30
The Early History of Rome Little is known about the early days of
Rome. But, like other peoples, the Romans had legends about their past. One of those legends describes the founding of Rome.
The legend tells of a princess in Italy who had twin sons. They were named Romulus- and Remus. The twins' uncle was a king. He feared the boys would someday overthrow him. The king ordered the babies to be thrown into the Tiber River.
The gods took pity on the boys and brought them safely to shore. A wolf cared for the babies until they were found by herders. When the twins grew up, they killed their uncle. Then they built a city beside the Tiber River where they had come ashore. That city was Rome.
The Etruscans About 600 B.C., a people called the
Etruscans conquered Rome. No one knows where the Etruscans came from. They may have come to Italy from Asia Minor.
For the next 100 years, Etruscan kings ruled Rome. During that time, Rome grew into a busy trading city.
The Etruscans taught the Romans to build roads and sewers. They also taught the Romans to use the arch in building. (An arch is a curved structure that can support a heavy weight.) The Romans used arches to build stone bridges across the Tiber River.
The Romans built aqueducts to carry water from mountain streams to their cities. This aqueduct still stands in France. Notice that the Romans used arches to support the weight of the aqueduct.
The Romans also borrowed their alphabet from the Etruscans. (The Etruscans had borrowed their alphabet from the Greeks.) The Romans used the Etruscan alphabet to write their own language, called Latin. Today, the Roman alphabet is used to write many languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German,
The Greeks Since about 750 B.C., the Greeks had been
building colonies in southern Italy. Through trade, the Romans came into contact with the Greeks.
The Romans learned to raise olives and grapes from the Greeks. They copied Greek drama, art, and architecture. They studied Greek philosophy and science. And they borrowed religious ideas and even gods from the Greeks. Later, the Romans spread Greek culture throughout Europe.
Looking Back 1. What happened to Rome about 600
B.C.? 2. What did the Romans learn from the
Etruscans? 3. What did the Romans borrow from the
Greeks?
Mr. Moore's Ancient Rome Handouts 10
Al■
The Early History of Rome Little is known about the early days of
Rome. But, like other peoples, the Romans had legends about their past. One of those legends describes the founding of Rome.
The legend tells of a princess in Italy who had twin sons. They were named Romulus and Remus. The twins' uncle was a king. He feared the boys would someday overthrow him. The king ordered the babies to be thrown into the Tiber River.
The gods took pity on the boys and brought them safely to shore. A wolf cared for the babies until they were found by herders. When the twins grew up, they killed their uncle. Then they built a city beside the Tiber River where they had come ashore. That city was Rome.
The Etruscans About 600 B.C., a people called the
Etruscans conquered Rome. No one knows where the Etruscans came from. They may have come to Italy from Asia Minor.
For the next 100 years, Etruscan kings ruled Rome. During that time, Rome grew into a busy trading city.
The Etruscans taught the Romans to build roads and sewers. They also taught the Romans to use the arch in building. (An..... arch is a curved structure that can support a heavy weight.) The Romans used arches to build stone bridges across the Tiber River.
The Romans built aqueducts to carry water from mountain streams to their cities. This aqueduct still stands in France. Notice that the Romans used arches to support the weight of the aqueduct.
The Romans also borrowed their alphabet from the Etruscans. (The Etruscans had borrowed their alphabet from the Greeks.) The Romans used the Etruscan alphabet to write their own language, called Latin. Today, the Roman alphabet is used to write many languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German,
The Greeks Since about 750 B.C., the Greeks had been
building colonies in southern Italy. Through trade, the Romans came into contact with the Greeks.
The Romans learned to raise olives and grapes from the Greeks. They copied Greek drama, art, and architecture. They studied Greek philosophy and science. And they borrowed religious ideas and even gods from the Greeks. Later, the Romans spread Greek culture throughout Europe.
Looking Back I. What happened to Rome about 600
B.C.? 2. What did the Romans learn from the
Etruscans? 3. What did the Romans borrow from the
Greeks?
Mr. Moore's Ancient Rome Handouts 10
'* bP,q. Ot a rration ilaue amrg,..;,....;•he time • 01' me re;,:ut.)lit-;
The Roman Republic You read that Etruscan kings ruled Home
for 100 years. In about 509 B.C. the Romans rebelled against the Etruscans and drove them from Rome.
The Romans no longer wished to be ruled by kings. Instead, they set up a form of government called a republic. In a republic, people who have the right to vote elect their leaders. Those leaders run the government for the people.
The Roman Republic became an example for later people, including the people who founded the United States government.
Government in the Republic The highest officials in the Roman
Republic were called consuls. The consuls commanded (led) the Roman army. They also made sure that taxes were collected and laws were carried out. A consul held office for only one year. That made it difficult for any consul to grow too powerful.
Assemblies of citizens helped to rule Rome. The most powerful assembly was the Senate. It was made up of 300 people. The Senate proposed laws. It also elected the consuls and gave them advice.
Social Classes in Rome There were two social classes in the
Roman Republic. The upper class was made up of wealthy landowners called patricians. The lower class was made up of farmers, workers, and merchants. They were known as plebeians.
The patricians controlled the government. Only patricians could become consuls or senators. Plebeians could not hold office.
Plebeians Call for Reforms Plebeians had to pay taxes. They had to
serve in the army. But they had little voice in government. Beginning in the 400s B.C., plebeians began to call for reforms.
At first, the patricians refused to reform the government. Then the plebeians took action. They refused to serve in the army. They even threatened to leave Rome and set up their own city.
Those threats forced the patricians to make changes in the government. The plebeians won the right to elect officials called tribunes. A tribune could veto, or block, actions by any government official or by the Senate. Tribunes used that power to protect the rights of plebeians.
