A presentation designed for Senior Ancient History classes. These slides give a quick tour of the early history of Rome prior to a unit on the collapse of the Republic.

1. ANCIENT ROMEANCIENT ROME
The Essential BackgroundThe Essential Background

2. Rome’s FoundationRome’s Foundation
 THE MYTHTHE MYTH
 The great legend about Rome’s foundationThe great legend about Rome’s foundation
traces the story back to the Trojan War.traces the story back to the Trojan War.
 However, the best known feature is theHowever, the best known feature is the
claim that the Princess Rhea Silvia gaveclaim that the Princess Rhea Silvia gave
birth to twin sons; Romulus and Remus whobirth to twin sons; Romulus and Remus who
were fathered by the God Mars. Thrown intowere fathered by the God Mars. Thrown into
the Tiber River by their evil great unclethe Tiber River by their evil great uncle
Amulius, the boys were raised by a she-Amulius, the boys were raised by a she-
wolf.wolf.
 This image is one of the best knownThis image is one of the best known
representations of Rome herself. Thoughrepresentations of Rome herself. Though
Romulus would in time kill Remus this wasRomulus would in time kill Remus this was
not until after they founded Rome in 753not until after they founded Rome in 753
BC.BC.
 THE REALITYTHE REALITY
 Like everywhere in Europe, human historyLike everywhere in Europe, human history
in Italy stretches far back into the Stonein Italy stretches far back into the Stone
Age. By around 5000 BC farms startedAge. By around 5000 BC farms started
appearing in Italy …but civilization thereappearing in Italy …but civilization there
was 1000 years behind Egypt in terms ofwas 1000 years behind Egypt in terms of
development.development.
 Archaeology has shown that by 1000 BCArchaeology has shown that by 1000 BC
small farms were beginning to appear onsmall farms were beginning to appear on
the famous “Seven Hills” that wouldthe famous “Seven Hills” that would
eventually house Rome.eventually house Rome.
 It was not until the seventh century BC thatIt was not until the seventh century BC that
these villages on the hills began to mergethese villages on the hills began to merge
into a single entity.into a single entity.

3. The Seven Kings of RomeThe Seven Kings of Rome
 Early Rome was ruled by a succession ofEarly Rome was ruled by a succession of
kings. This kingship was not hereditary andkings. This kingship was not hereditary and
some monarchs came from neighbouringsome monarchs came from neighbouring
powers such as Etruria.powers such as Etruria.
 The details of this early era are a blend ofThe details of this early era are a blend of
myth and fact …even the dates which followmyth and fact …even the dates which follow
are approximations at best.are approximations at best.
 Romulus 753-716 BCRomulus 753-716 BC
Numa Pompilius 715-673 BCNuma Pompilius 715-673 BC
Tullus Hostilius 673-641 BCTullus Hostilius 673-641 BC
Ancus Marcius 641-616 BCAncus Marcius 641-616 BC
Tarquinius Priscus 616-579 BCTarquinius Priscus 616-579 BC
Servius Tullius 579-535 BCServius Tullius 579-535 BC
Tarquinius Superbus 535-509 BCTarquinius Superbus 535-509 BC
* Trivia …Rome’s biggest sewer, the Cloaca* Trivia …Rome’s biggest sewer, the Cloaca
Maxima was built during the reign of theMaxima was built during the reign of the
final king. It is still in use today!final king. It is still in use today!
Tarquinius Superbus (“Tarquin the Proud”)
was seen as a ruthless tyrant. Eventually a
conspiracy was organised by Lucius
Junius Brutus, Tarquin’s nephew. He was
to be revered as the founder of the Roman
Republic although, killed in battle in 509
BC, he took no part in establishing the new
constitution.
* Trivia …Brutus’ direct descendant
Marcus Junius Brutus would lead the
conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar in 44 BC.

