The Roman Republic

Rome formed along the Tiber River in Italy.

• Great Geographic Location

• Many stories about the way Rome was formed.

Rome's Beginning

• Alps Mountains

• Mediterranean Sea

• Tiber River

• Apennine Mountains

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Geography of Italy

Early on, Rome was ruled by Kings

• After Romulus killed his brother Remus, he became the first King of Rome

• During this period, which lasted about 250 years, Rome had 7 Kings

• The last king, Tarquin the proud, was known for being very cruel and difficult. He was overthrown and the first consuls were elected

• Rome was divided primarily into 2 classes:

• Patricians: these were the wealthy, upper class citizens of Rome

• Plebeians: these were the common people of Rome, part of the lower social class

Citizens of Rome

• Citizens were afraid of giving one person too much power.

• New form of government created

• Checks and Balances

A voice for the people

Why were these different bodies important?

• Kept one person from having too much power!

The Republic was made up of many different bodies:

• Consuls

• Senate

• Tribune

• Dictator

How did the Republic Work?