CLST 232 Lecture 1: Classics 232 – 1
Document Summary
Rome was not centralized until c. 200 b. c. There were a variety of tribes/ people within pre-historic" italy. 750 b. c. is the traditional founding date for rome. Mountainous area not much contact with outside groups this leads to city states don"t unite to a larger regional group. Becomes a convenient target for roman commanders a place to go and make a name for themselves. Had a non indo-european language which still has not been deciphered. Had a very large impact on roman culture. Occupied a well watered plain, also well wooded (resources for building and fuel) Rome is on the boundary of latini and etruscan. General name used for a large group of smaller tribes. Dialects indo-european, but include many non indo-european elements. Always in constant need for more territory by nature they are expansionists. Often in conflict with wealthier more urbanized peoples. These tribes are primarily the main groups that rome was in conflict with.
