The rise of Rome
EQ: how did rome change from being a kingdom, republic, and then an Empire?
Rome was ruled by the Etruscans. When the ruling family, the Tarquins, became cruel the people rebelled. When they overthrew their rulers they built a Republic. They expanded and made the Roman Confederate. Then rome fell into a civil war. It ended with Rome becoming an empire.
Summary
Rome had fertile soil that was perfect for grapes, olives, etc. Rome was right on the Tiber river so it was their source of water. It also was a popular waterway for travelers going north and south in Western Italy. Rome was also settled right on top of 7 distinct hills. Historians don't know how Rome began. Their is the myth of Romulus and Remus and how they created Rome. The Greeks and the Etruscans played a large role in shaping Rome's civilization. Rome learned how to grow olive's and grapes from the Greeks. They also learned their alphabet and used their ways of architecture, sculpture, and literature. The Etruscans took control over Rome after 650 BCE. They taught the Romans about metal work, clothes, mining, and military power. The Etruscans ruled rome for more than 100 years. Rome became wealthy and powerful under their rule. Then the ruling family became cruel and so the romans rebelled. They overthrew them and set up a republic. Over the next 200 years Rome fought many wars and defeated the Latins nearby, the Etruscans, and the Greeks of southern Italy. Rome became the masters of almost all of Italy. As they expanded throughout Italy they built military settlements and roads that connected theses towns. Then they created the Roman Confederation. They would give people full citizenships and those who weren't citizens became allies. These allies could run their own local affairs but had to pay taxes and provide soldiers for the army.
How did geography play a role in Rome's origins? Italy is located in the Middle of the Mediterranean region. It is a long, narrow peninsula that looks like a boot. Italy had better farm land than that of Greece. Historians believe that a group of people from the north passed through Italy's mountain pass. Some of the people could speak latin; they built the city of Rome on the plain of Latium in central Italy.
Why was the Tiber river important? Rome is about 15 miles from in the Tiber river from the Mediterranean sea. The Tiber river was a way to connect with the rest of the Mediterranean world. The river was their source of water. Rome was also far enough away from the sea to not get attacks from pirates. People could easily cross the Tiber river so Rome became a stopping place for people traveling North and South in western Italy and merchant ships sailing in the western mediterranean.
What role does legend play in Rome's beginning? Twin brothers named Romulus and Remus had been abandoned by the Tiber river when a she-wolf took them in and raised them. The brothers decided to build a city in 753 BCE. Remus made fun of Romulus's wall he was building. Romulus lashed out and killed Remus. He then named the city Rome after himself.
Who were the Etruscans? The Etruscans live North of Rome. After 650 BCE they took control of Rome. They ruled for 100 years. They enslaved others to do the hardest work instead of them. They changed Rome from a village to a grand city. The Etruscan army served as a role model for the mighty army Rome eventually assembled. Rome became wealthy and powerful under their reign. All the same, the ruling family, the Tarquins, became cruel so the Romans rebelled. They overthrew the Tarquins and built a republic.
In what ways were Rome's rulers smart? As they expanded throughout Italy they set up Military settlements. Then they built roads between these towns that let troops travel swiftly. The Romans created the Roman Confederation. Under this Confederation the Romans gave full citizenships to specific people. These people could vote and serve in government, and were treated like all other citizens under the law. They also granted others as allies. These allies could run their own local affairs, but they had to pay taxes and provide soldiers for the army. They also stated that loyal allies could become citizens if the pleased. The Republic grew united and strong.
Why was Rome strong? The Romans were excellent warriors. In the early days of the republic, every land owning male had to serve in the military. Deserters were put to death. Their tough discipline helped to make the soldiers never give up. They were also tactical problem solvers. They organized the warriors in legions. Each legion had around 6000 men and further divided into groups of 60-120 soldiers.