Founding of Rome and Roman Civilization Stages
1. Origins of Rome: People and Location
When was Rome founded? What people lived there? Where did they settle? Which peoples engaged with the Romans?
In the middle of the eighth century BC, some Latin tribes gathered on the banks of the Tiber River, near the Palatine Hill, close to a place where there was an island (Tiber Island) and a ford that allowed crossing the overflowing river.
2. Legend of Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus decided to found a city on a river plain. They traced the perimeter with a plow, following Etruscan rites. The vow was made to kill anyone who crossed the borders without permission. Discussing the city’s name, they decided that whoever saw more birds would choose the name. Romulus won, giving the city the name of Rome. In an angry quarrel, Remus crossed the groove of the future city limits. Fulfilling the oath, Romulus killed him.
3. Political Aspects: Monarchy, Republic, Empire
Explain the characteristics of each stage and the differences between the three political systems.
Monarchy:
The King held the highest power: administering justice, commanding the army, and serving as the highest pontiff. He was aided in government by a Senate, composed of members of aristocratic families, the patricians.
Republic:
The government was formed by three institutions: elections, judges (magistrates), and the Senate.
Empire:
The Senate, the judges, and elections continued to exist, but only held a symbolic role. The Emperor directly appointed all important people running the Empire. To apply and transmit the Emperor’s orders, an Imperial Council was established.
4. Religious Aspects: Christianity
Where did Christianity originate? Why did it spread to the Gentiles? What repercussions did it have on society?
In the 1st century AD, Christianity was born in Palestine, which was dominated by the Romans. It was a new monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It spread as follows: The new religion had few adherents among the Jews but spread among the Gentiles (non-Jews) throughout the Empire.
5. Social Groups in Roman Society
The inhabitants of the Empire were divided into social groups with unequal rights.
- Non-Citizens: Highlighted slaves (who had no personal rights and could be sold or freed by their owner) and freedmen (who were free men).
- Citizens: Highlighted commoners (clients), the nobility (rich patricians and plebeians), and the senators and administrators of the Empire.
6. What was Romanization?
It was the spread of Roman culture (language, laws, religion, customs, and way of life) across cities and towns around the Mediterranean.
7. Characteristics of Roman Cities
All cities had a similar structure: they were protected by walls, and in the center stood a square, the Forum. There were also public buildings designed for citizens’ leisure (baths, theaters, amphitheaters, circuses), and a system for channeling water (aqueducts and sewerage).
8. Economic Aspects
Agriculture and mining were fundamental because they were vital for supplying food and materials such as iron, silver, marble, wood, and tin, which were used to construct weapons and shields for the army, build houses, and create sculptures.
9. Crisis of the Empire: Causes and Consequences
From the third century AD, conquests stopped, and the Empire faced a series of problems. To begin, the borders became unsafe due to attacks by Germanic peoples (barbarians) who lived beyond the Limes (borders).