2.5 The Roman Republic

Notes

Rome began as a small city in Italy and grew into a powerful republic, a government in which citizens elect leaders.

• According to tradition, Romans overthrew their last king in 509 BCE and founded the Republic.
• Two consuls led the government and army for one-year terms. The Senate advised them. A dictator could be named for six months in an emergency.
• Patricians were wealthy landowners; plebeians were common people. Plebeians won rights, including tribunes who could veto laws.
• The Twelve Tables (about 450 BCE) put laws in writing, showing that laws apply to all citizens.
• Punic Wars (264 to 146 BCE): Rome fought Carthage in North Africa. Carthage's general Hannibal crossed the Alps with elephants, but Rome won and destroyed Carthage in 146 BCE.
• Conquest brought wealth but also inequality and civil wars. Julius Caesar became dictator for life and was assassinated in 44 BCE.