Italian Peninsula Along the Tiber River Mountains to the North Rocky Coastlines hindered trade Shallow Rivers Center of trade for Three Continents
Tiber River
Founding of Rome
The Legend of Romulus & Remus According to tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. They were twin brothers, sons of a human mother and the god of war, Mars. After their birth, the king ordered them killed. They were placed in a basket and put into the Tiber River - left to die from exposure in the outdoors. But their basket washed up on the river bank where they were found by a female wolf. The wolf nursed the hungry babies and cared for them until they were found by a shepherd. The shepherd and his wife raised the babies as their own. Romulus and Remus grew up and helped overthrow the king who had ordered their death. They wanted to build their own city along the Tiber River where their basket had
Founding of Rome
Romulus and Remeus 753 BC Romulus built wall on a hill Remeus built the city first Livy, “Remus by way of jeering at his brother jumped over the half built walls of the new settlement whereupon Romulus killed him in a fit of rage, adding the threat , “So shall perish whoever else shall overleap my embattlements.” Latins Indo-European speaking people from Central Europe Attracted by fertile soil and climate Crossed the Alps and conquered the natives set up Rome overlooking the Tiber.
Cow Town on the Tiber
Latin Life
Farmed and raised cattle Patriarchal families Worshipped tribal gods: Polytheistic Defended Rome against attacks
Etruscans
Etruscans
Etruscans were an Eastern European nomadic tribe that settled on the Italian Peninsula 750 BC Etruscans gained control Rome Tarquins, a wealthy Etruscan family, provided kings for Rome.
Patricians (Aristocrats) Plebeians Farmers Merchants Artisans Freedmen Slaves City Slaves Household Slaves Ancient Roman Society (Early Republic)
Etruscan Accomplishments
Metal weapons New military tactics Drained Marshes Built the Forum Elevated Rome to one of the richest cities in Italy
Roman Forum
Roman Society under the Estruscans
Two major classes in Etruscan society Patricians-new wealthy aristocratic class, the nobility Plebeians-Included wealthy non-aristocratic landowners, merchants, shop keepers, small farmers, and laborers
Roman Patrician
Rights
Patricians had the right to vote, pay taxes, and hold public office Plebeians could not vote or hold public office but were taxed heavily
Rise of Rome
In 510 BC the Latins pushed the Etruscans out of Rome. All the Etruscan cities near Rome were conquered one by one The northern Etruscan cities surrendered without a fight By 1st century BC the Etruscans were given Latin citizenship
The Early Republic
An aristocracy wealthy patricians control the senate plebeians largely excluded from government Plebeians demand reforms Struggle of Orders
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