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.
What percentage of Roman society were believed to be slaves?
Around 20%-30% of Roman Society was believed to be slaves. During the early times of the Roman Empire, as many as ⅓ of people were believed to be slaves.
What jobs did slaves do?
Slaves did all sorts of work throughout the empire. Some slaves worked hard labour in the Roman mines or on a farm. Other slaves worked skilled jobs such as teaching or business accounting. The type of work generally depended on the previous education and experience of the slave.
How were slaves freed?
Slaves were sometimes set free by their owner (called “manumission”). Sometimes slaves were able to purchase their own freedom. Freed slaves were called freedmen or freedwomen. Although they were free, they still had the status of a “freed slave.” Freed slaves were considered Roman citizens, but couldn’t hold public office.
When were and what happened in the Serville wars?
The slaves of Rome banded together and rebelled several times during the history of Ancient Rome. There were three major rebellions called the “Servile Wars.” Perhaps the most famous of these was the Third Servile War led by the gladiator Spartacus.
What did a typical Roman citizen eat?
Cereals and legumes usually with sides of vegetables. Cheese or meat covered with sauces made out of fermented fish, vinegar, honey and various herbs and spices.
What types of foods would wealthy Roman’s serve at banquets?
Venison, Wild Boar, Rabbit and pheasant along with seafoods such as raw oyster, shellfish and lobster
What were the names of the different mealtimes of the Romans?
Breakfast = ientaculum, Dinner = Cena, Lunch = Light Snack
What were the aqueducts?
Structures that transported water from streams to cities/towns
Why were the baths important?
Help Romans get clean, meeting place, proved that romans were cleaner then other countries (superiority), relaxation
Hypocaust
Ancient Roman system where hot air is directed under the floor to heat it
Caldarium
Hot bath
Tepidarium
Warm Bath
Frigidarium
Cold bath
Laconicum
Sauna
Strigil
Tool with curved scoop blade and handle used to remove dirt and oil.
Name three buildings found in the Forum and what each was used for:
-Temple of Saturn: Ancient treasury with Rome’s wealth and important records. Also a place for festivals
- Curia Julia: Senate house
- Basilica of Maxentius and
Constantine: Used for legal
matters, business deals and
public gatherings. It was
also a courthouse and
meeting hall
What was the Roman Forum?
The area that is used very commercially with many temples and venues for gladiator fights, speeches etc.
Why was the Roman Forum important?
The Roman Forum was vital as the political, religious, business and social hub of ancient Rome. It also housed many important buildings.
Roman religion was polytheistic. What does this mean?
They worshipped many different gods, not just one god.
How many gods made up the pantheon?
12 Gods made up the Roman Pantheon, but numbers can vary depending on the religion
Mars
War and agriculture
Jupiter
King of gods, thunder and sky
Venus
Love, beauty, fertility
Neptune
Sea and earthquakes
How did the Romans worship their gods?
Through offerings, sacrifices, prayers and festivals, both in temples and at home. At home Romans usually had a lararium which was used to worship household gods.
Mercury
Messenger of gods, god of trades, thieves and travel
Who were the gladiators?
Fighters in ancient Rome who battled in arenas for entertainment, usually slaves and prisoners. However, some people could freely become a gladiator for reasons such as fame and fortune.
Where did the gladiator’s fight?
In arenas and venues such as the colosseum and at banquets
Name four different types of gladiators.
- Thracian: Small, square shield armed with a curved sword called a sica.
- Murmillo: Helmet with fish tailed crest, large shield, fought with short sword
- Retiarius: Trident and net, relies on speed and agility
- Provocater: Short sword, heavy armour, including helmet, shield, breastplate and leg guards
What would happen in the gladiatorial battles?
Trained fighters, usually prisoners, slaves, or sometimes volunteers who want to do it fight against one another and also against animals for entertainment and sometimes fame.
How were the gladiators treated?
Generally treated quite well because the owner would invest in their training and wouldn’t want it all go to waste, however, they do face harsh conditions and risk of death in battle.
Could women be gladiators?
Yes, women were allowed to be gladiators (called gladiatrix). However, in 200 AD, Emperor Septimus Severus banned them from participating.
What were the bestiarii?
Bestiarii were Gladiators who had to fight animals.
