History and Governance of Ancient Rome: From Founding to Empire

Geographical and Historical Origins of Rome

  • Founding Date: The city of Rome sprang up in approximately 753753 B.C.

  • Geographic Location: The settlement was established on the Tiber River in Italy.

  • Historical Significance: From its humble beginnings as a little town, it would eventually expand to become the center of the largest empire of the ancient world.

The Latins and Early Social Structure

  • Original Inhabitants: The earliest people to live in Rome were known as the Latins.

  • Societal Character:     * The Latins were described as a simple and industrious people.     * They established a society that was chiefly based on two activities: farming and cattle raising.

Etruscan Rule and the Transition to a Republic

  • Etruscan Invasion:     * During the early 7th7th century B.C., invaders called the Etruscans seized control of Rome.     * The Etruscans had originally settled in northern Italy and originated from Asia Minor.

  • Duration of Rule: The Etruscans held power over Rome for approximately 100100 years.

  • The Overthrow (Year 509509 B.C.):     * The Latins overthrew an Etruscan king who was specifically noted for being particularly harsh.     * Following this revolution, the Romans established a republic.

The Republican Government and Social Hierarchy

  • Definition of a Republic: A republic is explicitly defined as a form of government in which citizens elect representatives to govern them.

  • Executive Leadership (Consuls):     * The people elected 22 consuls to head the government.     * The duties of these consuls are described as being similar to those of modern-day presidents or prime ministers.

  • The Senate:     * This body was responsible for making laws and ruling the country.

  • Social Classes and Power Dynamics:     * The Patricians: These were wealthy landowners who held the real power in the early Roman government.     * The Plebeians: These were the lower class of Roman society.     * Initial Democratic Status: Like ancient Athens, Rome was not considered a complete democracy. Initially, the plebeians had very few rights and lacked representation in the Senate.

  • Political Evolution of the Plebeians:     * Over time, the plebeians won the right to elect their own representatives, known as tribunes.     * Eventually, the sharp distinction between the patrician class and the plebeian class disappeared.

Roman Expansion and the Conquest of the Mediterranean

  • Unification of Italy: As Rome's strength grew, it conquered neighboring cities until it became the master of Italy.

  • Major Conflicts: Rome embarked on a period of conquest that resulted in the control of Carthage, which was a powerful city situated in north Africa.

  • Mediterranean Dominance: Following the defeat of Carthage, Rome expanded its control over the lands of the entire Mediterranean world.

The Collapse of the Republic and the Birth of the Empire

  • Crisis of Governance: The Romans discovered that a republican form of government was inadequate for managing such a vast geographic area and such a large population.

  • The Rise of Julius Caesar (Year 4545 B.C.):     * Julius Caesar brought the republic to an end.     * He assumed the position of dictator.

  • Establishment of the Empire:     * The Roman Empire was born a short time after Julius Caesar's rule.     * Octavian: He was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar.     * Crowning of the First Emperor: The empire was officially established when Octavian was crowned emperor.

Questions & Discussion

  • Question 1: The city of Rome was founded by the Etruscans. (True/False)     * Answer: False. The text states the Latins were the earliest inhabitants and the Etruscans were invaders.

  • Question 2: The Latins were a seafaring people who depended on trade for a living. (True/False)     * Answer: False. They were farmers and cattle raisers.

  • Question 3: Two consuls headed the government of republican Rome. (True/False)     * Answer: True.

  • Question 4: The plebeians were the Roman upper class. (True/False)     * Answer: False. The patricians were the wealthy landowners; the plebeians were the lower class.

  • Question 5: Tribunes were representatives of the plebeians. (True/False)     * Answer: True.

  • Question 6: Julius Caesar was the first emperor of the Roman Empire. (True/False)     * Answer: False. Julius Caesar was a dictator; his grandnephew Octavian was the first crowned emperor.

  • Question 7: Why do you think the Romans elected two consuls instead of just one?     * Analysis: Based on the Roman experience with the "harsh Etruscan king," electing 22 consuls provided a system of checks and balances to prevent a single person from becoming too powerful or becoming a tyrant.

  • Question 8: The members of freshmen classes at America's military academies are called plebes. Why do you think this is so?     * Analysis: This is derived from the term "plebeian," referring to the lower class status. In a military academy hierarchy, freshmen hold the lowest rank or status relative to upperclassmen, mirroring the historical position of the plebeians in early Rome.