4. The New ConstitutionThe New Constitution
 Roman historians credited Publius Valerius Poplicola (560-503 BC) with the creationRoman historians credited Publius Valerius Poplicola (560-503 BC) with the creation
of Rome’s new constitution. The constitution was based upon one key underliningof Rome’s new constitution. The constitution was based upon one key underlining
principle:principle: “That in the Republic no-one was to have permanent political power.”“That in the Republic no-one was to have permanent political power.”
 Three significant features within the constitution are at the basis of our study ofThree significant features within the constitution are at the basis of our study of
“poltical centrism” in Rome.“poltical centrism” in Rome.
 1. The office of King was1. The office of King was prohibited foreverprohibited forever..
 2. Two senators called consuls were to be2. Two senators called consuls were to be elected annuallyelected annually to run the state. Theseto run the state. These
two men would havetwo men would have supreme powersupreme power over the law and the conduct of war. Each hadover the law and the conduct of war. Each had
thethe power of vetopower of veto …the right to reject the decisions of the other.…the right to reject the decisions of the other.
 3. In times of national crisis, the constitution allowed for the appointment of a3. In times of national crisis, the constitution allowed for the appointment of a dictatordictator
(a “magister populi” …a magistrate of the people). A dictator’s power was not to last(a “magister populi” …a magistrate of the people). A dictator’s power was not to last
beyond six months.beyond six months.
The only known inscription bearing the name of Poplicola.

5. Patricians .v. PlebeiansPatricians .v. Plebeians
 After Rome had eliminated the kingship, societyAfter Rome had eliminated the kingship, society
was split into two distinct halves. The upper classeswas split into two distinct halves. The upper classes
were known as the “patricians” whereas the lowerwere known as the “patricians” whereas the lower
classes were referred to as “plebeians” or simplyclasses were referred to as “plebeians” or simply
“plebs.”“plebs.”
 In the earliest years of the Republic all the top jobsIn the earliest years of the Republic all the top jobs
were reserved for the aristocrats; most especiallywere reserved for the aristocrats; most especially
the new role of consul. The majority of people werethe new role of consul. The majority of people were
of course “plebs” and filled all the ordinary jobsof course “plebs” and filled all the ordinary jobs
including serving in the army without pay.including serving in the army without pay.
 Not surprisingly, the tension between the classesNot surprisingly, the tension between the classes
soon erupted into a 200 year “war” that historianssoon erupted into a 200 year “war” that historians
have dubbed the “Conflict of the Orders.” The keyhave dubbed the “Conflict of the Orders.” The key
outcome of this conflict was the creation of theoutcome of this conflict was the creation of the
tribunate. However, it always remained difficult for atribunate. However, it always remained difficult for a
brilliant man of a poor background to attain realbrilliant man of a poor background to attain real
power in Rome.power in Rome.
 Eventually, clever politicians such as Caesar wouldEventually, clever politicians such as Caesar would
come to recognize the “power of the mob.” By thecome to recognize the “power of the mob.” By the
end of the Republic only 15 or so pure patricianend of the Republic only 15 or so pure patrician
families remained having been decimated byfamilies remained having been decimated by
intermarriage and the financial need to join with richintermarriage and the financial need to join with rich
plebeian families.plebeian families.
Gaius Julius Caesar was from a famous
patrician family that could trace its lineage back
to Rome’s foundation. He was the principal
architect of the downfall of the Republic.
Caesar’s immense popularity amongst the plebs
would carry him to ultimate power.

