Day 1

- Power and authority: Rome began as a republic, a government in which elected officials represent the people. Eventually, absolute rulers called emperors seized power and expanded the empire.

- Empire building: At its height, the Roman Empire touched three continents-Europe, Asia, and Africa. For several centuries, Rome brought peace and prosperity to its empire before it eventually collapsed.

- Religious and ethical systems: Out of Judea rose a monotheistic, or single-god, the religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome and beyond.

509 B.C.- Rome becomes a republic
264 B.C.- First Punic war begins
218 B.C.- In the second Punic War Hannibal invades Italy
31 B.C.- Octavian defeats the forces of Antony and Cleopatra
284 A.D.- Diocletian becomes emperor of Rome
476 A.D.- Western Roman Empire falls

Republic: Government in which power rests with the citizens
Patrician: Wealthy landowners that held the most power
Plebian: Common people  like farmers and artisans that made up the majority of the population
Tribune: Protected rights of the plebians from unfair acts of the patricians
Consul: Two officials that were like kings and demanded the army, directed the government but had limited power. One year term
Senate: Aristocratic branch of the government. Both legislative and judicial branches. 300 members
Dictator: Leader who had absolute power over everything
Legion: Roman soldiers were organized into large units called legions. One legion consisted of 5,000 soldiers.
Punic wars: Battles between Rome and Carthage for Italy and the Mediterranean. First was between 264 B.C. and 241 B.C. and Rome won. The next was started in 218 B.C. when Hannibal invaded Italy.
Hannibal: Brilliant military strategist that wanted to revenge Carthage's latest defeat.

2. Consuls could overrule the decisions. They could only have a term of one year and couldn't be voted back in for 10 years. They also controlled the army.

3. The republic was the key characteristic because it was the start of the new government where everyone is equal in power and has a voice. It also set the path for Rome as part of the republic.  

4. The twelve tables were the first set of laws established. Those laws set the path for the future.  They also gave protection to the plebians

5. He trekked from Spain to France to the alps and then on the Italian peninsula. More than half of his men died and so did all of his elephants.