The Roman Republic

CHAPTER 

6 

GUIDED READING The Roman Republic 

Section 1 

A. Following Chronological Order As you read about the growth of Rome into a 

powerful republic, answer the questions about events in the timeline. (Some dates in the timeline are approximate.) 

753 B.C. Rome is founded, according to legend

1. How did geography affect the development of 

Rome? 

Built on a curve near the Tiber River and was near the Mediterranian sea.

600 B.C. Etruscan becomes king of Rome. 

2. How did the Etruscans influence the development 

of Rome? 

They brought their own system of writing and implemented the use of the arch.

509 B.C. Roman aristocrats overthrow monarchy and establish a republic. 

3. Which were the main groups that competed for 

power in the early Roman republic? 

The patricians and the plebeians.

451 B.C.Officials begin writing the Twelve Tables. 

4. What is the significance of the Twelve Tables in 

Roman law? 

It was the idea that all free citizens had a right to the protection of the law.

246 B.C. Rome and Carthage go to war, and Punic Wars begin. 

5. What were the causes of the first Punic War? 

For the control of Sicily and the western Mediterranean.

218 B.C. The Second Punic War begins. 

202 B.C. Romans defeat Hannibal's army. 

6. What tactic did Scipio use to defeat Hannibal?. 

To force Hannibal to return to defend his native city.

149 B.C. The Third Punic War begins when/ Rome lays siege to Carthage. Rome destroys Carthage. 

7. What was the significance of the Punic Wars for 

Rome? 

Gave Rome it dominance over the western

Mediterranean.

TERMS & NAMES 

1. For each term or name, write a sentence explaining its significance.

• republic- a form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders.

• patrician- wealthy landowners who held most of the power.

• plebeian- common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up the majority of the population.

• tribune- elected representatives that protected the rights of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials.

• consul- they commanded the army and directed the government.

• senate- the aristocratic branch of Rome’s government.

• dictator- dictator—a leader who had absolute power to make laws and command the army.

• legion- organized large military units

• Punic Wars- Rome and Carthage went to war.

• Hannibal- a brilliant military strategist who wanted to avenge Carthage’s earlier defeat.

USING YOUR READING GUIDE

2. What do you consider to be the most important event in the chronological timeline for the development of Rome?Why?

The third Punic War because that is when Rome gained most of their power and strength.

MAIN IDEAS

3. What limits were there on the power of the Roman consuls?

Their term was only one year long. The same person could not be elected consul again for ten years.

4. What was the significance of the Twelve Tables?

Became the basis for Roman law.

5. How was Hannibal’s attack on Rome daring and different?

led his army on a long trek from Spain across France and through the Alps.