Summary of Chapter 6 Cultures of the West A History. Written by Clifford R. Backman. Associated with lectures week 6 and 7 in History of Western Civilization 101. Each section of the chapter is reviewed as well as each subsection. 11 pages of review for the entire chapter. Chapter is on Ancient Rom...
Chapter 7 Reading: Summaries + Key Points
Empire of the Sea: Rome 753 BCE – 212 CE. pgs. 171-205
Introduction:
-Romans thought themselves descended from Trojan citizens after the city was burned.
-Legend of Aeneas and Anchises: Aphrodite fell for Anchises and birthed Aeneas. Anchises
bragged about the affair, so Zeus struck him in the eyes with lightning making him go blind.
-After Troy was burned, Aeneas was given a prophecy that he would create a kingdom in Latium.
Latium is in modern day central Italy.
Aeneas took over Latium, but did not establish Rome.
-Romulus and Remus: Twin brothers, descendants of Aeneas. Established Rome’s foundations
753 BCE. Dynasty.
509 BCE, Rebellion in Rome overthrew monarchs, established the republic.
-Romans valued practicality and dutifulness. Legend of origin likely created to justify their cruel
exploits.
Ancient Italy and the Rise of Rome:
Links to Ancient Heros:
-Early Rome had no legends of heroes unlike Greece.
Connected themselves to Greeks legends as defense.
-Warlike society. Surrounded by aggressive invaders.
Rule by Kings:
-Seven monarchs. Ruled from start of the empire to start of the republic (753-509BCE)
-Rome created the Senate. The body of government changed with Rome and stayed in place
throughout regime changes.
Men chosen to advise the King. Roman value to always consult advisors before deciding.
-Latium was geographically cut off from most of the world. Did not have early trade with
Greece. Most early trade was done with Etruria.
The Etruscans:
-Literate society with writing. Language is still not understood.
-Introduced Romans to metalsmith techniques and gladiator contests.
, -Gladiator Contests: Started as funeral services (sacrifice for the deceased). Very popular.
-Etruscans influenced Latins in two keyways: Morals and Religion.
-Latins (and Greeks) disapproved of Etruscan’s indulgence. Romans disdained luxury and self-
indulgence.
High value on frugality and self-displace. Placed common good before individual desire.
-Etruscans used divination, known as one of the best. Romans adopted their practice.
Romans turned to haruspices (priests) before making any decisions. Took their warnings and
advice very seriously.
From Monarchy to Republic:
-Romans overthrew their King in 509 BCE. Established a republic, called “res publica” (public
thing.) Very vague.
-Mostly unwritten constitution that was constantly changed.
The crucial and basic idea was to have a separation of powers.
-Created system of checks and balances to ensure no one person or group could have complete
power.
-Senate dominated the body. Made of leading noble families. Most many legislative assemblies
and executive magistrates did work.
Made up of many different social groups.
-Rome was split into three different social groups:
Patricians: Aristocrats. Lineage to members of the first Republican Senate.
Equestrians: Aristocrats. Lineage to members of Rome’s first cavalry.
Plebian: Every other free citizen.
- “Struggle of Order” led to the creation of Rome’s first written law code in 450 BCE.
Twelve Tables. Made of twelve wooden slabs distributed to the public.
The Twelve Tables:
-Regarded property rights. This was the main concern for Romans at the time.
-Opened more government positions to plebians.
-Created six different social classes.
Distinction used for military recruitment. Decided how much military service each citizen owed.
Paternal Power:
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