Roman Government Laws Review Roman Government Three Phases

Roman Government & Laws Review

Roman Government Three Phases Roman Kingdom – 753 to 509 BC • How many years is this? __224_____ Roman Republic – 509 to 27 BC • How many years is this? __482___ Roman Empire – 27 BC to 476 AD • How many years is this? __503____

Rome’s Mythical Beginnings: Roman Kingdom The road to a Roman Kingdom (753 to 509 BC) begins with the legendary myth of Romulus and Remus – Twin boys sent adrift in a basket on the Tiber River on the order of their great uncle. – Found and cared for by a wolf until a shepherd takes them in. – They decide to build a city on the river banks were they were saved, but there is a disagreement on where to build this city. • Romulus kills Remus to build the city of Rome. • Romulus becomes king of Rome.

Rome Becomes a Republic Roman Republic (509 to 27 BC) began when the last Roman King, or tyrant was overthrown. – Tarquinius was overthrown in 509 BC Roman Republic lasts about 480 years, but eventually dictators start to emerge. – Lucius Cornelius Sulla started a civil war by marching his troops into Rome, and he becomes a dictator. Strict Social Classes: Patricians (upper) and Plebeians (lower) – Written Laws: The Twelve Tables

The Law of the Twelve Tables The reason for the creation of the laws was to appease the plebeians. – In 494 BC, invaders threaten Rome and the Plebeians refuse to fight until their rights were expanded. • Without the Plebeians there would be no Roman Army to speak of… – In 450 BC, the Plebeians had the laws written down, and displayed in the Roman Forum. Significance: – The laws do not look like the beliefs of Hammurabi, and everyone is treated fairly under the law. – The laws resemble the U. S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights.

Rome Becomes an Empire The First Triumvirate (rule of three men) – Julius Caesar, takes control in 44 BC “Dictator for Life” – Gnaeus Pompey (Caesar defeats) – Licinius Crassus (dies) Bad news for Caesar… – Many Senators believed Caesar wanted to become king, and plotted to kill him.

Roman Empire Cont… Second Triumvirate – Octavian “Augustus” (Caesar’s heir and adopted son) – Marc Antony (defeated by Octavian) – Lepidus (“retired”) Octavian Augustus becomes Rome’s first emperor. Other lines of emperors included the: – Julio-Claudians and the Flavians – The Good Emperors