Roman History Notes- 9th Grade Level
1. Geography & Origins of Rome
Geography
Rome started on the Italian Peninsula, a land between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Constructed along the Tiber River, which provided both fresh water and trade routes.
Protected by a circle of mountains, Apennines plus Alps.
Early People
Latins — first settlers on the hills of Rome.
Etruscans - influenced Rome's architecture, writing, engineering, and religion.
Greeks -influenced art, gods, temples, alphabet.
⭐ Key Vocabulary
Peninsula - Land bordered by water on three sides
Republic-a form of government in which citizens elect leaders.
Summary
The geography of Rome made it easy to trade, expand, and defend. Early cultures influenced
Roman language, religion, and government.
2. The Roman Republic (509–27 BCE)
How the Republic Worked
Rome overthrew Etruscan kings and established a republic, wherein power was shared with
elected leaders.
Government Structure
Consuls — 2 leaders who commanded the army; served 1-year terms.
Senate — wealthy men who advised consuls; most powerful group.
, Assemblies: all citizens voted on the laws.
Dictator — temporary leader given full power in times of emergency (6 months).
Social Classes
Patricians - wealthy landowners; held most power.
Plebeians — commoners, farmers and merchants; fought for more rights.
The Twelve Tables
Rome's first written laws
Protected citizens from unfair treatment
Publicly posted so that all knew the rules
⚔️
Expansion of Rome
Rome fought wars to expand control over Italy, then the Mediterranean.
The Punic Wars: Rome against Carthage
Among the brilliant Carthaginian generals was Hannibal, who used war elephants.
Rome defeated Carthage and added both Spain and North Africa to its possession.
Result: Rome became the most powerful force in the Mediterranean.
⭐ Key Vocabulary
Consul — a high-ranking official in the Roman Republic.
Tribune — elected plebeian protector.
Overview
The Roman Republic gave Rome strong leadership and flexibility. As Rome expanded, it
became rich — but also created tensions between classes.
3. The Fall of the Republic & Rise of the Empire
Issues within the Republic
1. Geography & Origins of Rome
Geography
Rome started on the Italian Peninsula, a land between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Constructed along the Tiber River, which provided both fresh water and trade routes.
Protected by a circle of mountains, Apennines plus Alps.
Early People
Latins — first settlers on the hills of Rome.
Etruscans - influenced Rome's architecture, writing, engineering, and religion.
Greeks -influenced art, gods, temples, alphabet.
⭐ Key Vocabulary
Peninsula - Land bordered by water on three sides
Republic-a form of government in which citizens elect leaders.
Summary
The geography of Rome made it easy to trade, expand, and defend. Early cultures influenced
Roman language, religion, and government.
2. The Roman Republic (509–27 BCE)
How the Republic Worked
Rome overthrew Etruscan kings and established a republic, wherein power was shared with
elected leaders.
Government Structure
Consuls — 2 leaders who commanded the army; served 1-year terms.
Senate — wealthy men who advised consuls; most powerful group.
, Assemblies: all citizens voted on the laws.
Dictator — temporary leader given full power in times of emergency (6 months).
Social Classes
Patricians - wealthy landowners; held most power.
Plebeians — commoners, farmers and merchants; fought for more rights.
The Twelve Tables
Rome's first written laws
Protected citizens from unfair treatment
Publicly posted so that all knew the rules
⚔️
Expansion of Rome
Rome fought wars to expand control over Italy, then the Mediterranean.
The Punic Wars: Rome against Carthage
Among the brilliant Carthaginian generals was Hannibal, who used war elephants.
Rome defeated Carthage and added both Spain and North Africa to its possession.
Result: Rome became the most powerful force in the Mediterranean.
⭐ Key Vocabulary
Consul — a high-ranking official in the Roman Republic.
Tribune — elected plebeian protector.
Overview
The Roman Republic gave Rome strong leadership and flexibility. As Rome expanded, it
became rich — but also created tensions between classes.
3. The Fall of the Republic & Rise of the Empire
Issues within the Republic
