HI289 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Oligarchy, Pyrrhic War, Battle Of Cape Ecnomus
Document Summary
City founded by twin brothers romulus and remus: mother was princess rhea silvia, whose father was deposed by his brother. Silvia, having been raped and impregnated by mars, abandons her children lest they be killed by their uncle. Twins found by a she-wolf who takes care of them. Rome attracts the indignant, the exiled and the unwanted: women kidnapped from neighbouring sabine tribe. Equipped and fought in classical greek style- heavy hoplite infantry, light infantry and cavalry. Levied from land-holding farmers for limited campaign season. Formed into legions- term comes from latin word for levy (legio) Standard levy around 6000 hoplites, 2400 light infantry, 600 cavalry. Horatius coclus single handedly holds the bridge over the tiber river- saves rome. Symbol of civic virtue and sacrifice to the state. Battle of the allia river: vae victis- woe to the vanquished. Roman response- with iron, not gold, rome buys her freedom.
