14. Social, Economic, Cultural Life of the Late Repiblic Flashcards
How did the expansion of land affect agriculture in Rome? (Crops)
New crops were introduced, such as sweet cherries, apricots, etc.
What were 2 important products exported from Italy to the Provinces?
1) Bronze from Capua
2) Terra sigillata from Arretium
What problems did the abundance of slaves bring?
Hard to control, and impaired development of technology (slaves were cheaper)
What important material did the conquest of Spain bring to Rome?
Copper and silver. Bronze was now accessible to the Romans in the British Isles.
Why was the gap between the rich and poor getting larger?
1) Spoils of war resulted in the rich getting richer
2) Tax-farming and money-lending in the the provinces with interest from 24-48%. Coins were needed to pay taxes, and not everyone had these.
What was the purpose of entertainment in Rome?
Helped people gain popularity!
2 main types of games in Rome were
1) Ludi scaeni (scenic games) = plays and pantomime dances
2) Ludi circensus (circus) Chariot races, exotic beast hunts, gladiatorial combat.
How could slaves help their owners after they are freed?
May be asked to do free work, Thier children are required to vote for their parent’s owners.
Why were the Romans becoming more Hellenized? What was the result of this?
Why: conquest of Eastern Mediterranean resulted in the aquisition of art, books, and enslaved Greek scholars
Result: mania for private libraries. Demand for copying and selling books!
How did aristocratic girls receive education?
Upper classes had private tutors for their sons, so their daughters also received some instruction.
How was the law and legal system reformed?
Establishment of permanent jury courts w/ Praetors at the head (Sulla)
Developed LAW OF NATIONS: international law where non-Romans were involved.
2 main philosophical movements in Rome
Stoicism and Epicureanism
How did the Greeks affect Roman art?
Bronze statues imitated, mosaics etc. Architecture used Greek and Hellenistic models
What was the issue with subsidized distribution of grain in Rome?
Not targeted at the poor, but to male Roman citizens, rich or poor!
