The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic

Coach ParrishCoach Parrish

OMSOMS

Chapter 8, Section 1Chapter 8, Section 1

Geographical AdvantagesGeographical Advantages

Rome was founded at its location Rome was founded at its location because it had a river (Tiber River) because it had a river (Tiber River) that gave it fertile soil, and that gave it fertile soil, and mountains that protected the city.mountains that protected the city.

The EtruscansThe Etruscans

Rome was founded around 900 BC, Rome was founded around 900 BC, and it grew slowly as the Romans and it grew slowly as the Romans fought their neighbors for land.fought their neighbors for land.

Around 600 BC, the Etruscans took Around 600 BC, the Etruscans took power in Rome. Their rule would be power in Rome. Their rule would be short lived however because Rome short lived however because Rome founded a Republic upon defeating founded a Republic upon defeating the Etruscans.the Etruscans.

Romans Form a RepublicRomans Form a Republic

After removing the Etruscan king, After removing the Etruscan king, Rome vowed to Rome vowed to never again have a never again have a king with so much power.king with so much power. By 264 By 264 BC, the Romans had gained control BC, the Romans had gained control of the entire Italian peninsula.of the entire Italian peninsula.

RepublicRepublic – citizens who have the – citizens who have the right to vote select their leaders.right to vote select their leaders.

The Roman SenateThe Roman SenateIn the Republic, the most powerful branch In the Republic, the most powerful branch of government was the senate. At first, of government was the senate. At first, the senate was composed of 300 upper-the senate was composed of 300 upper-class men called patricians. Senators class men called patricians. Senators were appointed for life.were appointed for life.

PatricianPatrician – member of a wealthy family. – member of a wealthy family.

PlebeiansPlebeians – ordinary citizen. They could – ordinary citizen. They could not hold office or be in the senate.not hold office or be in the senate.

Roman ConsulsRoman ConsulsConsulsConsuls – two chief officials led the Roman – two chief officials led the Roman government. They were responsible for government. They were responsible for enforcing laws and policies.enforcing laws and policies.The consuls were elected by citizens, ruled The consuls were elected by citizens, ruled for one year only, and were advised by the for one year only, and were advised by the senate. Both consuls had to agree or a senate. Both consuls had to agree or a government action was dropped.government action was dropped.VetoVeto – rejection of any planned action by a – rejection of any planned action by a person in power. (Both consuls had veto person in power. (Both consuls had veto power)power)

Other Important OfficialsOther Important Officials

Because of occasional consul Because of occasional consul disagreement, Roman law held that a disagreement, Roman law held that a dictator could be appointed to handle dictator could be appointed to handle such an emergency.such an emergency.

DictatorDictator – Roman official who had all – Roman official who had all the powers of a king but could only the powers of a king but could only rule for 6 months.rule for 6 months.

Patricians vs. PlebeiansPatricians vs. Plebeians

Tension between the patricians and Tension between the patricians and plebeians began because:plebeians began because:

1.1.Plebeians felt the Senate treated Plebeians felt the Senate treated them unfairly.them unfairly.

2.2.Plebeians were losing work b/c the Plebeians were losing work b/c the Patricians were buying farm land and Patricians were buying farm land and giving work to the slaves.giving work to the slaves.

Patricians Versus Plebeians, cont.Patricians Versus Plebeians, cont.

Eventually, the plebeians Eventually, the plebeians refusedrefused to to fight in the Roman army. fight in the Roman army.

The patricians responded by issuing The patricians responded by issuing a written code of laws for all citizens.a written code of laws for all citizens.

It was called the Laws of the Twelve It was called the Laws of the Twelve Tables.Tables.

Masters of the MediterraneanMasters of the Mediterranean

The Romans expanded their empire The Romans expanded their empire by conquering new territories. They by conquering new territories. They conquered Carthage in North Africa conquered Carthage in North Africa in 146 BC after a long and bloody in 146 BC after a long and bloody battle.battle.

In the same year, Greece fell into In the same year, Greece fell into Roman rule, and the Roman army Roman rule, and the Roman army turned its attention to Gaul (France).turned its attention to Gaul (France).

Decline of the RepublicDecline of the Republic

By 120 BC, Rome was in trouble. By 120 BC, Rome was in trouble. Civil War broke out among the Civil War broke out among the Roman generals. Each consul no Roman generals. Each consul no longer respected the veto power of longer respected the veto power of the other.the other.

Just when it looked like Rome was Just when it looked like Rome was going to collapse, a strong leader going to collapse, a strong leader came to power, Julius Caesar.came to power, Julius Caesar.

Julius CaesarJulius CaesarThis is believed to be the only surviving bust made This is believed to be the only surviving bust made

during his lifetime.during his lifetime.

Rise of Julius CaesarRise of Julius CaesarFrom 58 – 51 BC, Caesar led the From 58 – 51 BC, Caesar led the army that conquered Gaul (France). army that conquered Gaul (France). He killed and enslaved millions of He killed and enslaved millions of people living in Gaul.people living in Gaul.In 49 BC, Caesar returned to Italy In 49 BC, Caesar returned to Italy where a major dispute began where a major dispute began between the senate and himself. between the senate and himself. After Caesar’s victory, he became After Caesar’s victory, he became dictator in 48 BC, ruling much longer dictator in 48 BC, ruling much longer than 6 months.than 6 months.

Death of a DictatorDeath of a DictatorFor four years, Caesar took over important For four years, Caesar took over important offices. In 45 BC, he became the only offices. In 45 BC, he became the only consul. In 44 BC, he became dictator for consul. In 44 BC, he became dictator for life. (He proclaimed this title himself.)life. (He proclaimed this title himself.)

On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was murdered On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was murdered by members of the senate. They felt he by members of the senate. They felt he had obtained too much power. had obtained too much power. This date This date is referred to as the Ides of March.is referred to as the Ides of March.

Place of Caesar’s DeathPlace of Caesar’s Death

From Republic to EmpireFrom Republic to EmpireCivil War followed Caesar’s death. When Civil War followed Caesar’s death. When the war ended 13 years later, Caesar’s the war ended 13 years later, Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian held power. adopted son, Octavian held power.

In 27 BC, Octavian was given the title of In 27 BC, Octavian was given the title of Augustus by the senate which means Augustus by the senate which means “highly respected.” He was the first “highly respected.” He was the first emperor of Rome. This marked the end emperor of Rome. This marked the end of the Roman Republic. Rome was now of the Roman Republic. Rome was now an empire!an empire!