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Western Civilization

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Initially the Italian Peninsula had three main groups on it, the Romans, the Greeks and the Etruscans. Rome itself was founded in 753 B.C.E. An Etruscan led monarchy was overthrown in 509 B.C.E. The Roman Republic consisted of two Consuls who were chosen annually and led the army into battle. The Roman praetor ruled in the consul’s absence but was responsible for civil justice. New praetors were put in place to rule over conquered provinces. During emergencies a temporary dictator was voted in who had unlimited power to handle the threat to Rome. Quaestor's assisted in financial matters, while aediles supervised the public games and grain supply. The Roman Senate consisted of 300 men who served for life and advised the consuls. The centuriate assembly was the political assembly of the Roman army, and the tribunes of the plebs were to protect plebeians against patrician magistrates. The council of the plebs, 471 B.C.E., passed laws for the plebeians. The Twelve Tables of Law had the laws and policies written down for all to see. The Roman confederation, 338 B.C.E., allowed for conquered nations to become citizens, it allowed for provinces to maintain their own autonomy in exchange for soldiers for the Roman Army. After the Italian Peninsula, Romans faced off with Carthage located by Tyre. Three Punic Wars followed with Carthage ultimately defeated. The First Triumvirate was a coalition between Pompey, Crassus and Caesar, who felt that the senate was continuously trying to thwart their intentions. Together their immense power and wealth allowed them to get the appointments they wanted. A balance was kept until the death of Crassus, which led to the confrontation between Pompey and Caesar, which lead to the end of the Roman Republic. The Senate chose to back Pompey, and when Caesar crossed the Rubicon was forced to flee. After the death of both Pompey and Caesar;

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