古罗马与罗马共和国.pptVIP

古罗马与罗马共和国Ancient Rome and the Roman Republic * Geography -Located on the Italian peninsula, in the center of the Mediterranean Sea -The Alps are in the North -The Apennine Mts. are on the eastern coast -broad, fertile plains in the north and west * Early Civilization -Italy was originally occupied by many different groups of people -Two main groups were Greek colonists and the Etruscans -The Etruscans ruled much of central Italy and Rome itself -Ancestors of the Romans, the Latins, settled in the area that is now Rome around 800 B.C. * Legend of the Founding of Rome -Legend has it that twin brothers, Romulus and Remus founded the city -According to the tale, the twins’ mother was a Latin woman and their father was the war god Mars -This led Romans to believe that they had a divine origin * Rome Geography Rome is located: -On the banks of the Tiber River -On and around seven hills * Why would this geographic location be an advantage? Politics Romans drove out their Etruscan ruler and established a republic They did not want one person to have all the power - 509 B.C. Rome is Founded * Structure of the Republic Patricians= landholding upper class Plebeians= farmers, merchants, artisans, traders Senate= governing body Consuls= two patricians Dictator= assigned to be in charge in the event of a war for six months * Patricians vs. Plebeians Plebeians have no say in the government Eventually get to elect their own officials called tribunes in 494 B.C. For 84 years, (421-337 B.C.) plebeians fought to have a role in each part of the government * Social Structures -A man was the head of the household and his wife and children did not question his authority Over centuries, women received more rights. These included: Owning property Running businesses All children were taught to learn to read and write Wealthy had private tutors for their children * Religion -Romans were polytheistic-they believed in many gods and goddesses -Many of the gods were adapted fr