Lecture 9 The Creation of the Roman Republic

Lecture 9: The Creation of the Roman Republic

-- Origins of prehistory of Romans not clear but by 1500 BCE Indo-Europeans moved into Italian peninsula; by 1000 BCE inhabited by Greeks and Etruscans -- According to legend, Rome founded by twins Romulus and Remus; father was the god Mars and mother a vestal virgin -- In 753 BCE Romulus kills Remus and founds Rome on seven hills overlooking Tiber River -- Rome evolved from group of Latin villages; conquered by Etruscans in 6 th century; Tarquin dynasty established -- Tarquins have armed assembly which elects king by acclamation but plays no political role -- Tarquins encourage trade and create sewer system; build shrine to Jupiter on Capitoline Hill

-- Greeks land on Italian peninsula by 750 BCE near Bay of Naples, Brindisi and Sicily -- Greeks introduce cultivation of olives and grapes for wine, alphabet and artistic and cultural models -- Etruscans would most influence early Romans; Herodotus believed they came from Asia Minor because language and religion resembled Near Eastern cultures -- Early Romans were pastoral, spoke Latin, adopted toga and short cloak of Etruscans, as well as Etruscan alphabet (Greek) -- Etruscans constructed first roads for main street through Rome; drained area which would become the Roman Forum

-- Romans attributed end of Etruscan rule to myth of rape of Lucretia; more likely that end of rule resulted from revolt by Roman nobles who had lost power when military changed from cavalry to hoplite system of Etruscans -- During early republican period, Rome surrounded by enemies; joined league of Latin allies according to historian Livy -- Livy said Rome was also under siege by Celts (Gauls) -- By 300’s BCE Latium League falls apart because of resentment of Roman domination -- By 264 BCE Rome conquers all of Italy except extreme north -- Roman success attributed to application of consistent policies, good diplomacy and practice of offering citizenship to conquered people

-- Roman government and society based on pragmatism, not ideals, unlike Greeks -- Romans believed in concept of “imperium” = the right to command -- Power of Roman magistrates only limited by prospect of potential trial after their term ended -- Leader of Romans was “consul/praetor” -- Romans had two consuls chosen annually by the senate; select counsel of 300 men who served for life -- By 3 rd century BCE advice of senate had the force of law -- 366 BCE separate office of “praetor” created who governed Rome and lead armies when consuls were away -- Popular assemblies: comitia centuriata (army); represented the wealthy and could pass laws

-- “Concilium plebid” = plebeian assembly made up of representatives of the common people -- Roman society had two basic classes: patricians (wealthy) and plebeians (lower class) -- Patricians descended from original Roman senators during the period of kings -- Patricians controlled religious privileges which allowed them to control politics -- Patricians created the idea of “patronage” = positions for friends and family -- “Paterfamilia” = head of family; responsible for their extended families and “clients” (those without wealth or power who provided services to paterfamilia -- Roman system of client-patronage became an hereditary institution

-- “Plebeians” did not descend from the original monarchy but were often wealthier than Patricians -- Wealthy Plebeians were either large land owners or merchants -- In 494 BCE Plebeians used their numerical and military strength to force Romans to grant them to hold political office and intermarry with Patricians -- Plebeian revolt accomplished by literally seceding from Roman state, leaving Patricians militarily vulnerable -- By 287 BCE all Roman citizens were equal under the law -- After 287 BCE intermarriage of Plebeians and Patricians creates new class: “nobiles” which dominates political offices