Romes Beginnings What Role did Geography play in

Rome’s Beginnings What Role did Geography play in the rise of Roman civilization? JOURNEY ACROSS TIME CHAPTER 8 SECTION I

How can we describe the geography of Italy? § Italy is shaped like a high-heeled § § § boot; separated from Europe by the Alps The boot is kicking the island of Sicily The Apennines (A-puh-nynz) mountains run down the boot, like a spine Italy’s landscape is similar to Greece except the mountains are not as rugged so farming is better Italy was settled sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE Latin speaking people settled on the Latium (Lay-shee-uhm) plain and built the city of Rome

Where was Rome located? Half way up the coast of the Mediterranean shores of Italy lies the mouth of the Tiber River 15 miles up the Tiber River lies the city of Rome; provided fresh water and easy travel for its inhabitants Rome was built on seven steep hills, making the city easy to defend against attack Rome was located at a place one could easily cross the Tiber making it a stopping place for traders and travelers

Who occupied much of Italy by 500 BCE? The Etruscans, Greeks and Latins occupied much of Italy in 500 BCE The Etruscans most influenced the Latins who settled Rome as they were the closest neighbors Rome’s central location gave the Latins an advantageous position which helped them in their eventual conquest of Italy

What groups influenced the Latins? By 800 BCE the Greeks and Etruscans show influence in shaping Rome Many Greek colonies were founded in Italy and Sicily between 750 BCE and 550 BCE; they taught the Romans to grow olives and grapes, adopted the Greek alphabet, architecture, sculpture and literature The Etruscans lived north of Rome in Etruria, but moved south and took control of Rome by 650 BCE; they were skilled metal workers and were rich from mining and trade and forced slaves to do the heavies work The Etruscans built wood and brick building and laid out the streets of Rome; they dressed in togas and their army was a model for the Romans

How did Rome begin? Legend of the twin brothers of Romulus and Remus; the boys were abandoned near the Tiber, rescued by a wolf , raised by a shepherd; the boys built a city in 753 BCE and Romulus killed Remus in a fight for power, and became the first king of Rome The Aeneid (ih-NEE-id) by Virgil is an epic poem that tells the story of Aeneas (ih-NEE-uhs), a Trojan hero who travels the Mediterranean Sea with his followers and has many adventures before landing at the mouth of the Tiber where he fought the Latins, married the king’s daughter and becomes the “Father of Rome” Historians are not certain just how Rome began, however they do know that the Latins lived in Rome as early as 1000 BCE and that the Latin groups banded together for protection between 800 -700 BCE; these early groups formed the community that became Rome.

How did the Romans win the “hearts and minds” of the people of Italy? Under Etruscan rule, Rome became wealthy and powerful In 509 BCE the Romans overthrew the cruel Tarquins family rule and set up a republic A republic is a type of government where the leader is put in office by citizens who have the right to vote The Roman Republic fought many wars against the Latins and Etruscans and Greeks over 200 years And the Romans then ruled almost all of Italy

Why was Rome so strong? Excellent soldiers; every male citizen who owned land had to serve in the army Harsh discipline made tough soldiers Roman generals organized soldiers into legions of 6, 000 men, divided up into groups of 60 or 120 so that they were able to move quickly Roman Legionnaires were armed with a gladius and pilum (sword and spear) Each unit carried a standard- a tall pole topped with a symbol to keep units together

What made the Romans shrewd rulers? Romans were excellent planners and built military settlement and roads Created Roman Confederation giving full citizenship to some; they could vote and serve in government Granted others status a allies; free to run own affairs but paid taxes and provided soldiers for army They knew these well treated allies would be loyal and quickly put down any resistance to their rule

Questions Which civilization do you think most influenced the Latins who settled Rome? How was Rome’s location advantageous for the Latins conquest of Italy? What kind of person do you think Aeneas was to build a new city (Rome) after the old one (Troy) was destroyed? How did geography help the Romans prosper? How did the Etruscans become wealthy? What was a standard and why did Roman soldiers carry them?