The Origins and Myths of Rome: A Cultural Exploration of the Tiber River's Role

1. Chapter 17 Section 1On the Banks of the Tiber

2. Anticipatory Set • Most civilizations have myths or legends about their history. Can you name some American myths or legends? • Johnny Appleseed is one for example • Most myths and legends tell us about civilizations. What do myths and legends tell us about civilizations? • Beliefs and values • History of a civilization

3. Standards • S.S. 6.7.1 • Identify the location and describe the rise of the Roman Republic, including the importance of such mythical and historical figures as Aeneas, Romulus and Remus, Cincinnatus, Julius Caesar, and Cicero. • E-LA Reading 6.1.3 • Recognize the origins and meanings of frequency used foreign words in English and use these words accurately in speaking and writing

4. Objective • Students will learn about the location and origins of Rome

5. Language of the Discipline • Arable Land • Arid • Virgil • Divine • Navigate

6. The Location of Rome(Input) • Rome is located near the center of the Italian Peninsula shaped like a “boot” • It extends from southern Europe into the Mediterranean Sea • A high mountain range called the Alps separates the peninsula from the rest of Europe • Rivers flow across the peninsula to the Mediterranean • Another long mountain range called the Apennines runs down the center to the “toe” of the Italian Peninsula

7. Rome’s Geographic Setting (Input) • The Italian Peninsula is similar to Greece • They have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers • They have natural harbors • Suited for trading with lands surrounding the sea • They are linked by land to the rest of Europe • The Italian Peninsula is also different • Less rugged landscape • Several large plains (this gave arable land, or land suited for farming) • Several navigable rivers that provide water and transportation routes

8. Geography of Rome(Input)

9. The Tiber River (Input) • The Tiber River stretches for more than 250 miles, making it the second longest river in present-day Italy • The waters evenly flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea after passing through Rome • It drains in a region called Latium • Latium is rather arid, or dry today but was green and lush in ancient times • There are many volcanoes in this region • Ash helped create fertile soil • Before reaching the sea the Tiber flows through an area of low hills. On those banks Rome was founded

10. The Tiber River (Input)

11. The Origins of Rome (Input) • Around 1000 B.C. the Latin’s settled in Latium • They founded a village on Palatine Hill, one of the 7 hills on the east bank of the Tiber River (about 15 miles from the sea) • Later on other villages settled on nearby hills • Those hilltop villages later would become the city of Rome

12. Palatine Hill (Input)

13. Founding Myths (Input) • The Romans had two myths regarding their cities origins • One appears in the Aeneid, an epic poem by Virgil • This poem describes the journey of a Trojan warrior named Aeneas who escaped from Troy after its defeat by the Greeks in the Trojan War • Aeneas traveled until he reached Latium and married a Latin princess, then founded a town. Eventually he descendants found Rome. • This myth became well known for its patriotic portrayal and Virgil was known as a national poet

14. Founding Myths (Input) • The second myth has to do with two of Aeneas’ descendants; twins named Romulus and Remus. • This includes both Greek and Roman mythology • Like Hercules the twins were born with a human mother and a divine, or godlike, father, the god of Mars • A jealous uncle had the babies put in a basket and thrown into the Tiber • The boys were saved by a she-wolf and raised by a shepherd • When they grew up the went to look for a new city and could not agree so during their heated dispute Romulus killed Remus. • He then founded Rome on Palatine Hill and named himself the first king of Rome

15. Founding Myths (Input • Legend states that Palatine Hill was the location Romulus and Remus had been rescued and raised • During later time periods Palatine Hill was home of Rome’s most prominent citizens • These myths are not facts but do tell something about Roman people, they believed Rome was destined for greatness • They wanted to link its history to gods and legendary heroes • They did this to glorify Rome’s beginnings as well as its founders

16. Growth of the City(Input) • For many years Rome remained a collection of tiny villages • Those villages grew together and formed a single city covering the 7 hills on the banks of the Tiber • At this time the population increased to 80,000 people • It’s location also helped Rome to grow • The hills became a natural defense against attackwhere they could start at the bottom and run to the top for safety • The river gave access to a nearby port where small boats could navigate, or make their way, by river to sea

17. Growth of the City(Input) • Romans used the river to transport trade goods such as grain • The river was so fats and dangerous for large boats so Rome could never be attacked by large ships • Rome was located on key trade routes • The Tiber Valley provided an easy east-west route for trade • Many north-south routes crossed the south of Rome • Salt and iron found nearby were sent also • Each of these factors helped Rome grow and prosper

18. Check for Understanding • Please determine the BEST answer for the following question. • Please write your answer on your white boards and wait for the teacher’s signal. • On the teacher’s signal, hold up your white boards.

19. Checking for Understanding #1 Fill in the blank • _______________ is land suitable for farming • Arable land

20. Checking for Understanding #2 Answer the following question. • What northern mountain range separates the Italian peninsula from the rest of Europe? • The Alps

21. Checking for Understanding #3 Answer the following question. • According to legend who was the first king of Rome? • Romulus

22. Guided Practice/Independent Practice • Guided Practice • Complete questions 1 - 3 on the reading comprehension worksheet. • Raise your hand and wait to get stamped. • If you received an “R” go to the back table with Ms. Graham. • Independent Practice • Once you have been stamped moved to independent practice and complete numbers 4 and 5 on the reading comprehension worksheet. • Homework • Note-taking guide on the reverse side.