Ancient Rome Flashcards
What are the 3 phases of Ancient Rome’s history?
Etruscan Rule - 753 B.C. - 509 B.C.
Roman Republic - 509 B.C. - 27 B.c.
Roman Empire - 27 B.C. - 476 A.D.
Rights and responsibilities of the patricians
Elders/Fathers of the State
Political Class
1 Million sesterces to qualify
Able to hold highest offices
Rights and responsibilities of the equestrians
Rich enough to own a horse
400,000 sesterces to qualify
Took on roles patricians did not (commerce, trade)
What were the rights and responsibilities of the plebeians
Largest group, no power
Earned livings through employment/small business
Most were poor
Not much say in voting, represented by a tribune
Describe Roman Social Structure Pyramid
Freedmen and Slaves - Biggest Group
Plebeians - Next Biggest, commoners
Equestrians - Knights, second from top
Patricians - Top class, senatorial
Restrictions/Privileges (Patricians)
Gain wealth through owning land
Not allowed to trade
Restrictions/Privileges (Equestrians)
Many became rich to be patricians, did not always do so
Wanted to make money through commerce
Later became servants
Became wealthy but looked down upon
Tripartite Government
A government split into three branches - each one has specific responsibilities and limited authority, created a system of checks and government
Three branches of roman republic
Magistrates, Senate, Assemblies
Magistrates
Elected officials (wealthy patricians)
1 year term
Could veto actions of other magistrates
Two types of each magistrate with two consuls
What were the magistrate offices in the cursus honorum
Quaestors - accountants
Aediles - maintain buildings, manage food, organize festivals
Praetors - Judges
Consul - most powerful, can veto anyone
Other magistrates
Tribunes - could veto/prohibit actions
Senate
Lifetime Term
Propose laws
Spend treasury money
Communicate with countries
Assemblies
Adult male citizens who elect magistrates and vote on Senate’s laws
Centuriate
Tribal
Plebeian Counsel
Centuriate
Vote on bills
Elect people
Declare war
Court of appeal involving criminal and death penalty
Tribal
Vote on bills
Elected aediles and quaestors
Court of cases not involving death
Plebeian counsel
Vote on bills (plebeians)
Elect tribunes of plebs and aediles
Court of plebeian cases
