The Roman Republic originated around 753 BC and was founded by Romulus and Remus. It was initially controlled by three groups - the Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans. In around 600 BC, the Etruscan king was driven out and the Republic was formed, granting political power to citizen landowners. Society was divided between the wealthy patrician class and the common plebians. After defeating internal and external threats, by 265 BC Rome controlled Italy and established alliances abroad, spreading its military and commercial influence around the Mediterranean sea through the 1st century BC. This period was defined by the Punic Wars with Carthage, culminating in Rome's victory in the Third Punic War and dominance

1. The Roman Republic

2. The Origins of Rome
• 753 By Romulus and
Remus (myth)
• Twins of the god Mars
and a Latin princess
• Abandoned and raised by
she-wolf
• Three groups battled for
control – Latins, Greeks
(south), and Etruscans
(north, alphabet and
arch)

4. The Early Republic
• 600 B.C. –Etruscan king of
Rome
• City grows to nearly 500
square miles
• Tarquin the Proud driven
from power
• Republic formed – power
rests with citizens who
have the right to vote for
their leaders. (free born
males)

5. Patricians and Plebians
• Patricians – wealthy
landowners who held
most of the power.
• Plebians – common
farmer, artisans, and
merchants who made
up majority of
population.

6. The Twelve Tables
• 451 B.C. a group of officials began writing down Rome’s laws.
• Tables hung in the Forum
• Idea that all free citizens had right to protection by law.

7. Comparing Republican Governments

8. Government Under the Republic
• 1st Century Roman writers
boasted of balanced
government.
– Features of monarchy,
aristocracy, and democracy.
– Two Consuls (kings) one year
term, veto, and once every 10
years
– Senate – 300 members,
foreign and domestic policy
– Tribunes – elected by senate,
representatives to protect
plebians
– Dictator – elected in times of
crisis, sixth month term.

9. The Roman Army
• All citizens who owned land
were required to serve.
• Certain public offices had
requirements of 10 years of
service.
• Legions – 5000 heavily armed
foot soldiers.
• Cavalry (soldiers on horseback)
supported each legion.
• Centuries – groups of 80 men.
Led by Centurion
• Organization and skill are keys
to success

10. Rome Spreads Its Power
• By 265 B.C. They were
masters of Italy, having
defeated the Etruscans
and Greeks.
• Different laws and
treatment for conquered
groups.
– Latins became full citizens
– All rights of Roman
citizenship except vote
– allies

11. Romes Commercial Network
• Location was key
– Easy access to lands ringing Mediterranean Sea
– Traded wine and olive oil for foods, raw materials, and manufactured goods.

12. War with Carthage
• In 264 B.C.
Rome and
Carthage go to
war
• Long struggle
known as Punic
Wars (264 – 146
B.C.)
• Series of three
wars.
• First war 264241 B.C. for
control of Sicily
and western
Mediterranean
• Ends in Defeat
of Carthage

13. Second Punic War
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
218 B.C.
Mastermind behind the
war – Hannibal
Assembled 50,000
infantry, 9,000 cavalry,
and 60 elephants with
intent to capture Rome
Surprise route
For more than a decade
he marched his forces up
and down the Italian
peninsula
Did not capture Rome
Scipio attacks Carthage
and forces Hannibal to
return and defend.

14. Hannibal’s Elephants

15. Rome Triumphs
• Third Punic War
• 149-146 B.C.
• Rome laid siege to
Carthage
• Carthage set on
fire and its’ 50,000
inhabitants sold
into slavery.
• Its’ territory
becomes a Roman
province
• Dominance over
eastern half of
Mediterranean

16. Ruins of Carthage