Rome - textbook reading

The City of Rome in the Late Republic

Focus Questions

• Importance of Rome

  • Cultural, political, and religious significance in ancient and modern contexts.

• Geographical Setting

  • Location on the west coast of Italy; influences development due to fertile plains and mountains.

• Early History

  • Founded in 753 BC; archaeological discoveries challenge this date.

• Religious, Political, and Governmental Buildings

  • Overview of significant structures like temples and public forums.

• Drainage and Waterworks

  • Advanced engineering feats like the Cloaca Maxima sewer.

• Leisure Activities and Entertainment

  • Importance of public games, chariot racing, and festivals.

The Importance of Rome

• Influence on Civilization

  • The Romans contributed vastly to advancements in sanitation, engineering, and administration.

  • Quote from The Life of Brian highlights irony in what Romans contributed: "All roads lead to Rome."

• Eternal City

  • Rome's lasting impact on culture, politics, and society provides an ongoing legacy.

Geographical Features of Rome

• Location

  • Rome is situated on the west coast of Italy, along the Tiber River on the Plain of Latium.

• Physical Geography

  • Surrounded by Apennine Mountains, rolling hills, and fertile plains, influencing agriculture and settlement.

• Climate

  • Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, supporting agriculture.

• Historical Accounts

  • Cicero and Livy note the advantages of Rome's location, including access to trade and defense against northern neighbors.

The Tiber River

• Strategic Importance

  • Natural highway for trade; first settlement established 24 km inland for defense and trade access.

  • Mommsen’s view: The Tiber served as a defense and trade route, enhancing Rome's strategic position.

The Seven Hills of Rome

• Key Hills

  • Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Caelian, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquilinus.

  • Each hill played a significant role in Rome’s mythology and development, such as the site of Romulus' and Remus' tale.

• Legendary Founding

  • Traditional accounts narrated by Livy and Plutarch, detailing the heroic aspects of the city's origins.

Early History of Rome

• Foundation Legends

  • Traditionally dated to 753 BC; evolving archaeological discoveries suggest earlier settlements around 1000 BC.

• Archaeological Discoveries

  • Recent excavations reveal artifacts related to early Rome, shedding light on its ancient past.

• Cultural Interactions

  • Initial Roman mythology arose from blending influences from Greek, Etruscan, and local traditions.

Administrative and Religious Buildings in the Forum

• Forum Overview

  • Initially a marketplace, transformed into the social and political hub of the city.

• Key Structures

  • Temple of Jupiter Maximus, Temple of Saturn, and various basilicas served political, religious, and economic functions.

• Cloaca Maxima

  • Early sewer system critical to urban hygiene, outlined by Strabo's pioneering comments on Roman engineering.

Leisure and Entertainment in Rome

• Circus Maximus

  • Major venue for chariot races; highlights Roman passion for public entertainment and social gatherings.

• Funerary and Social Rituals

  • Events providing insight into Roman social structure and customs surrounding death and glory.

Conclusion

• The development, geography, and rich tapestry of history make Rome a focal point of study for its establishment and influence on contemporary culture and society.