Ancient Rome Flashcards
Rome is located near which river?
Tiber River
What were the two mountain ranges that protected Rome?
Alps + Apennine Mountains
What four seas surrounded the Italian peninsula?
Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic + Ionian sea
Who were Romulus and Remus?
The twins who founded Rome
What is the story of Romulus and Remus?
Romulus and Remus’ grandfather, Numitor was removed from the throne and their mother (Rhea Silvia) was exiled to the temple of Vesta.
Despite this, Silvia falls pregnant to the gods Mars.
Fearful of losing the throne he stole, Amulius orders that they be drowned in the Tiber river.
A she-wolf finds and cares for them. A shepherd, Faustulus finds and cares for them.
Eventually, they take back the throne, and go off to found Rome.
Out of anger when fighting where to start the city, Romulus kills Remus.
On what hill did Romulus build Rome?
Palatine Hill
When did Romulus found Rome?
753BC
What does the story of Romulus and Remus tell us about the Romans?
That Romans will do a lot to get into and stay in power
Who could be a Roman Citizen?
Anyone whose parents were a Roman citizen but also gladiators and those who served in the army could become Roman citizens
What was the Roman republic?
The period in which the city-state of Rome existed as a republican government (from 509 BC to 27 BC)
What was the Cursus Honorum?
The ladder of senate roles
Who made up the senate?
Patricians and later plebians
How did one get elected to the senate?
The plebeian assembly would choose
Consuls
2 (For 1 year)
The top ruling officials who shared power with each other. They oversaw Senate meetings and managed armies.
Praetors
Up to 16
Managed the legal system. Appointed or were judges. Could be made governor of a province.
Aediles
2
Looked after food supply, games, public buildings, city maintenance and markets
Quaestors
Up to 40
Looked after the financial matters within the cities and the army.
Censors
2 (Every 5 years)
Reviewed senate membership, enrolled new citizens, conducted census, oversaw tax collection and public work contracts.
Tribunes
10
The leaders of the plebeian assembly. Made sure that the officials were doing the right thing.
Role of Women
- Looked after the home and family finances
- Nurture a family by taking care of children and bearing the husbands children
- Could have different jobs and religious roles such as being a vestal virgin, a shop owner or a midwife.
How did someone become a slave?
Bought by the Romans from slave dealers or pirates. Also came from conquered territories and in times of conflict. Criminals could be sold as slaves and the children of slaves would become a slave. Some people even sold themselves into slavery in order to pay their debts.