The plebeians also won the right to elect their own assembly. It was called the Assembly of Tribes. At first, the assembly had little power. But later, it- passed laws for all of Rome. Looking Back 1. What were the duties of the consuls in
the republic? of the Senate?
2. What people made up the upper class of Rome? the lower class?
-37—What---changes gave plebeians a greater voice in government?
Mr. Moore's Ancient Rome Handouts 11
THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
In 500 B.C., Rome was just one of many small towns in Italy. But by 133 B.C., it had gained control of all of Italy and had conquered foreign lands as well. Roman armies won victories in Spain, Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor, and North Africa.
There were several reasons for the success of the Romans. First, Rome was located in the center of the Mediterranean world. This made it easy for its army and navy to move quickly in any direction. Second, soldiers were courageous and well-trained, and battles were carefully planned ahead of time by able generals. Also, the Romans had the ability to turn their defeated enemies into friends. Eventually, conquered peoples accepted wise and capable Roman rule and the peace that it brought.
The government in the early years of the Roman Republic had three branches — the consuls, the Senate, and the Assembly. Each branch had various powers. Read the information on the chart below, then answer the questions on the following pages.
3 Branches of Early Roman Government
I 2 consuls I
Senate I
(patricians) I Assembly I
(patricians and plebeians)
Separation of Powers Among the 3 Branches
2 consuls
(1) oversaw the work of other government officials
(2) acted as judges (3) directed the army in
wartime (4) elected for a 1-year
term (5) both consuls had
to agree before the government could take action
(6) in an emergency, consuls could choose a "dictator" — a single powerful ruler to make quick decisions
(7) the consuls chose the senators
Senate
(1) held office for life (2) were advisors to the
consuls and other government officials
(3) could approve or disapprove laws passed by the Assembly
(4) decided how money should be spent
(5) made decisions concerning relations with foreign countries
(6) had influence over the consuls and the army
Assembly
(1) voted on laws suggested by government officials
(2) could declare war or make peace treaties
(3) elected the 2 consuls (4) elected government
officials
— 22A --
(5)
(9) (10)
Chart Questions
(1) CDP S Gil Instead of a king, the Romans preferred having these at the head of their government.
A "republic" is a type of government in which representatives of the people make the laws. Was Rome a republic? (yes or nQ)
They were rich landowners who controlled the Senate. They also had the most power in the Assembly.
They were the "common people" of Rome who belonged to the Assembly, but had little real power in the government.
These people suggested laws for the Roman Republic.
The two consuls were elected by this group.
Rich, well-to-do citizens who often owned large tracts of land were called "nobles." What is another name for these people?
Which two branches of government had a part in making the laws?
Which branch controlled the spending of money?
Which branch decided whether or not Rome should go to war with another country?
Thought Questions
(1) Before 509 B.C., Rome was ruled by a king. Then, the city established the Roman Republic with power divided among three branches of government. Why do you think the Romans preferred having a republic instead of a government ruled by a king?
(2) Which branch of government — the consuls, Senate, or Assembly — had the most power? Exnin. , n your answer.
– 22B –
(3) In what two ways was the power of the two consuls limited?
(4) Why was a dictator chosen to head the government in times of emergency?
(5) The government of the United States has a president, Congress, and Supreme Court. Explain one way that the American government is like the ancient Roman government, and one way that it is different.
(6) When the Roman Republic was established in 509 B.C., power was in the hands of the wealthy landowners — the patricians. The common people, or plebeians, had many complaints. They had little voice in the government, and were treated unfairly under the law. Punishments were often severe. They had to pay high interest rates on loans, and could not marry patricians. Between 494 B.C. and 287 B.C., the plebeians struggled to gain equality with the patricians. This period of time was known as the "Conflict of the Orders." The main reason equality was finally achieved was that plebeians were needed for the army and navy. Why do you think this forced the patricians to give plebeians the rights they demanded?
(7) In your opinion, what was the most important power of the consuls? the Senate? the Assembly?
— 22C --
THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
In 500 B.C., Rome was just one of many small towns in Italy. But by 133 B.C., it had gained control of all of Italy and had conquered foreign lands as well. Roman armies won victories in Spain, Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor, and North Africa.
There were several reasons for the success of the Romans. First, Rome was located in the center of the Mediterranean world. This made it easy for its army and navy to move quickly in any direction. Second, soldiers were courageous and well-trained, and battles were carefully planned ahead of time by able generals. Also, the Romans had the ability to turn their defeated enemies into friends. Eventually, conquered peoples accepted wise and capable Roman rule and the peace that it brought.
The government in the early years of the Roman Republic had three branches — the consuls, the Senate, and the Assembly. Each branch had various powers. Read the information on the chart below, then answer the questions on the following pages.
3 Branches of Early Roman Government
I 2 consuls I
Senate I
(patricians) I Assembly I
(patricians and plebeians)
Separation of Powers Among the 3 Branches
2 consuls
(1) oversaw the work of other government officials
(2) acted as judges (3) directed the army in
wartime (4) elected for a 1-year
term
(5) both consuls had to agree before the government could take action
(6) in an emergency, consuls could choose
"dictator" — a single powerful ruler to make quick decisions
(7) the consuls chose the senators
Senate
(1) held office for life (2) were advisors to the
consuls and other government officials
(3) could approve or disapprove laws passed by the Assembly
(4) decided how money should be spent
(5) made decisions concerning relations with foreign countries
(6) had influence over the consuls and the -a-Iffy
Assembly
(1) voted on laws suggested by government officials
(2) could declare war or make peace treaties
(3) elected the 2 consuls (4) elected government
officials
- 22A -
Chart Questions
(1) Instead of a king, the Romans preferred having these at the head of their government.
