Greco-Rome

Page 133 Rome’s was in a central location, in the midpoint of the peninsula, with natural protection and Mediterranean climate with provided long growing seasonal and a wide variety of crops.

The merging of several hilltop communities to form an urban nucleus, plus allowing immigrants, exiles, and outcasts into the community as well. Agriculture was the essential economic activity and land was the basis of wealth. Social status, political privilege, and fundamental values were related to land ownership. They were mostly self-sufficient farmers; Senate – council or elders – owned large tracts of land and were wealthy. There were seven kings and Brutus, the liberator, instituted a republic. The republic was an assembly of male citizens where the votes of wealthy classes counted for more than the votes of the poor citizens. The real power was in the Senate. The Senate made policy and governed. They nominated their sons for public offices and filled the Senate vacancies from the ranks of former officials. Members served for life and brought together the state’s wealth, influence, and political and military experience. Conflict of orders was inequalities in Roman society and conflict between the elite and the majority of the population.

Page 135 Social Relations: The basic unit of Roman society was the family, made up of living family members, the oldest make had absolute authority. Complex ties of obligation of patron/client relationship bound together different classes. Inequality was accepted, institutionalized, and turned into a system of mutual benefits and obligations. Women were treated like children, depended on male guardian to protect her interests. They were better off than their Greek counterpart. The gained greater personal protection and economic freedom from dead husbands, or sons. They believed in invisible forces known as numina. Labored to maintain the pax deorum, or the peace of the gods. They performed sacrifices and other rituals to win the god’s favor. When they came into contact with the Greeks, they equated their major deities with Greek gods.

Page 137 – Expansion in Italy and the Mediterranean: The chief instrument in Roman expansion was the military. They expanded due to greed, encouraged war because of military glory, and due to feeling insecure and wanted to provide a buffer against attack. Their soldiers’ uniform was similar to Greek military, but battle line was more flexible. They worked harder and were more disciplined than Greek military. They had high military expectations, as well as a large military force. Governors, recently retired Senators, would go these recent provinces and rule against inter turmoil and claim taxes for Rome. However, it didn’t work, due to lack of sufficient time and competence of the governor.

Page 138 – Expansion and frequent wars led to failure, changed the landscape of the land; money ended up in the hands of the upper class. While farmers were away at war, land was taken by purchase, deception, or intimidation. They were turned into broad estates or ranches. Grew grapes, herded cows, so paid big money for imported grains. Cheap labor from prisoners, made it difficult to find work for peasants, and lived in dire poverty. This led to lack of military service from farmers. Marius, used these men to create loyalty and helped him get elected to six councilships. This led to civil wars, where Rome was taken by force on several occasions.

Page 139 Julius Caesar’s nephew Octavian reset the Roman system of