Rome Early Settlers
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Essential Themes
Geography: Why do people move and live where they do? Culture: How do we know what we know about human history? |
Not without reason did gods and men choose this spot for the site of our city - the healthy hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and sea-borne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very heart of Italy - all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.
The historian, Livy, in his work, The Early History of Rome
Why did people first settle the Italian peninsula?
As you learned in your last lesson, the geography of the Italian peninsula created an ideal climate for early settlers to establish farming communities. Those communities later grew to become cities. While it is true that the geography surrounding Rome gave the people who settled the land advantages as they worked to build their civilization, it was the unique characteristics of those people that led to the enduring greatness of Rome. In this lesson you will learn about those early settlers.
In the Beginning
When we think of Rome today, we often think of it’s ancient gloried past as pictured in postcard images of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or any number of other magnificent engineering or artistic marvels. We think of those things or we think of a large European city, the capital of the nation of Italy. Of course, it is both of those things. There was a time thousands and thousands of years ago, however, when there was no Italy and Rome was just a tiny tribal village on the banks of the Tiber River.
As you learned in your last lesson, the geography of the Italian peninsula created an ideal climate for early settlers to establish farming communities. Those communities later grew to become cities. While it is true that the geography surrounding Rome gave the people who settled the land advantages as they worked to build their civilization, it was the unique characteristics of those people that led to the enduring greatness of Rome. In this lesson you will learn about those early settlers.
In the Beginning
When we think of Rome today, we often think of it’s ancient gloried past as pictured in postcard images of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or any number of other magnificent engineering or artistic marvels. We think of those things or we think of a large European city, the capital of the nation of Italy. Of course, it is both of those things. There was a time thousands and thousands of years ago, however, when there was no Italy and Rome was just a tiny tribal village on the banks of the Tiber River.
Stone carvings in northern Italy date back to 8000 BCE.
While the other early civilizations of Mesopotamia, India, and Egypt had developed cities and true urban cultures as early as 3500 BCE, Rome was not settled until much later, and it did not develop into a civilization until later still. In fact, not much is known of the earliest people who called the Italian peninsula home. It’s believed that those earliest people probably migrated from what is now Spain, France, and Germany, crossing the alps at the end of the last ice-age.
While cities did not develop until much later, over several millennia a relative degree of sophistication took hold. The sophistication of the late prehistoric peoples of the Italian peninsula is exemplified by “Otzi the Iceman.” Found frozen in the Italian alps in 1991, conditions at the time of Otzi’s death 5300 years ago preserved his body and, along with him, his personal belongings. While many mysteries surround Otzi’s death, what is fascinating about the iceman is how much his belongings tell us about life in the area thousands of years ago.
While cities did not develop until much later, over several millennia a relative degree of sophistication took hold. The sophistication of the late prehistoric peoples of the Italian peninsula is exemplified by “Otzi the Iceman.” Found frozen in the Italian alps in 1991, conditions at the time of Otzi’s death 5300 years ago preserved his body and, along with him, his personal belongings. While many mysteries surround Otzi’s death, what is fascinating about the iceman is how much his belongings tell us about life in the area thousands of years ago.
What are some reasons other Mediterranean peoples may have settled the Italian peninsula?
Items found with Otzi include a copper-bladed ax, 14 iron-tipped arrows, a firestarter, a grass cape and insulated boots, a dagger with an ash handle and flint blade, a half-finished long bow (longer than a man is tall), a quiver filled with mostly half-finished arrows, an arrow repair kit, and medicine. Otzi was also inked with tattoos leading some to believe that he may have held high status in his community. A survey of his items indicates that Otzi was probably a hunter and, while that leads one to believe the people of this time had not yet given up their hunter-gatherer lifestyles, they were already mastering metalwork, experimenting with treatments for pain and other human conditions, and organizing themselves in a hierarchical society.
Even if the people of Otzi’s time were beginning to experiment with agriculture, it was likely not until after the next wave of immigrants came in that a farming culture took root on the peninsula. There is evidence that between 1500 and 1000 BCE new peoples began to settle the area. Think about what you know about ancient civilization and you might be able to guess why people would leave their homeland at this time and strike out for a new beginning. That’s right, by 1500 BCE city-states in other parts of the Mediterranean and the Middle East were large, exercised great power, and were often at war with one another. Knowing that, it’s not hard to see why some intrepid people might want to create a new home of their own, far away from those troubles. That so many of them decided to make their home on the Italian peninsula should come as no surprise. After all, it was a great place to be.
