1. BELLWORK: September 26th
1. How did geography help the Romans?
2. What is the difference between Patricians and
Plebeians?
3. Describe the structure of the Roman Republic.
Include the roles of the leaders, Senate and civilians.
4. Describe the Twelve Tables and the Law of Nations.
5. THINKER: Why was Rome a successful Republic? List
three reasons!
2. The Roman Republic: Pgs. 150-154
• Land/People of Italy
– Describe four aspects of
Italy’s geography and how
it impacted Rome’s
development
– Influence of the Greeks &
Etruscans
• Roman Republic
– Define republic and explain
how it was established
– How did Rome conquer all
of Italy?
– List three reasons that
made Rome successful.
• Political Structure
– Describe the two groups in
Rome.
– How was the Roman
government set up?
Include roles of consuls,
Senate and Assemblies!
• Law
– What were the Twelve
Tables?
– What was the Law of
Nations? How do we use
this today?
4. HOW DID GEOGRAPHY HELP THE ROMANS?
– Located in the center of the Mediterranean
– Far away from eastern empires, but accessible from Europe
– Large amount of fertile land
– Alps (Mts.): provided natural protection.
– Mediterranean Sea: Gave protection, allowed for trade.
Basically, Rome’s place in the world kept it safe
from harm, but allowed it to interact with
other people.
8. Roman Law
• Written so everyone could understand (Plebeians, foreigners, slaves)
• On display in Forum Romanum & written on brass tablets (tables)
9. Roman Law
Twelve Tables
• Appear in court when you are
summoned
• Private property is protected
• Roads must be kept in order
• Patricians and Plebeians cannot
marry
• Whatever laws are passed by the
Senate, are official laws in the
empire
• Others were more
unconventional… Deformed infants
must be killed, females must have
a guardian, no gatherings at night
Law of Nations
• As Rome’s empire expanded
and conquered other people,
they knew they needed more
than 12 laws Law of Nations!
• Natural law, based on reason
that established justice for all!
• Innocent until proven guilty,
defense, use of evidence in
court, etc.
10. Why was Rome a successful republic?
• Good diplomats
– Allowed states to run themselves, set laws, firm and cruel when
necessary
• Excelled in military matters
– Accomplished soldiers, expansion of ground forces & navy,
brilliant strategists, could move quickly = conquer!
• Romans were practical
– Created political institutions in response to problems
11. The Republic in Crisis
• Despite their achievements in
law and military, many citizens
felt the government was corrupt!
• Political offices were controlled
by a small circle of wealthy and
powerful aristocrats (minority!)
• The backbone of the Roman
state and army had always been
small farmers (the majority!)
• They demanded a stronger
voice!
12. The Republic in Crisis
• From 82B.C.- 31B.C.,
Roman history was
characterized by
rebellions against
government, farmer
uprisings and civil wars.
• In times of crisis, the
Roman government
would suspend rights
and appoint a dictator to
restore order.
13. Reform
• In the 50’s BC, Julius Caesar, was appointed dictator in
order to restore order
• Gave jobs to unemployed, public land to the poor, and
citizenship to conquered peoples.
• Based on his success, he named himself dictator for life
• Some Romans loved Caesar for his reforms, others saw
him as a tyrant who meant to end the republic and make
himself king.
• On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a
group of government officials.
14.
15.
16. Caesar’s Assassination
• March 15, 44BC Caesar was to appear at a meeting of the Senate.
• As he arrived, the group of conspirators gathered around him
pretending to show support.
• Cimber approached him to sign a document and pulled him down by
his shoulders then Casca stabbed him in the neck
• Within seconds, the entire group (including his closest friend Brutus)
gathered around him on the steps of Senate stabbing him.
• Around 60 men participated in the assassination and Caesar was
stabbed 23 times
• “You too, Brutus?” - he realized his best friend was involved in the
plot and stopped fighting
• Brutus and his followers marched through Rome shouting “People of
Rome, we are once again free!”
• Caesar’s dead body lay on the Senate floor for three hours
• In the following chaos, Augustus Caesar led a series of 5 civil
wars which ended with the reformation of the Roman Empire.
19. Transition to Roman Empire
• Two periods of Roman history:
– Roman Republic: 509BC – 30BC
– Roman Empire: 30BC – 476AD
• Rome technically had an “empire” under the
Roman Republic
– The term “Roman Empire” refers to the time
period, beginning with Augustus, when Rome was
ruled by emperors
20. Roman Empire: Jigsaw Activity
• The Roman Empire is most-remembered for it’s political, cultural and
societal successes.
• Working in groups of three, each group member will read about one
category of achievements during the Roman Empire.
– Politics: Emperors of the Early Empire (pages 163-165)
– Culture: Roman Arts and Sciences (pages 165-167)
– Society: Life in the Roman World (pages 167-170)
• As you read your section, respond to the corresponding questions.
• After everyone is finished, you will meet with two other students and teach
them about your topic.
• You will be the only one in your group who read about your topic, so make
sure you understand it, can explain it, and complete the notes accurately.
