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The Founding of Rome�

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Objectives

  • Explain how Rome was founded

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  • Describe the advantages of Rome’s location

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Vocabulary

  • Arable – land that is good for growing crops

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  • Forum – public square in ancient Roman cities where the Romans exchanged goods and ideas

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  • Confederation – group of governments joined together for a common purpose

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Settling in Seven Hills

  • The Latins settled on the seven hills south of the Tiber River in about 1,000 BC

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  • The hills provided protection from attack, resources for building, and land for farming

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A Cultural Mix

  • The Etruscans and the Greeks, both of whom had settlements on the Italian Peninsula, influenced the Romans

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  • The Romans adopted and adapted aspects of Etruscan and Greek cultures, including their architecture, religion, and alphabet

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The City of Rome

  • Rome’s location along the Tiber River was ideal for communication and trade

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  • Roman legends such as that of Romulus and Remus explain Rome’s beginning

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Etruscan Rule

  • Etruscans became the leaders of Rome in about 616 BC and built much of early Rome

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  • The Etruscans were experienced at governing large areas, which helped them organize and govern Rome’s territory

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Summary

  • Latins founded the city of Rome in about 750 BC.
  • Legend says that the twins Romulus and Remus founded the city
  • According to history, Rome began as small villages, which joined together and grew
  • The city’s location was ideal for farming and was easy to defend.
  • The neighboring cultures of the Etruscans and the Greeks greatly influenced early Roman culture
  • In time, Etruscan kings ruled over the Romans

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Reading Check Questions

  • What attracted the Latins to the hills near the Tiber River?
    • Arable land, a long growing season, protection, wood, and stones

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  • What two cultures influenced the Romans?
    • Etruscan culture and Greek culture

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  • Who was the first legendary ruler of Rome?
    • Romulus
  • What influence did the Etruscan kings have on the development of Rome?
    • They completed building projects and expanded and organized Rome.