Roman Civilization: Geography, Inhabitants, Government, and Wars

How did geography influence early Roman civilization?

Mountain ranges were less rugged than Greece's, making Rome one large, unified city-state. Productive farmland made Rome prosperous. Access to sea through Tiber River for trading but also safe from raids.

Who were the early inhabitants of Italy that influenced Roman civilization?

Etruscans influenced Rome's temples, architecture, and clothing; Greeks influenced art, architecture, and literature; Latins influenced language and government.

When was the Roman Republic founded?

509 BC

What was the structure of the Roman Republic government?

It had executive authority and legislative powers, known as Imperium (right to command).

What were the three branches of the Early Roman Government?

1. Consuls: acted as judges, chose senators, directed the army, oversaw other officials. 2. Senate: held office for life, decided on spending, foreign relations, influenced consuls and army. 3. Assembly: voted on laws, could declare war/make peace treaties, elected consuls and officials.

What was the Struggle of the Orders?

It was a conflict between Patricians and Plebeians where Patricians made most laws, Plebeians had few privileges, and marriage was forbidden between them.

How did Plebeians gain political power?

Patricians relied on Plebeians' military contributions, allowing Plebeians to use this to their advantage.

What was the Council of Plebeians?

It made laws called Plebiscites, which only applied to Plebeians.

What were Tribunes in Roman society?

Tribunes protected commoners by vetoing unjust Patrician laws.

What was the Law of Twelve Tables?

A set of laws that applied to all Romans, serving as the foundation of Roman Civil Law.

What was the significance of the Plebeian's fight for power?

It resulted in the political structure of the Roman Republic.

What triggered the First Punic War?

The Romans feared that Carthage would become too strong and control their trade routes.

How did Rome adapt during the First Punic War?

Rome created a new military strategy using planks to cross from their ships to enemy boats, turning naval combat into hand-to-hand combat.

What was the outcome of the First Punic War?

Rome defeated Carthage.

What caused the Second Punic War?

Carthage attacked one of Rome's allies.

Who was Hannibal?

A powerful military commander from Carthage who used advanced tactics, including crossing the Alps with elephants.

What was Hannibal's significant victory?

In 216 BC, he surrounded the Roman army and defeated Rome in their worst ever loss.

Who led Rome to victory against Hannibal?

The military commander Scipio.

What triggered the Third Punic War?

Carthage broke a requirement of their treaty with Rome.

What was the outcome of the Third Punic War?

Carthage was destroyed, and its survivors were sold into slavery.

How did Rome become the master of Italy?

Rome defeated the Latins, securing a strong position between the Alps and treating subjects fairly.