Ancient Rome: From Legend to Republic

History of Rome

The primitive people of the Italic Peninsula were the Ligurians. These, in turn, were dominated by the Etruscans.

These people remained politically in the peninsula until 509 BC in the form of a monarchy. There were seven Etruscan kings, the last being Tarquin "the Proud".

The end of the monarchy came about without revolution or bloodshed. During the Etruscan monarchy, Rome was founded around seven hills: Capitoline, Celio, Esquiline, Aventine, Quirinal, Viminal, and Palatine (Rome was founded on the Palatine).

Foundation of Rome

1. Legend of Romulus & Remus.
2. Political, economic & social factors.

The triumph of the social revolution was led by the Patricians (the upper class, who were the richest). They controlled political power through three institutions: the Assembly or Commissions, the Senate, and the Judiciary.

In the year 509 BC, the government transitioned from a monarchy to a republic (Consulate). The patricians, realizing that it was dangerous for power to be in the hands of one person, decided that political power should be held by two people (Consuls). They ruled for a year and had the right to veto each other. In exceptional cases, one person was elected: the Dictator.

The Power of Rome

Located in the Italian Peninsula, along the Tiber River, Rome encompassed seven hills. The traditional date of its founding (754-750 BC) is confirmed by discoveries of hut foundations on the Palatine Hill. Its location is at the northwest corner of Lazio, on its border with Etruria, marked by the Tiber River, 25 km from the coast.

Foundation of Rome involved three tribes: Ramnes, Titius, and Lucero. These tribes formed the Roma Quadrata on the Palatine Hill. Another city, founded by one or more other groups in the Quirinale, joined with the Roma Quadrata, giving rise to the well-known Rome.

Origins of the Legend

The Romans say that the hero Aeneas, after the Trojan War, came to Italy and founded a city, Lavinium. Aeneas' grandson made his niece, Rhea Silva, become a Vestal Virgin to avoid a descendant who could usurp the throne. But the god Mars begat the virgin twins Romulus and Remus, who were thrown into the Tiber by Amulius.

The twins were suckled by a she-wolf and raised by a shepherd named Faustulus. When they grew older and learned of their origins, they killed Amulius and restored their grandfather, Numitor, to the throne of Alba Longa. They would become the founders of Rome.

Kings of Rome

• Romulus was the first king of Rome.
• Numa Pompilius
• Tullus Hostilius
• Ancus Marcius
• Tarquinius Priscus
• Servius Tullius
• Tarquinius "the Proud" was the last king of Rome (6th century BC; 509 BC -> Res publica (public thing))

Its origins date back to 753 BC.

Seven villages joined in order to protect themselves from the Etruscans.

Monarchical Political Organization

• King: Held power for life, commanded the army, and oversaw justice and religion.
• Senate: Composed of 300 members from the oldest families. It advised the king and acted as a permanent council, sanctioning agreements made by the Assembly.
• Curiate Assembly: Composed of patricians. They elected the king and voted on laws. * The village was divided over four centuries and served the army according to its wealth. This was the base of the popular assemblies.

Social Organization

• Patricians
• Plebeians (Clients)
• Slaves