Essential Questions: What role did geography play in Italy�s and Rome�s development? What form of government existed in Rome?
I. The Influence of Geography
A. Location and Place
1. Rome was centrally located in the Mediterranean Basin and distant from eastern Mediterranean
powers (see map)
2. The Italian Peninsula
a. The Alps provided Italy protection from invading forces, as did the seas surrounding the Italian peninsula
-However, several pathways cut through the Alps, which allowed armies to invade Rome
3. Mediterranean Sea provided protection, and sea borne commerce
II. The Social Structure, Significance of Citizenship and Democratic Features
A. Social Structure (classes)
1. Patricians were powerful landowners (nobility) who controlled the government
a. They inherited their power
2. Plebians made up the majority of the population
a. They consisted of landowners, townspeople, merchants and small farmers
b. At first, they could vote but could not hold public office
3. Slaves (not based on race)
B. Citizenship
1. All Rome citizens had to pay taxes
2. Every adult male citizens who owned land was required to serve in the military
C. The Development of Democratic Features
1. Rome established a republic
a. This was a form of government in which voters elect officials to run the state.
-Only adult male citizens were allowed to vote and participate in government
2. Three important groups helped govern the republic
a. The Senate
-Most influential body
-Controlled public funds and decided foreign policy
-Can propose that a citizen be dictator for life
b. The Magistrates
-Elected officials (consuls, praetors, and censors)
-Consuls or chief executives governed with the approval of the Senate
c. Popular Assemblies
-Citizens in these assemblies voted on laws and elected officials, including consuls
-Some assemblies ran the courts, others voted on war or peace