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TEACHERS<br />
N OTE<br />
Foundation of <strong>Rome</strong><br />
The Etruscans were skilful seamen who traded with Greece, North Africa, Egypt and the Near<br />
East. Their language was different from other languages in the Western Mediterranean and little<br />
is known about their origins. They ruled much of Italy for 300 years before their defeat by more<br />
powerful Roman legions.<br />
Scholars don’t know much about the structure of the Etruscan language, which doesn’t resemble Greek or<br />
Latin. In the 19th century an Etruscan document was found in the wrappings of an Egyptian mummy, but<br />
philologists have still been unable to find a key to the language. The discovery of the Rosetta stone unlocked<br />
the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphics and scholars are hoping for a similar find for the Etruscan language.<br />
In 1964 three gold tablets were excavated near <strong>Rome</strong>. They contained Etruscan and Punic inscriptions, but<br />
despite months examining and comparing them, scholars found there was insufficient information to<br />
provide any more knowledge.<br />
As the Roman Empire spread from its humble beginnings, conquered countries became provinces controlled<br />
by governors. Roman conquest brought improved legal systems (our civil laws are developed from Roman<br />
law), better farming methods, splendid roads and buildings, but also brutality. Cicero, a famous orator and<br />
politician, was critical of this aspect of the Empire when he wrote, ‘There isn’t a place which has not been<br />
invaded by the greed and injustice of our fellow Romans ... it is hard to find words to say how much foreign<br />
nations hate us’.<br />
The Empire began in 27 BC with the rule of the emperor Augustus. Despite the disadvantages of living under<br />
Roman rule it is important to remember that Latin, the Roman language, has formed the basis of modern<br />
languages such as Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.<br />
Viewing Sample<br />
Activity suggestions.<br />
When the early Romans drove out <strong>Rome</strong>’s last king, Tarquin, the Etruscan leader, Lars Porsena, supported<br />
Tarquin and attacked <strong>Rome</strong>. The bridge leading into the city across the Tiber was defended by the Roman<br />
hero, Horatius. Though Lars Porsena ruled <strong>Rome</strong> for a few years, historians believe Horatius is a legendary<br />
person. Read and discuss Lord Macaulay’s poem about Horatius in his book ‘Lays of <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Rome</strong>’.<br />
– 2 – <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Rome</strong> Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com