(2) A "republic" is a type of government in which representatives of the people make the laws. Was Rome a republic? (yes or no)
(3) They were rich landowners who controlled the Senate. They also had the most power in the Assembly.
(4) They were the "common people" of Rome who belonged to the Assembly, but had little real power in the government.
(5) __ These people suggested laws for the Roman Republic.
(6) The two consuls were elected by this group.
(7) Rich, well-to-do citizens who often owned large tracts of land were called "nobles." What is another name for these people?
(8) _ Which two branches of government had a part in making the laws?
(9) Which branch controlled the spending of money?
(10) Which branch decided whether or not Rome should go to war with another country?
Thought Questions
(1) Before 509 B.C., Rome was ruled by a king. Then, the city established the Roman Republic with power divided among three branches of government. Why do you think the Romans preferred having a republic instead of a government ruled by a king?
(2) Which branch of government — the consuls, Senate, or Assembly — had the most power? Exr, '', 'n your answer.
-- 22B –
NAME ANCIENT ROME AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY
The Struggle for Equal Rights The Italian peninsula juts out into the Mediterranean Sea at
its widest point. With its fertile lands, temperature, healthy
climate, and central location, Italy attracted many groups of people, including the Greeks, who established Italian colonies in
the eighth century BC (800 BC). Here, we are concerned with the people who are known to us as Romans, after the name of their great capital city and empire. The ever-expanding Roman
territories later came to include all of Italy and finally the entire Mediterranean region. The Romans built and empire that, at its peak, was larger than that of Alexander the Great. It reached
from England in the north to Assyria in the east and included
present-day Spain, France, southern Europe, and much of the Middle East.
Narrator: By the fourth century, the Roman republic was ruled by a small group of persons, the patricians. There were the
wealthy landowning families. They controlled the senate (the law making body) and the army. The majority of the people (the plebeians) were citizens but they had few rights. The plebeians
included farmers, soldiers, skilled workers, merchants, and traders. The plebeians had a political council, which tried to protect them form the patricians' actions.
Narrator: Slaves were even worse off. Former prisoners of war or plebeians imprisoned for debt, they farmed the patricians'
lands or worked as their house servants. Slaves were not citizens, and they had no legal rights.
Narrator: In our story, Rome is in turmoil. The plebeians
have gone on strike to gain more rights. They refuse to work at their jobs and do not report for military service. Here, two
Romans, a patrician and a plebian, argue about their differences:
Rome 367 BC
Lucius: Marcus, I have always thought of you as a
reasonable person. Don't you agree that, as loyal Roman .citizens, you and the other plebeians should resume your duties?
Marcus: No, we will not! And we will not be satisfied until
we have destroyed your one-sided patrician government!
Lucius: How can you speak to me like that? We've been
friends since childhood. Haven't I always treated you fairly?
Marcus: Yes, Lucius, we were friends once. But how can I ever forget the enormous differences between us? You are a
wealthy landowning patrician. I am just a poor carpenter. I can barely afford to free my family.
Lucius: But I've NEVER used my wealth to take advantage
of you.
Marcus: That's not true!You and the other patricians have
always taken advantage of people like me." You are one of the
300 members of the senate. Were any of you elected? Of course not! You are a senator only because your family is a member of the ruling class!
Lucius: Most of us in the senate have held important government jobs, Marcus. Among the senators are former judges,
generals, and consuls. I myself have been head of a province. What experience in government have you plebians had? Admit it: we patricians know how to run Rome.
Marcus: I admit no such thing! We ordinary people don't
have your experience because all of the important government jobs are closed to plebians. Lucius, this is supposed to be a republic, not a government of the rich. We poor people deserve the same rights and privileges as you rich people.
Lucius: What do YOUR people REALLY want, Marcus?
Marcus: We want justice. The laws written down years ago
are harsh. Many crimes are punished by death, and debtors are treated severely. But the written law was a step forward because people knew what was legal and what was not. The problem Lucius, is that all the judges are patricians. And they favor their
own people.
- Lucius: You don't need -plebiairjudgestecause 'Kornai -law
protects you. No Roman can be executed without a trial. And a judge's sentence can be appealed to a higher court. A person
condemned to die can always go into exile (leave the country) instead.
PAGE 6
ANCIENT ROME AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY
NAME
Marcus: Lucius, as long as there are no plebian judges, Questions: we plebeians will never be judged fairly. And Rome will Who had the power in the Roman Republic?
never have the loyalty of its plebian citizens so long as its
most important are closed to them.
Lucius: If you are granted these things, then will you What was the main argument in this story?
resume your responsibilities?
Marcus: Not quite. We must also have plebeians in the
senate, and we want to be able to marry members of
patrician families. a
Lucius: I understand your desire to be in the senate,
but marriage between people of different classes — that's not Does this same problem occur in our government? possible.
Marcus: Without the plebeians, Rome is not possible,
patrician wealth is not possible, and patrician privilege is not
possible. When you and the other patricians finally come to
understand that you cannot do without us, you will give us
the things we ask for. It may take time, but we plebeians
have little to lose and much to gain. We will wait, and we What do you think are some ways our government will continue to withhold our services. could be improved?
Narrator: Marcus was right. The Roman patricians
could not do without the plebeian workers and soldiers. By
the end of the fourth century BC (400 BC), after many
years of struggle, the plebeians had achieved most of their
goals. Plebeians could hold all public offices, the actions of
the plebeians' assembly became law, and some marriages
between classes did take place. But the wealthy kept actual
control of the government.
