Discovering Our Past: Ancient Civilizations

Chapter 9: The Rise of Rome

Chapter Overview

Rome's geography played an important role in the development of Roman civilization. The Etruscans changed Rome into a city when they constructed buildings of wood and brick and laid out streets. After rebelling against the Tarquins in 509 B.C., the Romans founded the Roman Republic. For over 200 years, the Romans battled for control of neighboring territories. When the wars were over, Rome controlled almost all of Italy. Rome's success had much to do with the strength of its army, which was organized into legions. The Romans were also excellent strategists. Their policies and treatment of conquered peoples helped the republic grow stronger.

The Roman government was headed by two elected officials known as consuls. Praetors interpreted Roman laws and acted as judges. The Senate was the most important legislative body. Roman law was based on the Twelve Tables. After three long Punic Wars against the Carthaginians, the Romans ruled the Mediterranean. Despite their success abroad, the Romans experienced trouble on the home front. The gap between the rich and the poor grew wider. Patricians created large farming estates called latifundia that were operated with slave labor. The small plebeian farmers could not compete and were forced out of business.

Roman civil war waged for 50 years until Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey formed the First Triumvirate. Caesar seized power and made reforms. After Caesar's murder, the Second Triumvirate attempted to rule Rome, but it eventually failed. Octavian Caesar Augustus emerged as the first Roman emperor. Augustus expanded the Roman Empire and reorganized the military. This brought an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Rome's elaborate system of roads, aqueducts, ports, and common currency made the empire wealthy. The empire's good fortune did not fall on all Romans. While some grew wealthy from trade and agriculture, most Romans were very poor.