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The Italian peninsula (modern day Italy), was home to Latins, Greeks and Etruscans. The Latins built the original settlement of Rome on a series of hills along the Tiber River (Seven Hills).

The location benefited early Romans. Favorable weather created farmland. And the hills and mountain ranges protected it from harsh weather and invaders. Also, the Tiber River allowed successful and plentiful trading throughout Italy.

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In the 8th century, Rome became a kingdom (ruled by a king or rex). The king governed with help from a council called a senate which included the richest and most powerful citizens. For hundreds of years, kings ruled Rome. Many of the kings were Etruscans from northern Italy and greatly impacted Roman culture (Roman gods & goddesses, written language and the government all came from the Etruscans).

The last king to rule was Tarquin the Proud. He often ruled with a harsh hand. As a result, he was pushed out of the kingdom by the senate who decided to base their government largely on the will of the people (the Roman Republic).

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Read the following document about Roman Religion in the early days of the Roman Republic. Leave in the comment box two pieces of information that you feel are very important to remember.

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Everyone knows who Julius Caesar was. Did he destroy the Roman Republic? Watch the EdPuzzle video, answering the questions as you go.

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Easily create beautiful interactive video lessons for your students you can integrate right into your LMS. Track students' progress with hassle-free analytics as you flip your classroom!

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Rome officially became an empire under Augustus (although it was an empire in all but name before that, as the video showed you). And emperor is a single, all powerful ruler. Augustus was careful and brilliant. He used his power to create a strong government. During his rule, a long period of peace and prosperity began known as the "Pax Romana."

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Watch the EdPuzzle video and complete the questions embedded in the video.

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Easily create beautiful interactive video lessons for your students you can integrate right into your LMS. Track students' progress with hassle-free analytics as you flip your classroom!

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AFTER listening to the audio clip, answer ONE of the following questions in the comments section. Be sure you indicate which question you are answering.

1. Why did the Romans see Jesus as a threat?
2. What qualities do you think many early Christians possessed? How do you know?
3. Why did Roman leaders treat Christians harshly?

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Many aspects of the Roman culture influenced later societies, especially in the areas of art, engineering and government. Follow the link above. Choose ONE area to REALLY study, and leave a comment about what you learned. Be sure you include the name of the area and interesting details when you tell us what you learned.

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The purpose of this website is to show some of the many ways the great city of Rome has influenced our culture today!