Summary of David M. Gwynn's The Roman Republic

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The legend of Rome begins with the fall of Troy, when the Greeks poured forth from the Wooden Horse and brought the ten years of the Trojan War to an end. The Trojan prince Aeneas gathered around him the last survivors of the burning city, and led them to Italy. #2 The Roman Republic was ruled by a succession of seven kings, the first of whom was Romulus. He was followed by Numa Pompilius, who was credited with the organization of the Roman calendar and the most ancient rites of Roman religion. #3 The last king of Rome was Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, Tarquin the Proud. He ruled by fear as a tyrant, and ignored the Senate, whose role was to advise the king. Tarquin’s sons shared their father’s character, and from their crimes came the downfall of the monarchy and the creation of the Republic. #4 The first Romans were placed within their physical and cultural setting. Rome was located in the fertile plain of Latium, which was halfway down Italy’s western coast. The land had to be defended from the raids of the hill people of the Apennines.