Ancient Rome Notes

GEOGRAPHY

•Located on a peninsula in southern

Europe, thus creating sea-faring traders.

•Shaped like a high-heeled boot

extending into the Mediterranean Sea.

•Two major mountain ranges: the Alps in

the north and the Apennines in the
south.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Rome extends into which sea:

A.

The Mediterranean Sea

B.

The Black Sea

C.

The Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea

D.

The Caspian Sea

GEOGRAPHY

•Hilly, rugged land with several
volcanoes such as, Mt. Vesuvius.

•Some fertile flatland can be found.
•Mild climate makes it excellent for
farming grains, grapes, olives, and
citrus fruits.

•Tiber River is one of several rivers
providing fresh water for country.

ECONOMY

•Surplus of crops, such as grains and oils,
enabled growth of Rome.

•Sea traders traveled to Greece, Spain,
northern Africa, and kingdoms of Asia.

ECONOMY

•Merchants sold meats,
vegetables, cloth, sandals,
and pottery, as well as
books on Egyptian papyrus.

ACHIEVEMENTS

•Constructed roads of long-lasting
materials to withstand traffic and
exposure to weather which connected
large areas of the country.

•Created aqueducts or channels that
carried fresh water from the mountains to
the cities.

•Used concrete, a mixture of sand or
gravel, and cement as a building material.

ACHIEVEMENTS

•To support the roof of a building, they
created a vault; a series of arches.

•Sought knowledge in order to improve
their lives.

•The story of the Trojan War hero, Aeneas,
tells how Ancient Rome was formed with
a group of people called the Latins.

• Strong belief in such values as

justice, honesty, valor, and
loyalty.

• Society was divided into two

groups; the patricians, wealthy
leaders, and plebeians, the
common people

SOCIAL CLASSES

Rich Ancient Romans

SOCIAL CLASSES

Slaves were common and those who were educated often held highly skilled

professions such as teachers and doctors. The Forum, or Rome’s public meeting
place, served as heart of the city where government, religion, and trading took

place.

GOVERNMENT &

LEADERSHIP

•Formed a republic where the people elected
leaders to govern them.
•Tripartite government divided responsibilities
three ways.
•Two rulers called magistrates ruled at the same
time to guarantee against corruption.
•Roman Senate consisted of wealthy, powerful
citizens who advised leaders.

GOVERNMENT &

LEADERSHIP

•Assemblies and Tribunes contained both
patricians and plebeians.
•Written Law of Twelve Tables ensured fair
treatment of citizens and non-citizens.
•A census, or population count, was used to
regulate taxes.

RELIGION

•Polytheistic (believing in many gods).
•The apostle, Paul, would bring Christianity to this area.
•Allowed many religions to practice in fear of offending any god.