A History of the World: Chapter 11: Rome: Republic to Empire

Rome was founded about 15 miles (24 km) up the Tiber River from the Mediterranean Sea.

Another legend describes the founding of Rome much differently. This tale involves twin brothers, Romulus and Remus.

This settlement, which occurred between 800 B.C. and 700 B.C., marks the birth of Rome.

The Etruscans settled north of Rome in Etruria. After 650 B.C., they moved south. The Etruscans eventually took control of Rome and its surrounding area.

Other Etruscans devoted themselves to the study of the arts.

The Romans greatly benefited from the contributions of the Etruscans.

A republic is a form of government in which citizens elect their leaders. The creation of a republic began a new era in Rome's history.

The Roman Republic was able to acquire land because of its strong army.

They reorganized their soldiers into smaller groups, called legions. Each legion had about 6,000 men. A legion was further divided into groups of 60 to 120 soldiers.

Early Romans were divided into two classes: patricians and plebeians. The patricians were Rome's ruling class. Patricians were wealthy landowners.

Most Romans, however, were plebeians. Plebeians were not as wealthy as the patricians. In some cases, they were very poor. Plebeians included artisans, shopkeepers, and owners of small farms.

Two patrician consuls headed the government. The consuls were administrators and army leaders. Each consul served one year in office.

Each consul could veto, or reject, the other's decision. The word veto is Latin for "I forbid."

Rome also had other major government officials called praetors. They interpreted the law and served as judges in court. They could also lead armies.

The Senate was Rome's legislature. The Senate was a group of 300 patrician men. These senators served the republic for life. During the early republic, the Senate only advised the consuls. By the 200s B.C., however, senators debated foreign policy, proposed laws, and approved the construction of roads and temples.

The Council of the Plebs elected officials called tribunes. Tribunes voiced plebeian concerns to the government. Tribunes could also veto government decisions.

The Romans believed that there were times when the republic needed a strong leader. To lead Rome, the Romans created the office of dictator. Today, this word is used to describe an oppressive ruler who has total control over a country. In the Roman Republic, however, the consuls resigned during difficult or dangerous times, and the senate appointed a dictator to lead the republic.

Civic duty is the idea that citizens have a responsibility to help their country.

After leading the Americans to victory, Washington returned to his farm in Virginia. Later, he reluctantly agreed to become the first president of the United States.

For example, the American legal system, like the Roman legal system, assumes that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

In 264 B.C., their rivalry intensified. It grew into a series of wars that took place over a period of nearly 120 years.

The Romans modeled their new warships after those of Carthage. They made one key innovation. They built a small moveable bridge on the front of each ship.

He transformed the army in order to provide opportunities for the poor. Until then, only property owners served in the military.

Marius, however, recruited soldiers from the landless poor. In return for their service, he paid them wages—and promised them land. The Roman army was no longer a force of citizen volunteers. It was now a force of professional soldiers.

A triumvirate is a political group of three people who share equal power.

He realized that he was starting a civil war.

Their support enabled Octavian to declare war on Antony.

To maintain control over his empire, Augustus named an official called a proconsul, or governor, to oversee each of Rome's provinces.

Augustus himself often visited the provinces to inspect the work of the proconsuls.

To preserve his rule and the empire, Augustus imported grain from Africa and distributed it to the poor. Augustus believed that a well-fed population would be less likely to revolt against him.

Tiberius and Claudius governed the empire effectively. In contrast, Caligula and Nero proved to be cruel rulers.

The five "good emperors" did not abuse their power. They were among the most capable rulers in Rome's history.

They also built extensive aqueducts to bring water from the country to the city.

Trajan's successors believed that the empire had become too large to rule effectively.