6. The Cursus HonorumThe Cursus Honorum
 The diagram opposite shows the ladder ofThe diagram opposite shows the ladder of
political advancement in Ancient Rome. Thepolitical advancement in Ancient Rome. The
“Cursus Honorum” was literally the “course“Cursus Honorum” was literally the “course
of honours” followed by politicians.of honours” followed by politicians.
 The “course” was a mixture of military andThe “course” was a mixture of military and
political posts which was originally reservedpolitical posts which was originally reserved
for “patricians.” Each office had a minimumfor “patricians.” Each office had a minimum
age for election and minimum intervalsage for election and minimum intervals
between holding successive offices. Lawsbetween holding successive offices. Laws
forbade repeating an office.forbade repeating an office.
 These rules were altered and flagrantlyThese rules were altered and flagrantly
ignored during the last century of theignored during the last century of the
Republic; the time span of our inquiry topic.Republic; the time span of our inquiry topic.
 To have held each post at the youngestTo have held each post at the youngest
possible age was considered the ultimatepossible age was considered the ultimate
political success …but few achieved it.political success …but few achieved it.
 Only those offices marked with an asterixOnly those offices marked with an asterix
carried “imperium” which allowed the holdercarried “imperium” which allowed the holder
to command an army.to command an army.

7. The Key MagistraciesThe Key Magistracies
 CONSULS (2): The two chief magistratesCONSULS (2): The two chief magistrates
who presided over the Senate, initiatedwho presided over the Senate, initiated
legislation, served as army commanders-in-legislation, served as army commanders-in-
chief and represented Rome in foreignchief and represented Rome in foreign
affairs. This position was the pinnacle ofaffairs. This position was the pinnacle of
power in Republican Rome.power in Republican Rome.
 QUAESTORS (20): These were largelyQUAESTORS (20): These were largely
financial positions both within the statefinancial positions both within the state
treasury and in provinces. Election astreasury and in provinces. Election as
quaestor gained a man admission to thequaestor gained a man admission to the
Senate.Senate.
 TRIBUNES (10): These officials had to beTRIBUNES (10): These officials had to be
“plebeian” and were to protect the rights of“plebeian” and were to protect the rights of
the lower classes. They could veto the actthe lower classes. They could veto the act
of any magistrate and they were by lawof any magistrate and they were by law
“sacrosanct.”“sacrosanct.”
 AEDILES (4): Two had to be plebeian butAEDILES (4): Two had to be plebeian but
the other two could come from either order.the other two could come from either order.
These magistrates controlled public places,These magistrates controlled public places,
the games and the grain supply.the games and the grain supply.
 PRAETORS (8): These were primarily thePRAETORS (8): These were primarily the
judges in the law courts. They couldjudges in the law courts. They could
however convoke the Senate and assumedhowever convoke the Senate and assumed
the duties of the consuls if they were awaythe duties of the consuls if they were away
from Rome.from Rome.
The ivory “Curule”
chair was a
symbol of high
office.
Magistrates with
imperium were
accompanied and
guarded by lictors.

8. Roman ReligionRoman Religion
 The Romans seemingly adopted a limitlessThe Romans seemingly adopted a limitless
number of Gods from other cultures withnumber of Gods from other cultures with
which they came in contact.which they came in contact.
 They saw the great Gods of their pantheonThey saw the great Gods of their pantheon
in human form; Gods were immortal andin human form; Gods were immortal and
spent their time controlling human affairs.spent their time controlling human affairs.
 Each God had a personality, particularEach God had a personality, particular
powers, faults and favourites and somepowers, faults and favourites and some
were linked by family relationships.were linked by family relationships.
 JUPITER (or JOVE or JUPITER OPTIMUSJUPITER (or JOVE or JUPITER OPTIMUS
MAXIMUS) was the King of the Gods. HisMAXIMUS) was the King of the Gods. His
worship was a regular part of the stateworship was a regular part of the state
calendar.calendar.
 JUNO was Jupiter’s wife and the mother ofJUNO was Jupiter’s wife and the mother of
Mars; she symbolised motherly virtues.Mars; she symbolised motherly virtues.
 MARS was God of War but was alsoMARS was God of War but was also
associated with healing, agriculture andassociated with healing, agriculture and
property boundaries.property boundaries.
 Other key Gods of the public arena includedOther key Gods of the public arena included
Apollo, Mercury, Neptune, Venus andApollo, Mercury, Neptune, Venus and
Vulcan.Vulcan.
 VESTA was the Goddess of the “HearthVESTA was the Goddess of the “Hearth
Fire” who was worshipped in every homeFire” who was worshipped in every home
and in the city itself. Her eternal flame wasand in the city itself. Her eternal flame was
kept by the Vestal Virgins.kept by the Vestal Virgins.
 From our study of Pompeii you willFrom our study of Pompeii you will
remember the importance of householdremember the importance of household
deities; the Lares.deities; the Lares.
 * Trivia: Forculus was the God of Doors* Trivia: Forculus was the God of Doors
whilst Cardea watched over the hinges!whilst Cardea watched over the hinges!
JUPITER

