2.2 Sulla and the 70s

Question 1

What was the Social War?

Answer 1

A conflict from 91 to 87 where Rome’s Italian allies fought for the right of Roman citizenship

This war highlighted the tensions between Rome and its allies, leading to significant political changes.

Question 2

Who was Mithridates?

Answer 2

The king of Pontus who fostered revolution in the Roman province of Asia during the Social War

Mithridates’ actions contributed to the instability in the Roman Republic during this period.

Question 3

What significant political position did Sulla achieve in 88?

Answer 3

Consulship

Sulla’s consulship marked the beginning of his influence in the Roman political landscape.

Question 4

Who was P. Sulpicius Rufus?

Answer 4

A popularis tribune who clashed with Sulla over the allocation of newly enfranchised allies

Sulpicius used aggressive tactics to force Sulla to flee Rome.

Question 5

What was the outcome of Sulla’s march on Rome?

Answer 5

Sulpicius was killed, but Marius escaped

This event marked a significant turning point in Roman politics, showcasing Sulla’s willingness to use military force.

Question 6

What happened during the elections of 87?

Answer 6

L. Cornelius Cinna, a popularis, was elected consul

Cinna’s election led to further conflict with the optimates and civil unrest.

Question 7

What actions did Marius take after retaking Rome?

Answer 7

He killed any perceived opposition until his death

Marius’ violent actions contributed to the chaos of the period.

Question 8

What was Sulla’s approach to the proscriptions?

Answer 8

He posted lists of outlawed men with bounties on their heads

This tactic was used to raise money by seizing their properties.

Question 9

How many senators and equestrians were proscribed during Sulla’s rule?

Answer 9

At least forty senators and 1,600 equestrians

The proscriptions had a devastating impact on the Roman elite and their families.

Question 10

What was Sulla’s primary goal as dictator?

Answer 10

To write laws and re-establish the Republic

Sulla’s reforms aimed to strengthen the Senate and curb the power of the tribunes.

Question 11

What changes did Sulla implement regarding the Senate?

Answer 11

Increased the size of the Senate to 600

This reform was intended to accommodate the political ambitions of the equestrians.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Sulla established ________ permanent courts, the quaestiones perpetuae.

Answer 12

seven

These courts were staffed from the now-increased Senate and marked a significant change in the judicial system.

Question 13

What was the consequence of Sulla’s reforms on the tribunes?

Answer 13

Removed their power to propose legislation to the comitia plebis tributa

This change greatly reduced the political influence of the tribunes in Roman governance.

Question 14

Who challenged Sulla’s reforms after his resignation?

Answer 14

M. Aemilius Lepidus

Lepidus sought to restore the powers of the tribunate and recall exiled individuals.

Question 15

What was the result of Lepidus’ proposals?

Answer 15

A revolt broke out at Faesulae in Etruria

The revolt indicated the growing unrest against Sulla’s reforms.

Question 16

What did Pompey achieve during his military campaigns?

Answer 16

He increased his personal clientele and public revenues through taxation

Pompey’s military successes significantly bolstered his political stature.

Question 17

What was the outcome of Cicero’s prosecution of C. Verres?

Answer 17

Verres was found guilty and fled Rome

This trial highlighted the corruption of provincial governors and the failures of the senatorial class.

Question 18

What did Pompey restore after Sulla’s reforms?

Answer 18

The tribunes’ power to bring laws before the comitia plebis tributa

This restoration allowed the tribunate to regain its significance in Roman politics.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Pompey was nicknamed the ________ butcher.

Answer 19

teenage

This nickname reflects the brutality of his military actions during his rise to power.

Question 20

What was a significant result of the political changes in the 70s?

Answer 20

The restoration of the tribunate’s former powers became a political cause

Many aspiring politicians sought to use the tribunate as a stepping stone for their careers.