PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

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Foundation of Rome
The Etruscans were skilful seamen who traded with Greece, North Africa, Egypt and the Near
East. Their language was different from other languages in the Western Mediterranean and little
is known about their origins. They ruled much of Italy for 300 years before their defeat by more
powerful Roman legions.
Scholars don’t know much about the structure of the Etruscan language, which doesn’t resemble Greek or
Latin. In the 19th century an Etruscan document was found in the wrappings of an Egyptian mummy, but
philologists have still been unable to find a key to the language. The discovery of the Rosetta stone unlocked
the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphics and scholars are hoping for a similar find for the Etruscan language.
In 1964 three gold tablets were excavated near Rome. They contained Etruscan and Punic inscriptions, but
despite months examining and comparing them, scholars found there was insufficient information to
provide any more knowledge.
As the Roman Empire spread from its humble beginnings, conquered countries became provinces controlled
by governors. Roman conquest brought improved legal systems (our civil laws are developed from Roman
law), better farming methods, splendid roads and buildings, but also brutality. Cicero, a famous orator and
politician, was critical of this aspect of the Empire when he wrote, ‘There isn’t a place which has not been
invaded by the greed and injustice of our fellow Romans ... it is hard to find words to say how much foreign
nations hate us’.
The Empire began in 27 BC with the rule of the emperor Augustus. Despite the disadvantages of living under
Roman rule it is important to remember that Latin, the Roman language, has formed the basis of modern
languages such as Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
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When the early Romans drove out Rome’s last king, Tarquin, the Etruscan leader, Lars Porsena, supported
Tarquin and attacked Rome. The bridge leading into the city across the Tiber was defended by the Roman
hero, Horatius. Though Lars Porsena ruled Rome for a few years, historians believe Horatius is a legendary
person. Read and discuss Lord Macaulay’s poem about Horatius in his book ‘Lays of Ancient Rome’.
– 2 – Ancient Rome Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com