HST 1100 Module 5 – The Roman Republic

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HST 1100 Module 5 – The Roman Republic What impact did geography have on the history of Rome, and what influence did the Greeks and the Etruscans have on early Roman history? Italy was positioned on a narrow peninsula, divided into eastern and western territories by a mountain range. The peninsula was a crossroads between the West and East Mediterranean, and communities were not isolated. The land had fertile plains ideal for farming, and access to the sea, but was far enough inland to be easily defended. The Greeks established permanent communities, secured coastal plains for agriculture, built walled cities with harbors for trade, passed on their alphabet, and provided art. Roman culture is often viewed as a continuation of Greek culture. The Etruscans built fortified cities with walls, brought urbanization to Italy, had an outstanding building program, and were the dominant cultural and economic force. The Romans adopted their dress of togas. What were the major political institutions of the Roman republic, and what policies and institutions help explain the Romans' success in conquering Italy? The Roman republic's officials held office for limited terms and could be tried for offenses. Their chief executive officers were the two consuls and the praetors. In an emergency, a dictator could be given unlimited power to run the state. Senators were given life terms, and advised the magistrates. The centuriate assembly elected magistrates, passed laws, and was dominated by the upper class. The Roman military had good and persistent soldiers, defeat motivated them to push forward, they established colonies at strategic locations, built roads to connect settlements and built an impressive military and communications network. They granted citizenship to conquered peoples, and this allowed them to quickly raise new armies. How did Rome achieve its empire from 264 to 133 B.C.E., and what is meant by the phrase "Roman imperialism"? Rome's empire was built in three stages: the conquest of Italy, the conflict with Carthage and expansion into the western Mediterranean, and the involvement with and domination of the Hellenistic kingdoms in the eastern Mediterranean. The Romans did not have a master plan for creating an empire. Much of their expansion was opportunistic; once involved in a situation that threatened their security, the Romans did not hesitate to act. And the more they expanded, the more threats to their security appeared on the horizon, involving them in yet more conflicts. Due to an intense competition between families for the consulship, aristocratic senators perceived new opportunities for lucrative foreign commands, enormous spoils of war,

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