PAGE 7
The Republic
The Citizens of Rome
Divided into 2 Classes ""••••••11+
The MAGISTRATES TWO CONSULS
Patricians
Men who owned
large amounts of land
Citizens
Plebeians Peasant farmers
and craftsmen
Assembly
The two groups met here and voted for the
following groups
Women
Magistrates
Their ,job was to look
after the money of
Rome. They were also
judges.
Two Consuls They governed the
city. Elected for one
year only.
Both had to agree
with each other to
make a decision.
Tribunes They protected the
ordinary people
against unfair
treatment.
Slaves
Senate Magistrates retired to the Senate. They gave advice to the Consuls. They ended up
control ling Rome.
READING: HANNIBAL OF CARTHAGE
During the-time when Rome was a republic, the city of-Carthage-in North Africa became a rising power in the Mediterranean world. Carthage was located just 300 miles across the sea from Rome. In between were the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, all controlled by Carthage. Parts of Spain and much of North Africa were also ruled , by Carthage.
Fighting eventually broke out between rtuine ant.] L•ctl (nage. After a long struggle that lasted 23 years, the two cities agreed to end what was called the First Punic War. In the peace treaty, Rome was given Sicily. A short time later, Rome took Sardinia and Corsica away from Carthage.
To make up for losing those lands, the leaders of Carthage decided to expand their empire in Spain. The army was led by an experienced and able general named Hamilcar Barca. Barca had been a commander during the First Punic War, which left him with an undying hatred of the Romans. When Barca made his plans for invading Spain, he decided to take with him his 9-year-old son Hannibal. Just before leaving North Africa, he had his son take the following -oath: "I swear that so soon as age will permit, I will follow the Romans both at sea and on land. I will us_ e fire and steel to arrest the destiny of Rome."
Years of fighting in Spanish territory helped Hannibal develop into a confident and respected officer. At age 26, five years after his father died, the soldiers chose him to be their commander-in-chief. Soon afterwards, Hannibal married a Spanish princess, then led his troops to victory against several Spanish tribes. During one campaign, Hannibal attacked a city friendly to Rome. The Romans responded by declaring war on Carthage. Thus began the Second Punic War.
Hannibal decided on a bold plan to defeat Rome. He would invade Italy and fight the enemy on their own soil. His plan called for taking foot soldiers and cavalry from Spain across southern Gaul and over the towering Alps to northern Italy. It would be one of history's most daring marches.
Just before leaving for Italy, Hannibal put his brother Hasdrubal in charge of an army to protect Carthage's lands in Africa and Spain. Hannibal began his journey with about 40,000 soldiers and horsemen, plus 38 war elephants. The army marched through Gaul until it came to the Rhone River. Using boats taken from local tribesmen, and earth-covered rafts for the elephants, the river was crossed and the expedition continued.
The determined army pushed on for several months, finally reaching the Alps north of Italy. It was October, and early snows had made the narrow mountain passes slippery and dangerous. Both soldiers and animals occasionally lost their footing along the steep mountainsides and tumbled to their deaths. Blinding snowstorms added to the misery. To make matters worse, unfriendly tribesmen in the area rolled heavy stones down upon the marchers causing more men and animals to lose their balance and fall. Baggage animals and troops at the rear of the army were favorite targets of the enemy. At one point a landslide blocked the path of the marchers. Cold, hunger, and exhaustion brought death to many soldiers, horses, and elephants. The elephants were used to the warm climate of Africa and Spain, and suffered terribly from the extreme mountain temperatures.
Finally, 20,000 weary foot soldiers and 6,000 cavalry came down from the Alps onto the plains • of northern Italy. Almost half of the army and nearly all of the war elephants had perished in the mountains. Yet Hannibal's loyal army continued to follow its relentless commander.
I
— 23A —
The valiant men of Carthage soon won two key battles against Roman forces under General Scipio. These victories encouraged Gauls and Celtics to join the fighting on their side. Strengthened by reinforcements, Hannibal outmaneuvered two Roman armies and won another smashing victory. In this battle, thousands of Romans were killed and many others drowned in a nearby lake. An additional 4,000 Roman cavalrymen who approached the battlefield were also destroyed. It was one of proud Rome's worst defeats ever.
About a year later, Hannibal's troops and cavalry captured the huge Roman supply depot at Cannae. Carthage's great victory at Cannae came after Hannibal tricked a large Roman army numbering nearly 100,000. Hannibal positioned his out-numbered soldiers in a long line, then ordered the center of the line to retreat. The Romans, who thought the enemy was falling back in defeat, advanced into the middle. Hannibal then had the ends of his battle line move quickly around to the rear of the Roman army. The Romans were surrounded. About 50,000 were killed, including former consuls, senators, nobles, and other leading citizens.
Following their stunning defeat at Cannae, the Romans avoided any major battles in the years ahead. They were afraid to risk open warfare with Hannibal. Their strategy succeeded because as time went on, Hannibal's army grew weaker. It became increasingly difficult for him to find adequate supplies. And Carthage had no navy to back up its land operations. Also, Italian provinces which had previously been taken over by Rome did not join Hannibal's side in the hoped for numbers. Worst of all, badly needed reinforcements led by Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal failed to reach him. They were defeated in northern Italy after crossing the Alps. Hannibal learned of his brother's defeat when Hasdrubal's head was thrown into his camp.
After 15 years on the Italian peninsula, Hannibal was forced to return to Carthage. He had won many victories, but had not won the war. Carthage was now under attack by the troops of Scipio. The city soon fell and 20,000 defenders were lost. But Hannibal managed to escape.
