Origins and Early Republic: Foundations of Roman Government

Apuntes

Lesson 1 # The Roman Republic ## The Big Idea The early Romans established a republic, which grew powerful and spread its influence. ## Why It Matters Now Some of the most fundamental values and institutions of Western civilization began in the Roman Republic. ## Key Terms and People - republic - patrician - plebeian - tribune - consul - senate - dictator - legion - Punic Wars - Hannibal ## Setting the Stage While the great civilization of Greece was in decline, a new city to the west was developing and increasing its power. Rome grew from a small settlement to a mighty civilization that eventually conquered the Mediterranean world. In time, the Romans would build one of the most famous and influential empires in history. ## The Origins of Rome According to legend, the city of Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the god Mars and a Latin princess. The twins were abandoned on the Tiber River as infants and raised by a she-wolf. The twins decided to build a city near the spot. In reality it was humans, not immortals, who built the city, and they chose the spot largely for its strategic location and fertile soil. ## Rome's Geography Rome was built on seven rol...