Unit 3 lecture one

Overview of Rome's Cultural Context

• Cultural Influences: Rome, situated in Central Italy, was not isolated; it was surrounded by various cultures, including Italic tribes speaking related languages.

  • Early Romans and Italic tribes shared cultural similarities with the Greeks, leading to a blend of cultural traits and religious practices.

  • Phoenician Presence: Across the Western Mediterranean, Phoenician colonies were present, notably Carthage, which had an impact but less direct relevancy to early Rome.

• Greek Colonization: Significant Greek colonies existed in Southern Italy and Sicily, often referred to by Romans as "Greater Greece," indicating the overwhelming Greek cultural influence in the region.

Etruscan Influence

• Etruscans: An enigmatic civilization that predated the Romans, known for their distinct language and culture, which has left many mysteries due to limited historical records.

• Cultural Exchanges: Romans inherited many elements from the Etruscans, especially Greek cultural influences.

  • Examples include city governance models, artistic styles, and particular religious practices.

• Religious Practices: The Etruscans practiced divination, had unique gods not shared with the Greeks, and engaged in human sacrifice, which influenced Roman concepts of gladiators.

• Role of Women: Etruscan culture showed greater acceptance of women in societal roles compared to Greek norms, influencing early Roman gender dynamics.

Art and Religious Traditions

• Etruscan Art: Renowned for bronze works with Greek themes, such as the depiction of mythological creatures like the Chimera.

• Roman Religion Origins: Early Roman religion was formed from Etruscan and Greek practices, leading to a complex belief system blended with various local deities and practices.

  • Romans viewed religion as a communal function rather than personal belief, emphasizing rituals and collective observance.

Roman Myths and Historical Foundations

• Origin Stories: Two main myths outline the foundation of Rome:

  1. Aeneas and King Latinus: Aeneas, a Trojan hero, is said to have founded Rome after merging with local inhabitants.

  2. Romulus and Remus: The story of the twins raised by a she-wolf, with Romulus eventually founding Rome and killing Remus.

• Themes of Integration: Romans viewed their identity as additive, allowing for the incorporation of various peoples as they expanded, which contrasts with the exclusiveness of Athenian identity.

Roman Governance Structure

• Government Formation: Established after the expulsion of the last king, Tarquin the Proud, leading to a republic featuring elected officials, a Senate, and assemblies.

• Constitutional Framework: Lacked a formal constitutional document; governance was based on customs and traditions passed through generations.

• Imperium: The power of officials to command, which was divided among elected consuls to avoid the return of monarchy.

• Senate's Role: Comprised of ex-officials; significant influence despite being ostensibly advisory, often overshadowing the consuls.

Electoral Procedures and Elected Officials

• Elected Officials: Consuls (2 elected annually) held imperium but shared power, had term limits, and geographical restrictions on their authority.

• Election Process: An extensive ladder of offices required candidates to have experience and approval from existing senators before reaching higher positions like consul.

• Assemblies: Divided into military (Centuriate Assembly) and civilian (Tribal and Plebeian Assemblies) assemblies, which allowed for voting but with significant limitations based on social class.

  • Votes counted differently based on social and economic status, heavily favoring the wealthy.

Conflict of Orders: Plebeians and Patricians

• Social Struggle: The "Conflict of Orders" represented the ongoing struggle for rights and representation between the patricians (aristocratic elite) and plebeians (common citizens).

• Tribunes of the Plebs: Elected to protect plebeian rights, with the power to veto actions and introduce legislation, leading to significant reforms in representation.

• Equity Achievements: Over time, plebeians gained access to high political offices, including the consulship, overcoming aristocratic dominance.

• Tribunician Power: The tribunes' ability to veto government actions and their sacrilegious status created a balance in the power dynamics, allowing for some measures of equality in governance.