The Beginning of Rome

Greek culture didn't die when Greece's power declined. Parts of it were adapted and used by the Romans. The Romans were mostly isolated from the great civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean region. However, over time they learned from these civilizations and used their knowledge to build a powerful empire. The Roman rule extended throughout much of present day Europe,Africa and Asia.

The Settling of Italy

Italy's location has attracted people for thousands of years. Italy is located in the Mediterranean region. Also goods moved with little difficulty through Italy's mountains. Another resaon Italy attracted so many settlers because of its mild climate and fertile land. Its large flat plains were ideal for growing crops. Italy could support a large population.

Rome's Location

The Romans made their home on the Italian Peninsula. The thin and long peninsula juts out from central europe into the Mediterranean sea. Italy also looks like a boot. The boots heel points to Greece. But the toe points to Sicily. The Alps are the shoelaces that are strung across the top of the boot. Another mountain range in Italy is the Apennines. Also, Italy has been affected by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Rome was founded 15 miles up the Tiber river from the Mediterranean sea. The river was used to ship goods. Also Rome was far enough up the river to escape raids by pirates. Rome is pertected by its seven steep hills making it hard for enemies to attack.

Roman Origins

Several legends describe how Rome began. One legend about the founding of Rome is contained in The Aeneid, written by poet Virgil. He described what took place after the Greeks captured the city of Troy. First, the Trojan Aeneas and his soldiers escaped from Troy to find a new homeland. The Trojans settled in Italy and waged war. Then Aeneas married a local kings Daughter. Their marriage united the Trojans with a group of Latin speaking people who lived in that region. Aeneas is known as the father of the Romans. Another legend describes the founding of Rome in a total different story. The tale involves twin brothers Romulus and Remus. When they were young a female wolf found them and cared for them. Then a Shepard and his wife raised the twins. When they grew up they planned to build a city. The boys argued about the construction of the city. Then followed an angry altercation and they fought and Romulus killed his brother Remus. Resulting one soul leader Romulus and the city was named after him. Little is known about the first people to settle in Italy. Archaeological artifacts suggest that Neolithic people might have settled there as early as 5000 B.C. These groups built farming villages but moved after using the nutrients of the soil. Between 2000 B.C and 1000 B.C other groups of people settled in the hills and on plains. Latin speaking people settled on the plain of Latium in central Italy. A group of Latins built straw roofed huts on Romes hills. That settlement occurred between 800 B.C and 700 B.C marks the birth of Rome. The people living there became known as Romans.

Influences of Greeks and Etruscans

After 800 B.C. other groups moved into the region where the Romans lived. Two of the groups, the Greeks and the Etruscans, would greatly influence the Roman civilization. The Greeks introduced grape and olive farming. The Greeks also passed on the Greek alphabet to the Romans. Later, the Romans would model their buildings, sculpture, and literature after those of the Greeks. The Etruscans had a greater influence on the Romans than the Greeks. The Etruscans settled north of Rome. After 650 B.C. they moved south. The Etruscans eventually took control of Rome and the surrounding area. The Etruscans were ruled by nobles, who grew wealthy from trade and mining. Other Etruscans devoted themselves to the study of the arts. Skilled Etruscans artisans worked with copper iron, lead, and tin. They turned these metals into weapons, tools, and jewelry. Etruscan artists covered the walls of tombs with colorful paintings. They painted men and women feasting, dancing, and playing music. The Etruscans taught Romans how to roof their home with tiles. They laid out city streets. Also, built temples. They even influenced the style of clothing that the Romans wore. Finally, the Etruscan army served as a model for the powerful army the Romans would later create.

Becoming a Republic

The Romans greatly benefited from the Etruscans. But the Romas grew tired of the Etruscans. In 509 B.C the Romans overthrew the Tarquin the Proud, the Etruscan King and established a Republic. The creation of the Republic began a new era in Rome's history. But Rome was still a small city. Also it was surrounded by different groups of people. The groups included Etruscans, Greeks and other Latins. Over the next two centuries the Romans fought many wars against those neighbors. By 267 B.C Rome controlled most of Italy because of its strong army. The Romans developed new battle stratigies. They realized the old way of fighting was too slow. They reorganized their soldiers into smaller groups, called legions. Each legion had about 6000 soldiers. The legions were further divided into groups 60 to 120 solders. They were well armed. Most soliders carried a short, double edged Iron sword.

Who Ruled Rome

The Romans ruled effectively. After they conquered a region, they built permanent military outposts to protect it. Those settlements were built on hills or at a river crossing. Also, they built roads between settlements. As a result, troops and supplies could move fast within the conquered lands. The Romans treated everyone fairly. If the conquered people were treated well they would become loyal. To encourage fair treatment, the Romans created the Roman Confederation. This system gave some conquered people Roman citizenship. But they still had to pay taxes and fight in battles for Rome. With these policies Rome helped maintain peace in the conquered lands. The Republic grew stronger.