The remaining years of Hannibal's life were spent helping several Mediterranean kingdoms fight the growing power_of Rome. In one memorable sea battle, his men threw kettles of snakes onto the decks of Roman ships. Eventually, however, he was tracked down. But instead of surrendering, he chose to die by swallowing poison that he kept secretly in a ring. This act ended at age 64 the brilliant career of a military genius. Hannibal ranks alongside Alexander the Great, • Julius Caesar, and Napoleon as one of the greatest commanders in the history of the world.
— 23B —
Conquest and Expansion
In the 400s B.C., Rome began a long period of conquest and expansion (growth). The Romans first conquered their neighbors in central Italy. Then they conquered the Etruscans to the north.
By about 270 B.C., the Romans had conquered the Greek city-states of southern Italy. They now controlled most of the Italian Peninsula.
The Roman Army Rome's success on the battlefield was due to its
powerful army. The Romans built the mightiest army of their time. They divided their army into groups called legions. A legion had about 6000 soldiers. Each legion was divided into smaller units of 60 to 120 soldiers.
In battle, the Romans moved their small units quickly to wherever they were needed. That gave them an advantage over enemies who fought in phalanxes. (You read that phalanxes were groups of soldiers who fought in tight blocks.) Phalanxes were larger, slower, and harder to maneuver.
War with Carthage Rome's main rival in the Mediterranean was the city
of Carthage in North Africa. You read that the Phoenicians founded a colony at Carthage around 800 B.C. In time, Carthage became an independent city-state.
Carthage built an empire that included parts of Spain, North Africa, and the island of Sicily.
In 264 B.C. Rome and Carthage began a series of wars called the Punic Wars. The First Punic War lasted for 23 years. The Romans defeated the Carthagenians _and won control of Sicily. With Sicily, Rome had its first overseas territory and the beginning of an empire.
Hannibal and the Second Punic War The Second Punic War began in 218 B.C.
In that year, Carthage's greatest general invaded Italy. His name was Hannibal.
Hannibal surprised the Romans by invading Italy from the north. He first landed an army of 50,000 soldiers and 37 elephants in Spain. Then he marched across Spain and France, over the Alps, and into Italy.
Hannibal defeated several Roman armies in Italy. But he was not able to capture Rome. In 204 B.C., a Roman army landed in North Africa and threatened Carthage. Hannibal was forced to leave Italy to defend his homeland.
The Defeat of Carthage The Romans defeated Hannibal at Zama, a
town near Carthage. In the treaty that ended the war, the Romans forced Carthage to give up Spain.
In 149 B.C. Rome and Carthage began the Third Punic War. After three years of fighting, the Romans captured Carthage. They destroyed the city. Carthage's territory in North Africa now belonged to Rome.
Rome's Empire Grows During the years of the Punic Wars, Rome
also expanded to the east. The Romans conquered Macedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor. Syria and Egypt came under Roman control.
By 130 B.C., Rome ruled most of the Mediterranean world. Romans now called the Mediterranean Mare Nostrum. In Latin, that means "Our Sea."
Looking Back 1. Why was the Roman army successful?
2. What were the Punic Wars?
3. Describe Hannibal's invasion of Italy.
12
Thought Questions
(1) Do you think that Hannibal lived up to the oath he took at age 9? Explain.
(2) Was Hannibal's bold plan to invade Italy a good idea or a bad idea? Give a reason for your answer.
• 1-
(3) Whv (in you think soldiers in ancient times were willing to spend their lives waging war?
(4) If you had been faced with the decision of joining either the army of Carthage or the army of Rome at the beginning of the Second Punic War, which one would you have chosen? Why?
(5) Why can it be said that Hannibal "won many battles but lost the war"? Does this mean that Hannibal was a failure?
(6) In your opinion, what were the three most important qualities or abilities that made Hannibal one of history's greatest generals?----
• — 23C —
Rome Quiz: Punic Wars Name:
Ms. Orville Date:
1. Who was Hannibal?
Define:
2. Patrician-
3. Plebeian-
4. How many Punic Wars were there?
5. Which two empires fought against each other in the Punic Wars?
&
6. Who won the Punic Wars?
7. What was the result of the first Punic War?
8. What was one result of the Punic Wars?
9. Who lost the second Punic War and what was the primary cause?
10. Where was Carthage located?
TO TELL THE TRUTH: JULIUS CAESAR
Three students will be chosen to pretend they are Julius Caesar. They will stand next to each otherin the front of the room facing the class. During the game, the three will be asked questions by other students in class. The questions will be about Julius Caesar's life.
Thirteen other students will be chosen to ask one question each during the game. They will be assigned a number from 1 to 13. This is the number of the question they will ask when the game begins.
After every question, the three Julius Caesars will each give an answer. "Number 1" will always answer first, "Number 2" second, and "Number 3" third. Only one of the three is really Julius Caesar. The real one will always tell the truth when answering questions. The other two will only tell the truth once in awhile. After all questions have been asked, class members will vote for the person they think is the real Julius Caesar.
This game will be played like a television game show. The teacher will be the "MC," or Master of Ceremonies. The people who ask questions are the "panelists."
MC: Now let us meet Julius Caesar. Number 1, what is your name please? Number 1: My name is Julius Caesar.
Ifiber 2? Number 2: My name is Julius Caesar.
Number a: My name is Julius Caesar.
MG: And here is Julius Caesar's story. He says, "I, Julius Caesar, was born in Italy in 100 B.C. As a young man, I decided to make politics my career. It soon became apparent that a person had to have military power in order to rise to a high position in the government. And so I led Roman armies to great victories in foreign lands. I earned the reputation of a military genius and became a hero to the citizens of Rome. Yet some people, especially members of the Senate, were jealous and fearful of my power. But the remainder of Rome's citizens gave me the title of dictator. People today regard me as one of the greatest figures in the history of the world." Signed, "Julius Caesar." We will start the questioning with Panelist 1.
