Aim: How did geography play an important role in the rise of the Roman Republic?

Notes:
Geography of Italy


Is a peninsula

Alps mountains located across the top

Apennines mountain range runs north to south

Had good farmland

Mild climate and rich soil

Tiber River gave Rome its source of water

Rome was built on seven hills



How did Rome begin?

Story of Romulus and Remus

The Aeneid – story of Trojan hero Aineas leaves Troy and founded Rome

Historians are not sure how Rome began



Early Influences

Greeks and Etruscans played a role in shaping Rome

Etruscans – lived North of Rome

Moved South and took control of Rome

Were metalworkers

Enslaved people to do their heaviest work

Rome became wealthy and powerful



Answer the following question

Have you heard the phrase “winning hearts and minds?” What does the quote mean?





The Romans conquered and won the hearts and minds of people

Birth of the Roman Republic

509BC – Rome was established

Republic- a leader is not a king or queen but someone put in office by citizens with the right to vote

Citizens have the power







Continued

Rome was surrounded by enemies

Romans were excellent soldiers

Soldiers organized into small legions (smaller groups)

Romans built roads between towns

Romans gave full citizenship to some people

They could vote and serve in the gov’t

Romans granted other peoples the status of allies

As a result the Romans grew stronger