with the citizens who have the right to vote

for their leaders. In Rome, citizenship with voting rights was granted only

to free-born male citizens.

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.)

STRUGGLE FOR POWER: CLASS CONFLICT

Patricians- wealthy landowners who held most of the power: inherited power and social status

Plebeians- (Plebs) common farmers, artisans and merchants who made up the majority of the population: can vote, but can’t ruleTribunes- elected representatives who

protect plebeians’ political rights.

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.)

A “Balanced” Government Rome elects two consuls– one to lead army, one to

direct government Senate- chosen from patricians (Roman upper class),

make foreign and domestic policy Popular assemblies elect tribunes, make laws for

plebeians (commoners)

Dictators- leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis (appt. by consuls and senate)

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.)

was a

Led by

advised by selected by advised by

Legally ruled by Leaders elected by

Power & Authority-THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

republic:

Consuls:*

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Senate:*aristocrats:

*patricians:

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Centuriate Assembly:*citizen-soldiers:

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Tribal Assembly:*tribunes:

*plebeians:

*

Twelve Tables:*

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Citizens:*

*

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What similarities do you see in the governments of the Roman Republic and the United States?

What do you think is the most significant difference between the Roman Republic and that of the United States today?

See Chart: Comparing Republican Governments

THE TWELVE TABLES 451 B.C., officials carve Roman laws on twelve

tablets and hung in Forum. Laws confirm right of all free citizens to protection

of the law Become the basis for later Roman law

The Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.)

What can we infer about Roman values based on the laws cited in the Twelve Tables?

How do the Twelve Tables compare to modern laws in the United States?

The Twelve Tables:Primary Source Review

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy

& the Mediterranean World?

Military Organization:

The Roman Army

All citizens were required to serve

Army was powerful: Organization & fighting skill

Legion- military unit of 5,000 infantry (foot soldiers) supported by cavalry (horseback)

The Roman Army

Romans defeat Etruscans in north and Greek city-states in south

Treatment of Conquered: Forge alliances Offer citizenship

By 265 B.C., Rome controls Italian peninsula

Rome Spreads its Power

Rome establishes a large trading network Access to Mediterranean Sea provides many trade

routes Carthage, powerful city-state in North Africa,

soon rivals Rome

Rome’s Commercial Network

Military Organization:

The Punic Wars

Three Wars between Rome and Carthage

1st Punic War- Rome gains control of Sicily & western Mediterranean Sea.

Punic Wars (264-146 B.C.)

The destruction of Carthage during the Punic Wars. New York Public Library Picture Collection

2nd Punic War- Carthaginian General Hannibal’s “surprise” attack through Spain & France 60,000 soldiers and 60

elephants Romans experience severe

losses, but eventually ward off attacks & invade North Africa

Punic Wars (264-146 B.C.)

The destruction of Carthage during the Punic Wars. New York Public Library Picture Collection

Hannibal's troops crossing the Rhone River on their way to attack northern Italy.

3rd Punic War- Rome seizes Carthage Scipio- Roman Strategist Conquered people sold

into slavery

Punic Wars (264-146 B.C.)

The destruction of Carthage during the Punic Wars. New York Public Library Picture Collection

Why were the Romans able to conquer Italy & the Mediterranean World? (Give a few reasons and

explain)

Do you think the Roman Republic owed its success more to its form of government, or its army? Why?

How does Rome’s rise to power relate to modern efforts to gain power and authority?

How did the struggle for power between patricians and plebeians affect the Roman Republic?

How does leadership impact the power and authority of a nation/republic/empire? Julius Caesar Augustus The Good & Bad Emperors Diocletian & Constantine

Forthcoming…