The ROMAN REPUBLIC (509 BC â 27 BC) Geography ⢠Rome is ...
The ROMAN REPUBLIC (509 BC â 27 BC) Geography ⢠Rome is ...
The ROMAN REPUBLIC (509 BC â 27 BC) Geography ⢠Rome is ...
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>ROMAN</strong> <strong>REPUBLIC</strong> (<strong>509</strong> <strong>BC</strong> – <strong>27</strong> <strong>BC</strong>)<br />
<strong>Geography</strong><br />
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<strong>Rome</strong> <strong>is</strong> located near the center of Italy.<br />
Italy <strong>is</strong> a peninsula located in the Mediterranean Sea.<br />
Italy’s geography helped to unite its people. Low mountains presented fewer natural barriers.<br />
Fertile plains supported a growing population. <strong>The</strong> Italian peninsula helped Romans to move<br />
easily through the lands of the Mediterranean.
<strong>The</strong> Roman Republic<br />
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In <strong>509</strong> <strong>BC</strong> the Romans drove out the Etruscans who had ruled them.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Romans establ<strong>is</strong>hed a new form of government called a republic. In a republic officials are<br />
chosen by the people.<br />
<strong>The</strong> most powerful governing body was the Senate. Senators were members of the landholding<br />
upper class called the patricians. <strong>The</strong>se officials elected two consuls, who superv<strong>is</strong>ed the<br />
business of government and commanded the armies.<br />
<strong>The</strong> plebeians – farmers, merchants, art<strong>is</strong>ans, and traders – who made up most of the<br />
population – had little power.<br />
Under Roman law, the male head of household had authority over h<strong>is</strong> wife and family. During<br />
the late years of the republic and early years of the empire, however, women gained greater<br />
freedom. Roman women held prominent public roles and owned successful businesses.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Senate