9. What’s In A Name?What’s In A Name?
 Roman citizens of the “respectable classes”Roman citizens of the “respectable classes”
typically had atypically had a tria nominatria nomina which was madewhich was made
up of aup of a praenomenpraenomen (forename or what we(forename or what we
call a Christian name), acall a Christian name), a nomennomen (the clan(the clan
name or “family branch”) and aname or “family branch”) and a cognomencognomen
(family surname). E.g. Gaius Julius Caesar(family surname). E.g. Gaius Julius Caesar
 Some also had anSome also had an agnomenagnomen (an additional(an additional
surname, used to distinguish them fromsurname, used to distinguish them from
others with the same name.) This agnomenothers with the same name.) This agnomen
was sometimes an awarded title or awas sometimes an awarded title or a
nickname.nickname.
E.g. Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus (theE.g. Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus (the
Scipio who defeated Hannibal in Africa)Scipio who defeated Hannibal in Africa)
Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica (the ScipioPublius Cornelius Scipio Nasica (the Scipio
with the big nose!)with the big nose!)
* Trivia: Men who came from a non-noble family* Trivia: Men who came from a non-noble family
were treated with great resentment. Theywere treated with great resentment. They
were referred to aswere referred to as novi hominesnovi homines; new men.; new men.
Scipio Africanus
Marcus Tullius Cicero
“New Man”

10. The Punic WarsThe Punic Wars
 In the era between 264 and 146 BC Rome fought three great wars against the greatIn the era between 264 and 146 BC Rome fought three great wars against the great
Mediterranean power of Carthage. Undoubtedly the best known of these was the Second PunicMediterranean power of Carthage. Undoubtedly the best known of these was the Second Punic
War (218-202 BC) which saw Rome pitted against Hannibal.War (218-202 BC) which saw Rome pitted against Hannibal.
 Having invaded Italy from the north Hannibal won a series of great battles against Rome atHaving invaded Italy from the north Hannibal won a series of great battles against Rome at
Trebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae. The last was one of the greatest defeats in Rome’s longTrebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae. The last was one of the greatest defeats in Rome’s long
history; on that one day they are estimated to have lost 70,000 legionaries.history; on that one day they are estimated to have lost 70,000 legionaries.
 Scipio Africanus became the Republic’s first great military hero. He was the first to “overcome”Scipio Africanus became the Republic’s first great military hero. He was the first to “overcome”
the restrictions of the “Cursus Honorum” by being appointed consul at a young age. He invadedthe restrictions of the “Cursus Honorum” by being appointed consul at a young age. He invaded
Africa and defeated Hannibal at the great Battle of Zama. As a result Rome gained its firstAfrica and defeated Hannibal at the great Battle of Zama. As a result Rome gained its first
overseas provinces; the Empire was born.overseas provinces; the Empire was born.
Hannibal
“The Father of Strategy”
Hannibal’s famous trek
across the Italian Alps
with his army and war
elephants

