The Ancient Mediterranean
Fertile Crescent Empires
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Ancient Carthage
Trade and contact with other civilizations was possible but invasion was also a constant threat, thus a strong military developed.
1. Alps to the north separate Italy from the rest of Europe. They offer some but not total protection from invasion because of natural passes.
2. Apennines run the length of Italy but do not hinder trade or travel.
Effects:
The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome Mountains: Two Major Ranges - Alps and Apennines impact Italy
• People turned inland for trade rather than to the sea as the Greeks had. • The long coastlines made invasion easier.
1. Long coastlines with fewer natural harbors than Greece. 2. Rivers are generally short and shallow. Poorly suited for travel and transportation.
The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome
Seas: Adriatic Sea lies to the East and Mediterranean to south and west
Effects:
• The Romans were mostly self-sufficient in early history but turned to trade to supplement food supply as empire grew.
1. Most soil is sandy and easily erodes. Best suited for grazing. 2. Northern valleys are fertile enough for grains. 3. Most other areas are good for vegetable, grapes, olives, and citrus fruits.
Effects:
The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome Land, Soil and Vegetation: Most of land is foothills and mountains except in the
valleys of the north.
• Like the Greeks, Romans spent much time outdoors socializing and trading ideas. • Citrus, grapes, and olives were major exports for trade.
Climate: Mediterranean Climate 1. Mild temperatures and plentiful winter precipitation. 2. Suitable for citrus, grapes, olives, and vegetables.
Effects:
The Role of Geography in Ancient Rome
Italy in 750 BC
Three Groups of Early Settlers in Italy
Latins – 1000 B.C. Etruscans – 900 B.C. Greeks – 750 B.C.
Early Rome Before the Republic 1. The Latins and Etruscans began to merge and
became known as Romans. 2. Around 600 B.C. an Etruscan was elected king of
Rome and established the Tarquin dynasty. 3. Rome began emerging into a major city with
impressive engineering and architecture. 4. Great temples and the forum were built during this
time. 5. In 509 B.C. a harsh and unjust Tarquin king was
overthrown by the Romans. The Romans declared they would never again be ruled by a king.
6. The Romans established a republic that would last for nearly 500 years. This began Rome’s climb to glory and world prestige.
1000 BC
3000 BC
900 BC
Neolithic Culture Latin Settlement
Etruscan Settlement
600 BC
509 BC
264 BC
146 BC
73 BC
Etruscan Rule of Rome
Establishment of the Republic
Punic Wars
Spartacus Slave Revolts
60 BC
44 BC
First Triumvirate Formed
Assassination of Julius Caesar
ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY – THE REPUBLIC
Greek Colonization 750 BC
Patricians
(Aristocrats)
Plebeians •Farmers •Merchants •Artisans
Freedmen
Slaves •City Slaves •Household Slaves
(Early Republic)
Patricians vs.
Plebeians
1. The Patricians were wealthy landowners and held most of the power.
2. They inherited their power and social status and claimed to be descendants from the original Romans.
Patricians vs. Plebeians 3. Plebeians were the common
people and made up the majority of Romans.
4. Plebeians were citizens, could vote but couldn’t hold powerful government office.
5. Eventually Plebeians gained the right to appoint tribunes to protect their rights.
6. Around 450 B.C. the Plebeians began writing down Rome’s laws and posting them. These were known as the Twelve Tables.
The Twelve Tables, 450 BCE
Provided political and social rights for the plebeians.
Established the idea that all free citizens had a right to protection by the law.
Roman Expansion (133 BC - 27 BC)
Conquered territories became known as Provinces
Provinces were ruled by governors known as Proconsuls who were appointed by the Senate and had great power
Tax collectors known as Publicans collected heavy taxes from provinces. They collected more than required and kept the excess. This corrupt practice was known as Tax Farming
Problems of Roman Expansion
Economic Turmoil Soldiers often returned home to desolated farms, were
forced to sell to nobles and move to the city in search of work.
Nobles began using slaves rather than paid workers and the gap between rich and poor widened.
Slums began to develop in the cities.
The government had to begin a welfare system and entertainment to keep the poor and unemployed content.
Corruption by officials in Roman provinces increased and bribery became common.
Changes in the Roman Military With the disappearance of the small farmer, the
nature of the army began to change
Individual commanders began building their own armies and paid mercenaries
Soldiers were promised a share of the booty and land in return for service
Soldiers were loyal to commanders rather than Rome
Problems of Roman Expansion
Attempts at Reform
Two brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were elected as Tribunes and attempted reforms to help the poor
Tiberius was assassinated by several senators in 133 BC
Gaius continued to work on reforms and attempted to limit power of the Senate. He was killed in a riot.
Rome fell into disarray. Civil War followed.
Civil war broke out in Rome between 88 – 82 BC between two
rival generals, Marius and Sulla.
Thousands of Romans died in the war.
Sulla defeated Marius and became a dictator. He retired in 79
BC
Slave revolts led by Spartacus broke out from 73-71 BC. New
military leaders struggled for power.
Civil War Marius vs. Sulla
Marius Sulla
The First Triumvirate
CAESAR CRASSUS POMPEY
After the slave revolts three generals, Crassus, Pompey, and
Julius Caesar tried to gain power.
When none of them could do so they joined together as a
triumvirate to rule.
Crassus was killed in battle in Syria.
Caesar and Pompey eventually fought for power. Pompey
fled and was eventually killed in Egypt.
Caesar became the sole ruler in 45 BC.
Julius Caesar
After Pompey fled Rome Caesar seized power in
Rome and attempted to save the republic through
several reforms.
Gave land, money and food to the poor.
Increased the Senate membership and allowed ordinary
citizens to serve in it.
Expanded citizenship to people in the provinces.
Began numerous public works programs to put people
to work.
Beware the Ides of March! 44 BC
On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by several members of the Senate who opposed his reforms and feared that he was too powerful.
The Second Triumvirate
Lepidus Marc Antony Octavian
After the assassination of Caesar, three leaders, Marc
Antony, Lepidus, and Caesar’s great nephew Octavian
formed the second Triumvirate.
Lepidus eventually retired.
Octavian defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra of Egypt in
31 BC in the Battle of Actium and became sole ruler.
In 27 BC he was named Emperor and became known as
Augustus Caesar. This began the Roman Empire.
31 BC
43 BC
27 BC
Second Triumvirate Formed
Rule of Augustus Caesar Begins
Establishment of the Empire
1 AD
14 AD
30 AD
180 AD
284 AD Division of the Empire
330 AD
476 AD
Establishment of Constantinople
Fall of Western Roman Empire
ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY – THE EMPIRE
Birth of Jesus
Death of Augustus
Crucifixion of Jesus
380 AD Christianity Becomes Official Religion
Th
e Em
pire
End of Pax Romana