Panelist 1: In what city were you born and raised? Number 1: I was born in Venice, a city in northern Italy. My family moved to Rome when I was a
teenager. At first I didn't like living in a large city, but eventually got used to it. Number 2: I was born and raised in Rome, Italy. Number 3: I was lucky to have been born in Rome. Rome was the most important city on the
Italian peninsula. Being from this city made it easier for me to get involved in politics and later gain an important position in the army.
Panelist 2: Could you tell us a few things about your family and the kind of education you received as a boy?
Number 1: My parents had nine children, with me being the youngest. Since I later became a
• great leader, this led to the expression "saving the best 'til last." As for schooling, my parents sent me to Florence where I was tutored by the famous scholar Aristotle.
— 24A —
•
Number 2: Besides myself and my mother and father, there was only one other family member, a sister. We were well-to-do aristocrats. Unfortunately, my father died when I was fifteen, leaving mother alone to raise two kids. She saw to it that I received a good education and continued to influence my lite , for many years to come.
Number 3: I was an only child, which my parents to spoil me somewhat. They gave me a lot of attention and, made me feel important. I wanted to keep that feeling. One reason I got involved in the government and the army was that being a leader made others think highly of me. I enjoyed the spotlight of success.
Panelist 3: We know that you were always interested in public affairs. Your secret for gaining power in the government was to do things for people that would win their approval. On one occasion, as director of public works and games, you spent so much money to please the people that the government went into debt. In time, you and two other men became the leaders of Rome. How did you, wealthy Marcus Crassus, and the great general Pompey manage to become the leaders of the Roman government?
Number 1: We were elected as consuls by the Roman Assembly. Number 2: We came to power by means of violence and bribery. Number 3: The citizens of Rome wanted us to head the government. Marcus Crassus was the
richest man in Italy, General Pompey was a military hero, and I was a young and very popular politician. People were sure we would lead Rome to a position of greatness among the nations of the world.
Panelist 4: Although you were one of the three rulers of Rome, you longed for even more power. You hoped someday to become the only leader of the Roman government. One way to strengthen yourself politically was to win great victories on the battlefield. In this way, you could make a triumphant return to Rome and seize power. Where did your armies eventually win battles which proved to all that you were a military genius?
Number 1: My troops were successful in Greece and Asia Minor. Number 2: Forces commanded by me won victories in Gaul, now known as France, and also in
Britain. We lost just two battles in nine years. Number 3: My armies conquered Spain, Greece, Turkey, and parts of North Africa. We never lost
a battle. The enemy was no match for the well-disciplined Roman soldiers. Our men were better trained and carried newer weapons of war.
Panelist 5: Roman soldiers were risking their lives fighting wars for you. How was it possible to raise the large numbers of men needed to win great battles in distant lands?
Number 1: Males over 18 years of age were drafted into the armed forces. A general, with the approval of the Roman Senate, could organize an army to capture foreign lands and increase Rome's power and wealth.
Number 2: It was common for generals to promise their soldiers money and pensions, and to let them have anything they might gather up in conquered lands.
Number 3: The people of Italy respected me and were confident I would succeed in whatever I did. Men joined my armies because they were certain I would lead them to glorious victories and lasting fame. They would be heroes to their countrymen back home.
Panelist 6: How did you finally become the dictator of Rome? Number 1: Because of my triumphs on the battlefield, citizens welcomed me back to Rome with
open arms. In an emotional celebration, they demanded that I become the one and only leader of the land.
— 24B —
The End of the Republic
The conquest, of an empire changed Rome. Riches from conquered lands poured into the city. But only a few Romans became wealthy. Many Romans suffered during the years of conquest.
Roman workers were one of the groups that suffered. Thousands of slaves from conquered lands were sent to Rome. Slaves did most of the work once done by Roman workers. Some Romans were forced to beg to survive.
Farmers also suffered. Huge amounts of grain were brought to Rome from conquered lands. As a result, the price of grain fell. Roman farmers could no longer make a living by selling their grain. Many farmers lost their farms.
Farmers looking for work crowded into Rome. But Rome had no work for them.
Julius Caesar Roman workers and farmers turned to the
government for help. But the government was controlled by wealthy Romans. It did little to help the poor. Rome was soon deeply divided between the rich and the poor.
For over 100 years, the city was torn by riots, rebellions, and civil wars. (A civil war is a war fought between groups who live in the same country.)
In 49 B.C., a general named Julius Caesar came to power in Rome. The Senate made Caesar dictator, or absolute ruler, of Rome. Caesar used his power to help the poor. He gave farms to Romans who had lost their land. He also created jobs for the poor.
Julius Caesar was popular with many Romans. But some senators resented Caesar's growing power. They feared Caesar would make himself king. In 44 B.C., a group of senators assassinated Caesar.
Julius Caesar was a successful general and a great speaker and writer. In 59 B.C, he was elected "consul of Rome, Later, the Senate made him dictator- or absolute ruler, for life.
Caesar Augustus After Caesar's death, Ronie was again
torn by civil war. The struggle for power was won by Caesar's adopted son. His name was Octavian.
In 27 B.C., the Senate made Octavian consul, tribune, and military leader for life. It gave him the title Augustus, which meant "honored." After that, Octavian was known as Caesar Augustus.
Under Augustus, the Roman Republic came to an end. The Senate continued to meet. But it had little real power. Augustus was the sole ruler of Rome.
Looking Back 1. Why did many Roman workers suffer
during the years of conquest?