Even if the people of Otzi’s time were beginning to experiment with agriculture, it was likely not until after the next wave of immigrants came in that a farming culture took root on the peninsula. There is evidence that between 1500 and 1000 BCE new peoples began to settle the area. Think about what you know about ancient civilization and you might be able to guess why people would leave their homeland at this time and strike out for a new beginning. That’s right, by 1500 BCE city-states in other parts of the Mediterranean and the Middle East were large, exercised great power, and were often at war with one another. Knowing that, it’s not hard to see why some intrepid people might want to create a new home of their own, far away from those troubles. That so many of them decided to make their home on the Italian peninsula should come as no surprise. After all, it was a great place to be.
Who were the earliest to settle the land around Rome?
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
The earliest Roman settlers called themselves Latins and probably migrated from Central Asia. The Latins were farmers and shepherds who wandered into Italy across the Alps around 1000 BCE. They settled on either side of the Tiber River in a region they called Latium. The seven nearby hills offered them some protection, and the river gave them a valuable resource, water. Flatland near the Tiber was perfect for farming. The area offered everything they needed to thrive.
The original Roman settlement built by the Latins was a cluster of wooden huts set atop one of its seven hills, the Palatine Hill. Later, a Roman address on Palatine Hill indicated great wealth. The word, “palace,” is derived from the stately homes found on Palatine Hill. The Latins, however, were not alone in the region. They shared space on the Italian peninsula with other tribes such as the Sabines, the Ligurians, the Umbrians, and the Etruscans, as well as with colonizers from Carthage and Greece.
The earliest Roman settlers called themselves Latins and probably migrated from Central Asia. The Latins were farmers and shepherds who wandered into Italy across the Alps around 1000 BCE. They settled on either side of the Tiber River in a region they called Latium. The seven nearby hills offered them some protection, and the river gave them a valuable resource, water. Flatland near the Tiber was perfect for farming. The area offered everything they needed to thrive.
The original Roman settlement built by the Latins was a cluster of wooden huts set atop one of its seven hills, the Palatine Hill. Later, a Roman address on Palatine Hill indicated great wealth. The word, “palace,” is derived from the stately homes found on Palatine Hill. The Latins, however, were not alone in the region. They shared space on the Italian peninsula with other tribes such as the Sabines, the Ligurians, the Umbrians, and the Etruscans, as well as with colonizers from Carthage and Greece.
Roman mosaic of grape harvest.
Between 750 and 600 BCE, Greek settlers established about 50 colonies on the coasts of southern Italy and Sicily. The cities became prosperous and commercially active. They brought all of Italy, including Rome, into closer contact with Greek civilization. The Greeks taught the Romans how to grow grapes and olives and to use the Greek alphabet. Romans also copied Greek sculpture and other art forms.
At roughly the same time as Greek colonization in the south, another people invaded and settled in Northern Italy. These were the Etruscans, and they had an even greater influence on the development of Rome. Many Etruscans were rich miners and traders. Others were devoted to art. They painted murals and created jewelry, tools, and weapons. The Etruscans were also skilled in making clothing, metal items, and beautiful pottery.
At roughly the same time as Greek colonization in the south, another people invaded and settled in Northern Italy. These were the Etruscans, and they had an even greater influence on the development of Rome. Many Etruscans were rich miners and traders. Others were devoted to art. They painted murals and created jewelry, tools, and weapons. The Etruscans were also skilled in making clothing, metal items, and beautiful pottery.
What did the Romans borrow from the Etruscans?
The Etruscans are an especially interesting, even mysterious group. To this day, scientists remain unsure where the Etruscans came from. At one time, common belief was that the Etruscans were one united people who brought their language, religion, dance, and music with them from the east. Because so much of their culture reflects a Greek influence, scholars reasoned that they must have come from the Greek world, or someplace nearby such as Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Recently, however, archaeologists have compared Etruscan city design to even older cities in northern Italy and noted distinctive similarities. The same is true of Etruscan burial practices. As a result, some scientists have changed how they think about the Etruscans. Rather than existing as one people, united by a shared past, evidence now suggests that Etruscan culture was a melting pot that welcomed new people and new ideas. Historically, a stronger culture emerges when that intermingling of influences occurs.
