The Rise of the Roman Republic

The Rise of the Roman Republic

Overview • Ruled by Etruscan Kings from Northern Italy • The Romans overthrew these kings and created a republic • Republic: A form of government with elected leaders

Under Etruscan Rule Plebeians Patricians • A small group of wealthy landowners who held important jobs in society (The Upper Class) • Latin: patres = father Patricians were seen as “fathers of the state” • A large group of peasants, laborers, crafts people and shopkeepers who had few rights • Forced to serve in the army • Latin: plebs= many 90% of Rome’s population

Creation of a Republic • In 509 B.C.E, a group of patricians rebelled and drove out the Etruscan King • A republic was born! • Patricians were not concerned about the needs of the plebeians and only looked out for themselves.

The Patricians’ Republic • Most power belonged to the Senate • Senate= 300 elected men who served for life • Patricians also had appointed government officials and judges

Patricians’ Republic Continued • Two elected leaders called CONSULS shared command of the army • The senate advised the consuls and made decisions that were treated as law • Rome’s Republic resembled a democratic government but left out the voice of the majority

The Plebeians Rebel • Plebeians demanded more political rights. • During times of war, Plebeians were forced to join the army and started to resent the Patricians • Plebeians marched out of Rome until their demands were heard • Patricians feared that Rome would be helpless with out the plebeians in the army

Conflict of the Orders A conflict between two social classes; Plebeians and Patricians Think Ink Say: Describe in your own words the conflict between the Plebeians and Patricians

The Plebeians Gain Political Equality • Gaining equality was a long process! • The Patricians agreed to let the Plebeians to elect officials (Tribunes) • Tribunes spoke to the Senate and Consuls on behalf of the Plebeians • Plebeians gained the right to veto or overrule decisions made by government officials

Consul of Plebs • Consul of Plebs (Council) made laws for ONLY the plebeians • Plebeians still had less power than the patricians • As a result, Plebeians would protest when they felt it was necessary (200 years of protests)

Plebian Equality • In 451 B.C.E, Plebeians demanded Patricians to write down the laws= The Twelve Tables • In 367 B.C.E, Plebeians demanded that one of the consuls would be for Plebeians so they could hold some power • In 287 B.C.E, Plebeians gained the right to pass laws for ALL Roman citizens • The Tribune were able to become members of the Senate

The Twelve Tables Take out the Twelve Tables Pick 6 tables. Try to explain the 6 tables you chose.. IN YOUR OWN WORDS What does that law mean?

Table I.- If anyone summons a man before the magistrate, he must go. If the man summoned does not go, let the one summoning him call the bystanders to witness and then take him by force.Table II.- He whose witness has failed to appear may summon him by loud calls before his house every third day. Table III. - One who has confessed a debt, or against whom judgment has been pronounced, shall have thirty days to pay it in. After that forcible seizure of this person is allowed.

Table IV.- A dreadfully deformed child shall be quickly killed. If a father sell his son three times, the son shall be free from his father. Table V.- Females should remain in guardianship even when they have attained their majority. Table VI.- When one makes a bond and a conveyance of property, as he has made formal declaration so let it be binding.

Table VII.- Let them keep the road in order. If they have not paved it, a man may drive his team where he likes. Table VIII.- If one has maimed a limb and does not compromise with the injured person, let there be retaliation. If one has broken a bone of a freeman with his hand or with a cudgel, let him pay a penalty of three hundred coins

Table IX. - The penalty shall be capital for a judge or arbiter legally appointed who has been found guilty of receiving a bribe for giving a decision.Table X. - None is to bury or burn a corpse in the city. - The women shall not tear their faces nor wail on account of the funeral. Table XI. - Marriages should not take place between plebeians and patricians. Table XII.- Whatever the people had last ordained should be held as binding by law

If you could make your own laws… What would they be? Create 5 laws and list/ describe them on the paper provided

Cicero once said… “The people’s good is the highest law” • Cicero; Roman Statesman Think Pair Share: What do you think this Quote means?

The Rise of the Roman Republic