Download
1 / 21
210 likes | 325 Vues
Rome before the Romans. Pre-history through the fall of the Etruscans. Pre-historic Italy. The early inhabitants of Italy were varied. Small tribal groups inhabited different regions. There were outside influences as well. Celtic populations in the north dominated the Po Valley. .
E N D
Rome before the Romans Pre-history through the fall of the Etruscans
Pre-historic Italy • The early inhabitants of Italy were varied. Small tribal groups inhabited different regions. • There were outside influences as well. Celtic populations in the north dominated the Po Valley.
Pre-Etruscan culture. • Early civilizations in Italy were open to the influence of outsiders. • The Greeks had established colonial city-states in Sicily and southern Italy. • These settlements were engaged in trade but their customs, practices and loyalty lay with Greece. • The Phoenicians also set up trading contact and settlement in Sicily and Sardinia and exchanged goods and ideas throughout the Mediterranean. This included the area that would become Rome.
Etruscans • One of the largest groups and one of the more influential on the development of the Italian state were the Etruscans. • They were from the region of Italy now known as Tuscany.
Etruscans • They were urban dwellers who established fortified towns in strategic locations in Italy. • They had contact with the Greeks. • They Greeks gave them the alphabet in 600 BCE.
Etruscans • Cities needed to be founded according to religious practices that were laid out in Ritual Books. • Each city was surrounded by a sacred boundary that protected the citizens from unseen dangers. • They were laid out on a grid system that was later passed down to the Romans.
Etruscans • Temples were built on foundations of stone but with the rest of the building being built in wood. • Etruscan cemeteries are elaborate affairs. • They were built to resemble cities of the dead.
Etruscans • One of the more unique things about Etruscan burials is the elaborate sarcophagi with reclining statues of the deceased.
Etruscans • The religion of the Etruscans was said to have been revealed to the people by seers. • Their practices were written down in a number of ritual books that dealt with all aspects of life. • They also dealt with what needed to be done in founding cities, consecrating temples, and all public and private affairs.
Etruscans • Human sacrifices were offered. • Sacrificial offerings were often pitted against each other in battles to the death.
Etruscans • Early on they were ruled by kings. • They wore robes of purple and golden crowns. • They carried a scepter and were seated on an ivory throne. • Their attendants carried the fasces which was a symbol of the kings right to execute and scourge.
Etruscans • In the fifth century the kings’ rule was transplanted by that of the nobles. • When the monarchy fell some military leaders went on the warpath to establish personal power but they were stopped by local aristocracies. • Each city was an autonomous state that was joined to each other by the League of Twelve Cities.
Etruscans • Socially the Etruscans were organized into groups of powerful nobles who controlled large populations of slaves and serfs.
Etruscans • They introduced urbanization, constructed the first roadbed in Rome, the Sacred Way, and oversaw the development of temples, markets, shops, streets, and houses. • They gave the Romans the toga and short cloak, the fasces, and the alphabet.
Foundation of Rome-Mythological origins • Romulus, in addition to the founding of the great city-state, is credited with establishing several of its institutions, including the Senate. • He also established asylum on the Capitoline where all outlaws could find refuge and acceptance as a means to boost population numbers.
Rome • Romulus, in addition to the founding of the great city-state, is credited with establishing several of its institutions, including the Senate. • He also established asylum on the Capitoline where all outlaws could find refuge and acceptance as a means to boost population numbers.
Rome • He also attracted the Sabines and other neighbors to him with the promise of a festival. • He then seized the women of the Sabines for his people. • Tatius, the king of the Sabines attacked Rome and captured the Capitoline.
Rome • The first pre-Etruscan kings were followed by Tarquinis Priscus (616-579 BCE), • Servius Tullius (578-535 BCE), and • Tarquinius Superbus (534-510 BCE).
Rome • Servius was the most influential. • He changed the system of government, created new military units, and new classes in society. • He was responsible for walling in the city. • He established the cult of Diana in the plebian community on the Aventine.
Rome • Etruscans introduced architectural and engineering skill to the city. • The heart of Rome became the Forum.
Rome • The Romans, themselves, were agricultural people who were brought into larger communities with their contact with the Etruscans.