Rome was a village with straw and wooden huts when the Etruscans came. After they conquered the Latins around 650 BCE, however, that changed. After their conquest of the Latin people, the Etruscans put a King in charge and ruled Rome for over 100 years. During that time, the Etruscans introduced an alphabet and a written language that, over time, grew into Latin. Interestingly, despite the discovery of over 10,000 Etruscan inscriptions, scientists have yet to interpret the Etruscan's writing. Until they do, it seems much of Etruscan culture will remain a mystery.
What we do know of the Etruscans, however, is pretty fascinating. They taught the early Romans how to pave roads and drain swamps and build sewer systems. They also taught the Romans to build temples and public squares. They even introduced their style of dress, the toga, to the Romans. Most importantly, the Etruscans showed the early Romans how to build an effective army. Later, the Romans copied the Etruscan military model and used it to build an empire. Because of those contributions to Roman culture, you might say that the Etruscans really were the people of early Rome. And, you would be right.
Recently, however, archaeologists have compared Etruscan city design to even older cities in northern Italy and noted distinctive similarities. The same is true of Etruscan burial practices. As a result, some scientists have changed how they think about the Etruscans. Rather than existing as one people, united by a shared past, evidence now suggests that Etruscan culture was a melting pot that welcomed new people and new ideas. Historically, a stronger culture emerges when that intermingling of influences occurs.
Rome was a village with straw and wooden huts when the Etruscans came. After they conquered the Latins around 650 BCE, however, that changed. After their conquest of the Latin people, the Etruscans put a King in charge and ruled Rome for over 100 years. During that time, the Etruscans introduced an alphabet and a written language that, over time, grew into Latin. Interestingly, despite the discovery of over 10,000 Etruscan inscriptions, scientists have yet to interpret the Etruscan's writing. Until they do, it seems much of Etruscan culture will remain a mystery.
What we do know of the Etruscans, however, is pretty fascinating. They taught the early Romans how to pave roads and drain swamps and build sewer systems. They also taught the Romans to build temples and public squares. They even introduced their style of dress, the toga, to the Romans. Most importantly, the Etruscans showed the early Romans how to build an effective army. Later, the Romans copied the Etruscan military model and used it to build an empire. Because of those contributions to Roman culture, you might say that the Etruscans really were the people of early Rome. And, you would be right.
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In time, the Latins, the Etruscans, and other people around Rome began to think of themselves simply as Romans. What they needed was something to pull them firmly together as one group. They had a common language, Latin. They had building skills. They were the center of a great deal of trade and traffic. Just as you might say with pride, “I am an American,” Rome’s early settlers needed to be able to say with pride, “I am a Roman.” What the early Romans needed to unify them as one people was a history. Just as other civilizations before them had done, the early Romans rooted their history in myth.
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Why is 509 BCE an important date in Roman history?
The Roman Myth
The history of ancient Rome begins with the overthrow of foreign kings in 509 BCE. Romans, however, like to date the history of their city to 753 BCE. That is when a legendary hero called Romulus is said to have founded Rome.
A legend is a popular story from earlier times that cannot be proved. The legend about Rome's founding begins with Aeneas, a hero of the Trojan War. According to the legend, Aeneas settled in Italy after Troy was destroyed by the Mycenaean Greeks. The legend continues with the twins, Romulus and Remus. In some versions of the myth, Romulus and Remus were the descendants of the hero, Aeneas.
The Founding of Rome
Once upon a time, there were two brothers, named Romulus and Remus. They were the twin sons of the war god, Mars, and his wife, the princess Rhea. They were cute kids, but their wicked uncle was tired of hearing them cry. He put the two babies in a basket, pushed the basket into the river, and walked away.
“That’s the end of that,” he said, wiping his wet hands on his toga as he walked along the riverbank. “Either the basket will sink or someone will find them and…” He shrugged. It really did not matter to him what happened to the twins as long as they were no longer around.
The gods must have been watching over the boys because the basket did not sink. It floated gently down the Tiber River and drifted onto shore near an area marked by its seven hills.