11. The Roman ArmyThe Roman Army
 For hundreds of years up to and including the Punic Wars Rome had relied upon a “citizen army”For hundreds of years up to and including the Punic Wars Rome had relied upon a “citizen army”
to come to her aid in times of need. However, as she acquired overseas territory it became clearto come to her aid in times of need. However, as she acquired overseas territory it became clear
that to administer an empire a permanent, standing army of professional soldiers would bethat to administer an empire a permanent, standing army of professional soldiers would be
essential.essential.
 The Roman Army was in a very real sense created by the military genius who was Gaius Marius.The Roman Army was in a very real sense created by the military genius who was Gaius Marius.
Like Cicero, he was a “new man” born in the provincial town of Arpinum. Faced by great militaryLike Cicero, he was a “new man” born in the provincial town of Arpinum. Faced by great military
threats from all sides Rome turned to Marius as their saviour. He held the consulship seventhreats from all sides Rome turned to Marius as their saviour. He held the consulship seven
times, including five years (illegally) in succession from 104-100 BC.times, including five years (illegally) in succession from 104-100 BC.
 Marius began hiring, training and equipping volunteers from amongst the poor of Rome. CruciallyMarius began hiring, training and equipping volunteers from amongst the poor of Rome. Crucially
and significantly for our Inquiry Topic, these men were loyal to their leader Marius rather than toand significantly for our Inquiry Topic, these men were loyal to their leader Marius rather than to
the Roman Senate. During times of peace he used the army to build roads and bridgesthe Roman Senate. During times of peace he used the army to build roads and bridges
throughout the growing empire.throughout the growing empire.
Gaius
Marius
It was Marius who adopted
the eagle as the symbol of
the legions. SPQR stands for
senatus populusque
Romanum …”the Senate and
People of Rome.”

12. The City of Rome: 6 Odd FactsThe City of Rome: 6 Odd Facts
 Some interesting facts about the city of Rome itself ( …in no particular order but nonetheless theSome interesting facts about the city of Rome itself ( …in no particular order but nonetheless the
first two are actually important!)first two are actually important!)
 1. The Romans very definitely believed that they were superior to everyone else and had a1. The Romans very definitely believed that they were superior to everyone else and had a
preordained destiny to rule the world. Therefore, the greatest of all prizes was to be grantedpreordained destiny to rule the world. Therefore, the greatest of all prizes was to be granted
Roman citizenship.Roman citizenship.
 2. Soldiers were not permitted in the city of Rome itself except for the celebration of a triumph. A2. Soldiers were not permitted in the city of Rome itself except for the celebration of a triumph. A
general who crossed thegeneral who crossed the pomeriumpomerium (city boundary) lost all power and could be liable to(city boundary) lost all power and could be liable to
prosecution.prosecution.
 3. Romans kept both dogs and cats as pets; largely to control rodents. Dogs were also kept in3. Romans kept both dogs and cats as pets; largely to control rodents. Dogs were also kept in
temples and trained to lick the injured and blind …their saliva was believed to have curativetemples and trained to lick the injured and blind …their saliva was believed to have curative
powers!powers!
 4. Rome was the first civilization to create such services as a police force, a fire brigade and4. Rome was the first civilization to create such services as a police force, a fire brigade and
charities to care for uneducated and orphaned children. Entertainment was a big focus; by thecharities to care for uneducated and orphaned children. Entertainment was a big focus; by the
height of the Empire around half the year was dedicated to religious holidays with games.height of the Empire around half the year was dedicated to religious holidays with games.
 5. Gaius Appuleius Diocles was Rome’s most famous charioteer. He competed in nearly 4,5005. Gaius Appuleius Diocles was Rome’s most famous charioteer. He competed in nearly 4,500
races of which he won 1,462. He died in a race fall when only 26 years of age. During his careerraces of which he won 1,462. He died in a race fall when only 26 years of age. During his career
he amassed a fortune of 35 million sesterces (…the annual wage of 30,000 years in the army!)he amassed a fortune of 35 million sesterces (…the annual wage of 30,000 years in the army!)
 6. “Monte Testaccio” in Rome is a massive rubbish dump holding the fragments of an estimated6. “Monte Testaccio” in Rome is a massive rubbish dump holding the fragments of an estimated
50 million olive oil amphorae dumped in the first three centuries AD. They would have held50 million olive oil amphorae dumped in the first three centuries AD. They would have held
approximately 6 billion litres of oil.approximately 6 billion litres of oil.