The History of the Romans: Development of Government and Law

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The History of the Romans: Development of Government and Law

The Romans began their existence as a small city under Etruscan Rule. As they grew in population, they were able to rebel against the Etruscans and become their own country. After their rebellion, they were able to assemble their first government. As their wealth, power and population grew, the Romans were able to increase their territorial gains. As they expanded their territory throughout the Roman Empire and the Roman Republic, they altered their government and enhanced their laws; both of which have been very influential in the development of the American government.

The Roman kingdom began as a small city which was ruled by the Etruscans. The Etruscans were a monarchy ruled by a King-Priest. The Etruscans had the greatest influence on the Roman culture. The Romans incorporated the Etruscan gods as well as their language, ideas and civilization. The Etruscans forced the citizens whom they conquered to work on their farms doing all of the agricultural labor.

While dominated people such as the Romans worked on the Etruscan farms, the Etruscans concentrated on expanding their territory, commerce and industry. While trying to expand their territories, the Etruscans became weaker because they were unable to control all of the people it had dominated. After being defeated by other tribes, the Romans saw their opportunity to be free from the Etruscans. The Romans destroyed not only the Etruscan people but all of their belongings. They burned the Etruscan's books and writings, knocked down their buildings and destroyed the capital along with the Etruscan King-Priest. Because the Romans destroyed everything, there is very little known about the Etruscans. In 509 B.C., the Romans were finally free from the Etruscan rule with the expulsion of the Etruscan Monarchs.

After defeating the Etruscans, the...