The history of ancient Rome begins with the overthrow of foreign kings in 509 BCE. Romans, however, like to date the history of their city to 753 BCE. That is when a legendary hero called Romulus is said to have founded Rome.
A legend is a popular story from earlier times that cannot be proved. The legend about Rome's founding begins with Aeneas, a hero of the Trojan War. According to the legend, Aeneas settled in Italy after Troy was destroyed by the Mycenaean Greeks. The legend continues with the twins, Romulus and Remus. In some versions of the myth, Romulus and Remus were the descendants of the hero, Aeneas.
The Founding of Rome
Once upon a time, there were two brothers, named Romulus and Remus. They were the twin sons of the war god, Mars, and his wife, the princess Rhea. They were cute kids, but their wicked uncle was tired of hearing them cry. He put the two babies in a basket, pushed the basket into the river, and walked away.
“That’s the end of that,” he said, wiping his wet hands on his toga as he walked along the riverbank. “Either the basket will sink or someone will find them and…” He shrugged. It really did not matter to him what happened to the twins as long as they were no longer around.
The gods must have been watching over the boys because the basket did not sink. It floated gently down the Tiber River and drifted onto shore near an area marked by its seven hills.
Tired from a fruitless day of hunting, the she-wolf was taking a long drink at the river. With hunger gnawing at her, she sighed heavily. The basket bumped up against her feet before she even noticed it. Hoping for a quick meal, she lifted her head and looked inside. Seeing the twin boys inside she brightened and her spirits lifted. Instead of making a quick meal of the basket’s contents, however, the she-wolf carried the babies back to her den, and fed and cared for them as if they were her own.
About a week later, a shepherd killed the she-wolf. He looked around for her cubs. Imagine his surprise when he found two healthy baby boys instead! He took the boys home, where his wife was thrilled!
Romulus and Remus did not know they were the sons of a god. They were happy being shepherds like their father. One day, when they had grown into strong young men, they decided to start a town of their own - a city of their own! They settled on a spot at the very top of seven hills near the Tiber river. Where would they ever find a better place to build? Some of their friends decided they wanted to live in this grand city, too.
But who would rule the new city? Ah, that’s when the trouble began. Both boys wanted to be in charge. They both wanted to be king. They agreed to let the gods decide.
Remus stood on top of one hill called the Avetine. Romulus stood on top of another hill called the Palatine. When six vultures flew high above Remus’ head, his friends cheered! Almost immediately, 12 vultures flew over Palatine hill where Romulus was standing. After a bit of an argument, everyone except Remus named Romulus king.
That very same day, Romulus began to build a wall for his city. After working on the wall for a short while, it came up to his knees. Remus, angry about how things had turned out, began to tease his brother.
About a week later, a shepherd killed the she-wolf. He looked around for her cubs. Imagine his surprise when he found two healthy baby boys instead! He took the boys home, where his wife was thrilled!
Romulus and Remus did not know they were the sons of a god. They were happy being shepherds like their father. One day, when they had grown into strong young men, they decided to start a town of their own - a city of their own! They settled on a spot at the very top of seven hills near the Tiber river. Where would they ever find a better place to build? Some of their friends decided they wanted to live in this grand city, too.
But who would rule the new city? Ah, that’s when the trouble began. Both boys wanted to be in charge. They both wanted to be king. They agreed to let the gods decide.
Remus stood on top of one hill called the Avetine. Romulus stood on top of another hill called the Palatine. When six vultures flew high above Remus’ head, his friends cheered! Almost immediately, 12 vultures flew over Palatine hill where Romulus was standing. After a bit of an argument, everyone except Remus named Romulus king.
That very same day, Romulus began to build a wall for his city. After working on the wall for a short while, it came up to his knees. Remus, angry about how things had turned out, began to tease his brother.
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“What a ridiculous wall,” he sneered. “I’ll show you what your enemies will do to a silly little wall like that.” With one leap, he jumped over the wall.
“And here’s how I’ll greet my enemies,” Romulus cried angrily. He hit Remus with the big rock he was holding and killed him. No one in the city knew if Romulus meant to kill his brother. Everyone agreed, however, that Remus had started the fight. So, Romulus became king and, naturally, he named his new city after himself - Rome. |