Ancient Rome The Roman Republic Early History of

Ancient Rome The Roman Republic

Early History of Rome • 3 groups that influenced early Rome – Greeks • Established colonies in Italy and Sicily • Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives • Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans – Etruscans • From northern Italy – Latins • First to settle in Rome • Gods were influenced by Greeks and Etruscans

The Roman Republic • Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B. C. to 509 BC – Roman aristocrats overthrew the last Etruscan king in 509 BC – Establish a republic

The Roman Republic • Republic – A form of government in which elected officials govern the state – power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders – Indirect democracy or representative democracy • Rome allowed free-born male citizens to participate in elections – Women could not vote

The Roman Republic • Patricians – Rich landowners who held most power in Rome • Made up 10% of the population – Ran the government and made the laws

Patricians and Plebeians • Plebeians – Farmers, blacksmiths, and merchants – Majority in Rome – Could not hold most government positions

Patricians and Plebeians • Plebeians demanded more rights in Rome from the patricians – Plebeian Council • Allowed to elect their own assembly – Tribunes • Officials elected to protect the rights of plebeians • Could veto laws that were unjust to plebeians

The Twelve Tables of Rome • First written code of law in Rome • Plebeians demanded laws of Rome be written down – Laws were carved on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum • Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to protection of the law

Roman Government • Consuls – 2 consuls elected by the assembly for 1 year – Chief executives and commanded the army

Roman Government • Senate – 300 patrician men – Served for life – Controlled finances and foreign relations – Advised consuls

Roman Government • Assemblies – Tribal Assembly and Centuriate Assembly – Made laws and elected officials Gaius Gracchus, tribune of the people, presiding over the Plebeian Council

Roman Government • In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator to rule Rome. – Dictator • a leader who has absolute power Cincinnatus – Could only rule for six months – Were chosen by the consul and elected by the Senate

The Roman Forum • The center of life in Rome • Marketplace and civic center – Senate met in the forum – Public speeches were given here – Site of many businesses

Closure Answer in complete sentences: • What is the difference between a republic and a direct democracy? • What was the difference between patricians and plebeians? • Would you approve of the US having two consuls instead of one president? Why or why not?