2. Why did farmers suffer?
3. How did Julius Caesar help the poor?
4. What happened to the republic under Augustus?
Mr. Moore's Ancient Rome Handouts 13
The Romans held games and contests in a huge outdoor stadium called the Coliseum, It held about 50,000 people. The wins of the Coliseum still stand in Rome
Caesar Augustus came to power in Rome in 27 B.C. By then, Rome controlled a huge empire. The rule of Augustus began a long period of peace and prosperity in the empire. That period is called the Pax Romano, or "Roman Peace."
Around A.D. 180, the Pax Romana came to an end. For nearly 300 years, civil wars and invasions weakened the empire. Then, in A.D. 476, the Roman Empire fell. • How was Rome ruled during the Pax
Romana? • What was life like in Rome during that
time? • What caused the fall of the Roman
Empire? • What contributions did the Romans make
to Western civilization?
Key Words this chapter.
emperor patriotism
public treason
You will be using these words in
The Rule of Augustus
Historians call Augustus the first Roman emperor. (An emperor is the absolute ruler of an empire.) He ruled the Roman Empire for 41 years.
Augustus was a wise and able (skillful) ruler. He improved living conditions in Rome. Fires often destroyed large sections of the city. Augustus set up a fire brigade (group) to fight fires. He also set up a police force to protect Romans from criminals.
Augustus built new theaters and other public buildings in Rome. Many of those buildings were made of marble. (Marble is a beautiful stone often used in building.) "I found Rome built of bricks," Augustus said, "I leave it clothed in marble."
Peace and Good Government Augustus brought peace to the empire.
He placed Roman legions on the empire's borders. The legions stopped rebellions and kept out invaders.
Augustus also improved government in the empire. He chose good officials to run the provinces, or conquered territories- He paid the officials well so that they would not be tempted to steal government funds.
The emperor also encouraged trade. He cleared the Mediterranean Sea of pirates. He built good roads linking distant cities to Rome. And he had coins made that could be used anywhere in the empire.
Looking Back 1. How did Augustus improve living
conditions in Rome?
2. How did he bring peace to the empire?
3. How did he improve government in the empire?
Mr. Moore's Ancient Rome Handouts 14
Science and Achievements
Legacies of the Ancient Romans The Ancient Romans were a practical people able to adopt and adapt ideas to suit their needs. Since their main goal was expansion, they mastered the shills necessin y foi building and governing a Vati ►
empire. Part of their lasting legacy to the modern world is embodied by their achievements in many diverse areas.
Designing and Building Great Cities—In places such as Gaul (France) and Britain, there were no organized towns. The Romans encouraged them to build cities in the Roman fashion. Roman towns were made up of networks of streets and blocks. The different blocks contained residential houses, stores, workshops, and bars or saloons. The blocks toward the center of the town were reserved for magnificent public buildings and the open forum, or marketplace, where people could gather to conduct business and discuss local events.
The forum often contained the main temple dedicated to the Roman gods. Around town were other temples dedicated to local gods or other local religions. Public buildings included the bath house and public fountain. Near the open forum was the basilica, or town hall, where meetings could take place. Other structures in a Roman town included theaters, stadiums, and racetracks.
Science and Achievements
Legacies of the Ancient Romans ,cont,
Master Road Builders—To unite their vast empire, the Romans built over 50,000 miles of roads. These roads helped to improve trade and communication throughout the Roman Empire. Many of these roads were paved with layers of stone and concrete. The roads were usually very straight, with a slight hump in the middle so water would drain down the sides into shallow ditches. Roman
roads show advanced engineering skills. The Appian Way, constructed in 312 B.C., is still used today by tourists and local residents.
Architecture—Other examples of fine engineering and skillful building are ''und in the public works of Ancient _ome. Romans perfected the
Etruscan arch and combined it with Greek architectural elements such as columns and triangular pediments. These design elements, along with a new building material called concrete, enabled the Romans to create elaborate cities with beautiful temples, coliseums, stadiums, theaters, bridges, and domed buildings.
Plumbing—The Romans were also master plumbers. They designed and built complicated water-supply systems to bring fresh water into their cities. This was done through a series of special channels called aqueducts. Drains and pipelines were constructed to carry rainwater and sewage away from the cities. Most plumbing was made from lead pipes and worked
3cause of gravity. Examples of plumbing systems in bathhouses, public fountains, and household sinks and toilets can still be observed to this day.
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Science and Achievements
Legacies of the Ancient Romans (cont.,
Legal Administration—In order to govern their vast empire, it was important for the Romans to develop and enforce consistent systems of laws and justice. The Romans created professional lawyers, judges, courts, and rules of conduct within the legal system. Laws were first publicized on the Twelve Tables in 450 B.C. Later, as the Roman Empire grew, the laws were codified in a series of written volumes. Roman law helped to civilize the world, because wherever the Romans conquered, they took their legal concepts with them.
Time and Money—The Romans were great organizers who insisted on accuracy in all things. Our calendars today are based on Julius Caesar's calendar and Latin. Although sundials were invented by the Egyptians and improved by the Greeks, it was the Romans who used them extensively throughout their Empire to record time. It was also the Romans who designed the format of coins with a head on one side and a national symbol on the other.
Entertainment and the Arts—Modern-day racetracks and circuses date to Ancient Rome. In grand stadiums and arenas, gladiators and animals fought in bloody combat, while chariots raced for the glory of their homeland. Roman art is still considered some of the finest in the world. The Roman quest for lifelike sculpture and painting was adapted from the Greeks. Such famous Italian artists as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci used Greco-Roman works as their inspiration. Many Roman works of literature survive today. They are fine examples of creativity and writing skill, and they tell us a great deal about daily life in Ancient Rome.
Roman Engineers
Roman Road
The Greeks were great scientists. The Romans were great engineers. All over Italy and the Empire they built roads, aqueducts, walls of fortification and large buildings like the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and the Theater of Marcellus.
