Unit IV: The Grandeur That Was Rome
Students should be able to
• Explain the geographic factors which
influenced developments in the Italian
peninsula. Students should be able to
• Identify the factors which explain Rome's
success in extending its control over the
Italian peninsula and subsequently the
Mediterranean world.
ROME – QUIZ #1
• Identify the factors which explain Rome's
success in extending its control over the
Italian peninsula and subsequently the
Mediterranean world.
3 times larger than Greece Central Location in the Mediterranean
Large coastline; few harbours Traded up and down the coastline and across the
Mediterranean Sea. Fertile land: especially along the Tiber and Po
River valleys
Able to produce more food than Greece
Geography of Ancient Rome
12 minute Task
Mapping Skills: Complete the Geography of Italy – label your map
Use Prologue to the Present p. 195-202 and atlases
Rome : The Broad Outline Rome was built along the Tiber River Myth of origin: Romulus & Remus (753 BC) Originally ruled by tribal chiefs Rome was influenced by Greek society and culture. It was city-state until 509 BC then became a Republic Etruscan kings ruled what is now modern day Italian
peninsula. Legend: Romans drove out last Etruscan King and declared a
Republic. Evolved from a Republic controlling Italy to a vast Empire
surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Empire: a collection of city-states or countries in which an
Emperor rules over a large, sprawling land mass.
I. Geographic Factors
Mountains to the north and east initially protect the city from invasion, as does the Mediterranean sea.
Hills around Rome include rivers= fresh water Strategically located in the middle of the Mediterranean
Sea As the city grows, colonies are founded – where? Large supply of volcanic ash and limestone to make a
type of concrete for building More forest area than Greece = good for building
II. Economic Factors
As the city grows, cannot produce enough food to supply itself – must secure trade routes at sea!
Punic Wars with Carthage – Carthage controlled Sicily and had a large navy which threatened trade in the Mediterranean (as well as the potential to invade Italy
III. Political/Social Factors Influences from Greeks and Etruscans Established a Republic following defeat of the
Etruscans – unwilling to allow themselves to be ruled by another group – will of the populace.
Rome made peace with conquered peoples and allowed them to keep local customs and most land. Conquered peoples given citizenship – became Romans.
IV. Military Factors
With the defeat of Carthage came compulsory military service for some
Professionalization of Army after Punic Wars – paid soldiers.
Army becomes huge – soldiering becomes a profession – army is an instrument of the state
Allowed Romans to control the Italian Pennisula and eventually the Mediterranean world
Punic Wars victory solidified Roman control over the Western Mediterranean
Roman Republic• Became a republic in
509 BC• supreme power rests
in the body of citizens• Started expanding
during wars with Carthage (N. Africa)
• Punic Wars.. spanned from 264 BC until 164 BC
Accomplishments of the Republic
270 BC biggest army in Mediterranean 264BC Rome controls Italy 264 BC Rome vs. Carthage 146 BC Rome destroys Carthage and
conquers the Greeks. 27BC Rome becomes an empire.