Today's class and homework 4/26/11

Words and their Definitions :)

• Patrician - specially privaleged families; they dominated Roman cities
• Plebian - free citizans with a number of rights, including voting
• Legion - a massive miliatry unit of 4,000-6,000 foot soldiers
• Century - 100 years
• Republic - political unit, not ruled by a monarchy, where citizans have the right to vote
• Gravitas - weightiness or seriousness
• Pater Familias - father of the family
• Toga - an uncomfortable garment of clothing. Usually a large wool blanket, women wore more dressy garments called stolas.

Questions and their Answers :)

1. How did georgraphy help Rome?
1. Rome is located midway between the Alps and Italy's southern tip. Thus the city is a central point within a central penninsula. Occupies an ideal position to send out armies and ships in all directions. Has many key trade routes
2. Why was each of the following groups important to Romes development (A) Latins, (B) Greeks, (C) Etruscans?
1. Latins: Rome began as a settlement of Latin shepards. Romulus built his wall around this hill of shepards.
2. Greeks: established about 50 colonies on the coast of southern Italy and Sicily. The numerous reeks were called the Greater Greeks (Magnus Graecia)
3. Etruscans: May have come from Asia Minor, and were more civilized than the Latin's. Had a writing system. Roamn buildings show influence of Etruscan architecture. Also helped develop Roman trade.
3. What were the values of early Roman society?
1. Romans valued family ties. The heart of Roman society was family. The household belonged exclusively to one person - the eldest man or father of the house. (pater familias). Women ran the household, father acted as the chief priest.
4. (A) How was the Roman household organized? (B)What freedoms did women have in family and in society?
1. The father acted as the protector and priest of the house. Women ran the household.
2. Women ate with their husbands, and she often advised him on buisness and politics. Oficcially the Roman woman was expected to remain in the background and they could not vote.
5. How was the army linked to the Roman society?
1. All men were required to serve in the army. You had to join the army before you could do anything else in society. Rifhting Roman-style meant being a part of the legion.

Today in class Mr. Schick came back from being sick. He didn't seem like himself today though. Very out of it, and....crazy if you will. Very entertaining though. After today's class....I think we all need help.