In many parts of the world, Roman roads are still used today. In ancient times Roman roads ran for almost fifty thousand miles (80,500 km). Nineteen great roads ran into Rome itself .
The Romans built their roads like walls. They were about fifteen feet (4.5 m) wide and three feet (.9 m) high. The first step in building a road was to dig out the width and depth of the road. The first layer was rubble. Next, a layer of slabs set in mortar or a layer of concrete was put in. Then a layer of concrete and stones was laid in. The top layer was of hard stones or blocks of lava. These were fitted so closely that there were no cracks or seams. There were gutters at the sides so rain would run off. The entire road had curbstones on each side. Also on each side were footpaths. Sometimes there were blocks of stones set along the road at various spots for riders to mount or dismount.
These excellently constructed roads were usually built under the supervision of Roman engineers. The actual work was done by Roman soldiers. In Italy the state paid for their construction, but in the conquered provinces the people of the province paid.
to be constructed.
Equally as well built as the Roman road was the Roman aqueduct. (An aqueduct is a conduit for carrying a large quantity of flowing water.) The Romans believed in having large supplies of fresh water, and they worked hard to provide it. The first great aqueduct was the Aqua Appia, which covered eleven miles (17.7 km). It ran for three hundred feet (90 m) above ground and eight hundred feet (240 m) underground.
In 140 B.C., the first high-level aqueduct was built to bring water to the top of the Capitoline Hill. Eventually, eleven great aqueducts served Rome.
The great channels of the aqueducts were constructed of masonry and were built at a slanting position so the water ran right into Rome into great reservoirs. Street mains ran from the reservoir. Water was carried into the houses by pipes.
Anything Roman engineers constructed was built to last a long time. Like their roads and aqueducts, Roman walls were also well constructed. These great fortifications were built to keep barbaric tribes out of the Roman Empire. These walls were built in Germany and Romania and Britain. The most famous one was Hadrian's Wall, built in the northern part of England from A.D. 122-128. It ran from the mouth of the Tyne River to Solway Firth, a distance of about seventy-seven miles (123.9 km). There are different opinions concerning its width and height. It was either twenty feet (6 m) thick at the base and twelve feet (3.6 m) high or ten feet (3 m) at the base and twenty feet (6 m) high.
It was constructed of stone for half of its length. The remainder was built of turf and stone. Towered forts were constructed at one-mile (1.61 km) intervals along the wall. There were also smaller towers set every one-third of a mile (.5 km). A great ditch was dug in front of and behind the wall.
Roman architects and engineers not only constructed roads, aqueducts and great walls, but they also built massive buildings. They were the first people to use concrete for building material. They also developed the Roman arch with its keystone, an expansion of the Etruscan arch.
Roman engineers and architects were able to provide massive public buildings for the emperors of Rome. Trajan ordered a forum and a great column built. Augustus practically restored Rome. Other emperors ordered other massive buildings, towers, etc.,
PICK READ
HAMMER HEAD
MASON'S SQUARE
luestions
. The Romans were great
. The top layer of a Roman road was made of or
An aqueduct is
t. The first high-level aqueduct was built in
was built in the northern part of England.
3. The Romans were the first people to use to build huge buildings.
Activities
1. You are a Roman engineer and must sketch out the plan for a road. Make a separate sketch for each of the four layers. On each page describe the materials you will use and the width and height of your road.
2. Purchase a quantity of clay from an art store and make a model of a Roman road. You can roll small pea-sized pieces for the rubble. Make large flat sections for concrete, and form blocks of clay for the top layer. Put clay drainage ditches on each side of the road.
3. Study several pictures of Roman aqueducts, and then make a black and white sketch of an aqueduct on poster board.
Tools Used by Roman Builders
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The Roman Aqueduct at Nimes, France. Built in the 1 st Century A.D.
Roman Aqueducts.
The Romans were great builders and the mighty Roman Towns needed a mighty water supply to keep the people clean and to drink. Rome itself used vast quantities of water. Ten great aqueducts with a total length of five hundred kilometres brought enough water for the million inhabitants to use an average of one thousand litres a day each!! Most of the water was used in public baths, for the ordinary citizens and the private baths of the rich. The water supply and drainage did not go to the upper floors of the houses so dirty water (and waste!) was emptied from the windows into the street.
Strangers from distant parts of the Empire always admired two things above all in the Roman towns: the water supply and the drains. The Romans were very skilled builders and engineers, although they worked in stone, brick and concrete where as we now use iron and steel as well. The water mains or AQUEDUCTS (Ague—water, Duct—carry) were often many miles long from clean water sources away from the towns. The water flowed in a pipe that was very nearly level (the pipe would drop 24 feet in every mile). Where the land dipped sharply the water pipe would be carried on a bridge with many arches, many of which still survive in Europe.
The story was somewhat different on Roman Britain, where aqueducts were not needed as water could be found almost anywhere in rivers or wells. But in the long dry summers of Spain and Italy it must have seemed like a miracle to have clean, cool and fresh water flowing out at public fountains and taps. It was even laid on onto private houses in the towns, much as ours is today.
Questions.
1. Put the title; Roman Aqueducts. 2. What is an Aqueduct? 3. What two things did visitors to Roman towns admire? 4. How many Aqueducts supplied the city of Rome? 5. What was most of Rome's water used for? 6. How old is the aqueduct at Nimes? 7. Why did the Romans need to build Aqueducts? 8. What do these Aqueducts tell you about the Romans skill at building? 9. Why was dirty water poured out into the street? 10. Why is there less evidence of Aqueducts in Britain than in France, Spain or
Italy? 11.What do Aqueducts tell you about the Romans' attitude towards their health?
