Vocabulary
A sign from the gods, typically used to settle arguments.
Omen.
According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus in this year.
753 B.C.
Rome was originally built on this large, open plain.
Latium.
During its early history, Rome's kings filled this role in addition to being rulers.
They were also Rome's chief priests and conducted religious ceremonies.
A council of elders from Rome's leading families, who advised the king.
Senate.
As they argued over where to build their city, Romulus and Remus looked to the gods for a sign. What did each brother see?
Remus saw six vultures, but Romulus saw 12.
Rome was built on this river, which flowed into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Tiber River.
When the common people left Rome, they started their own council and elected these officials to serve as their representatives.
Tribunes.
A system of government in which citizens elect leaders to run the government.
Republic.
In 509 B.C., the Romans rebelled against this ruler. He was the last of the Roman Kings.
Tarquin the Proud.
Building Rome on its hilly terrain was a difficult task, but it gave the city one important strategic advantage.
It made it difficult for enemies to attack Rome directly.
Roman women were considered citizens and were protected by Roman law, but lacked one crucial right.
They could not part in any government process, such as voting.
These leaders replaced Rome's kings, and were elected by the citizens and advised by the Senate.
Consuls.
Under Etruscan rule, Rome built many great landmarks. These three were among the most famous.
The Circus Maximum, Temple of Jupiter, and Cloaca Maxima.
Because of its position in the Italian peninsula, Rome had convenient access to these three neighboring nations.
Greece to the east, Spain to the west, and Africa to the south.
In 367 B.C., this significant change was made to the government of Rome.
Rome had two distinct social classes - wealthy families made up one group, and the rest of Rome's citizens made up the other.
Patricians and Plebians.
In this year, the common people of Rome began to leave the city, demanding they be granted more rights as citizens. This led to a 200-year struggle between the common people and the wealthy citizens of Rome.
494 B.C.
These seven major roads all crossed through Rome.
Hint: These roads made Rome a very strategic location.
Via Aurelia, Via Portuensis, Via Laurentina, Via Appia, Via Latina, Via Tiburtina, and Via Flamina.
The key to Rome's successful expansion lay in the way they treated their enemies after defeating them:
Whereas other nations conquered and destroyed their enemies, Rome made them allies, protecting them in exchange for their future loyalty.