Ancient Rome Flashcards
In geographical terms, Italy is what?
In geography terms, Italy is a peninsula.
Which mountain ranges are found in Italy? Where are they located?
Alps- Northern Italy
Apennines- Central/Middle
What river was Rome built upon?
Rome was built on the banks of the Tiber river. It was built there to honor the spot where Romulus and Remus were rescued by the wolf.
The river is also important because it is a freshwater source and an avenue for trade
Who was Cincinnatus? What was he known for?
He was farmer in Rome that was chosen to be dictator in 458 BC because Rome was being attacked.
He quickly defeated his enemies and left his job as dictator well before his six month term was up.
He is viewed as a strong and noble leader.
Describe the social structure of Roman society.
Patricians: wealthy, powerful citizens. Nobles, small minority of the population. Once controlled all aspects of government. After 218 BC, not allowed to participate in trade or commerce
Plebeians: Common people. Peasants, crafts-people, traders, other workers. Majority of the population. Gained right to participate in government. Only Romans, who could be traders, so many became wealthy.
Why was the office of tribune so important?
Tribunes- office could only be held by Plebeians and controlled the power of the veto
Give examples of checks and balances found in the Roman Republic.
Part 1- Magistrates- run the city and manage the army. Top two magistrates were the consuls. Two consuls must always be in place so that one does not gain more power than the other.
Both magistrates and consuls were elected annually.
Part 2- Senate- served for life- very influential- job was the advise the consuls, had been around before the Republic. First was only Patricians- but later wealthy Plebeians could join too.
Part 3- Two branch system- both elected annually
Assemblies- both classes participated- their primary job was to elect the magistrates who ran the city of Rome. Also approved laws and could declare war
Tribunes- office could only be held by Plebeians and controlled the power of the veto
- In what way was the Roman law of the Twelve tables similar to the U.S. constitution?
They both were written to protect people’s rights.
- What are examples of Roman civic duty?
Civic duty was important to Romans. They did the following activities to improve their society:
Attend assembly meetings
Vote in elections
Hold public office
- What does forum mean in latin?
Public place
- Why did the Romans expand their trade network?
They needed to bring in food from the other parts of the Mediterranean for their growing population.
- Who attacked Rome in 218 BC and started the second Punic War?
Hannibal considered to be one of the greatest military generals of the ancient world.
He led an attack on Rome in 218 BC and began the second Punic War.
- Why did Roman coins spread throughout the Mediterranean?
Roman influence and wealth spread throughout the region as they increased trade to feed their populations
briefly describe the key points of each of the punic wars. (There were 3)
The Punic Wars were a series of 3 wars against Carthage, a city in Northern Africa that lasted over the course of a 120 years.
During the first and second Punic War, Carthage attacked Rome first. Rome won both wars.
During the 2nd fought Hannibal in many battles and finally defeated him in the battle of Zama.
During the last Punic War, the Romans attack Carthage, and then upon their defeat of Carthage burn the city, kill most of its people, sell the rest into slavery, and throw salt over where the city used to be so nothing would ever grow there again.
- Who were the Gracchus brothers? Why are they important?
Brothers who were both tribunes. Wanted to help the poor. Riots broke out over their actions.
Romans saw that violence could be used as a political weapon.
Why is Gaius Marius important to Roman history?
He allowed poor men to join the Roman armies and became a great military leader with great influence because of this.
Who was Lucius Cornelius Sulla? What did he do?
Lucius Cornelius Sulla became a consul in 88 BC and quickly became a rival of Gaius Marius.
He created his own army, which led to a civil war in Rome.
Sulla declared himself as dictator and used his power to punish enemies.
Keep the Senate though, and increased it’s power to ensure his power.
What happened to the followers of Spartacus?
Spartacus dies in battle.
The rebellion falls apart- the slaves are captured.
Marcus Crassus crucifies 6,000 of Spartacus’s followers on the road between Rome and Capua to set an example.
Who founded Rome?
Romulus & Remus
you got this!
nailed it!
If you were to visit Rome in 70 BC…how would the city be described?
Rome was chaotic and dangerous
Generals fighting for power against the politicians
Who was Cicero? What did he want?
He was a philosopher
Make Rome a better place
Limit power of generals
Restore power of Senators
What country did Julius Caesar conquer between 58-50 BC?
Gaul
Who was part of Rome’s First Triumvirate (first group of three leaders of Rome)?
Julius Caesar
Pompey
Marcus Crassus
What happened to Caesar’s killers?
They thought they’d be treated like heroes, but were chased out of Rome and killed by Antony and Octavian’s forces.
What event led to a civil war between Marc Antony and Octavian?
Marc Antony divorced Octavian’s sister and married Cleopatra.
What does Augustus mean?
“Revered one” = respected one
Why was Roman currency important?
The Romans developed currency in the form of coins nearly everyone accepted which in turn helped to expand trade.
Define the term Pax Romana
A 200 year period of peace and prosperity
What Roman architectural features did aqueducts use?
Use of arches made it structurally sound
What was Roman art like?
Realistic sculptures and paintings
What was architecture like in Rome?
Large, strong buildings
Columns and open spaces
Domes, arches, and vaults
Describe the impact of Roman engineering
Excellent, durable roads
Strong bridges
Aqueducts move water
Building designs inspired later societies
What is a Romance language?
Developed from Latin, the language of Rome
List Accomplishments of Roman engineering and architecture
Road construction in layers
Use of arches and vaults
Invention of aqueducts to carry water
Define civil law
A legal system based on a written code of laws
Why did the Romans worship many gods?
They didn’t know which ones existed, so they worshipped all of them.
How did Jews respond to being conquered by the Romans?
They resented Roman rule because their religious practices were banned and they were taxed heavily
What marks the shift from BC → AD?
The birth of Jesus of Nazareth
What led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion?
The Romans feared Jesus’ charisma (being well-liked) made him a threat to the empire.
Describe the geographic expanse of the Roman empire at its height.
Centered on Mediterranean North: Brittania South: North Africa/Egypt/Nile River East: Judea/Caspian Sea West: Spain/Atlantic Ocean
Which emperor of the late 200s was convinced the empire was too large for one person to rule, so he divided it into an eastern and western empire?
Diocletian
Who was the Roman Emperor Constantine? Why is he remembered?
Baptized in the 300s AD and was first Christian emperor
Moved center of Roman Empire to Constantinople
Ruled Eastern Empire after Diocletian
Why did the Roman Empire collapse?
Empire too large Difficult to communicate Corruption Wealthy people flee cities/build up armies Population decreases Schools close Inflation: taxes and prices soar
What is corruption? Give examples of the corruption in the Roman Empire.
Corruption is the decay of people’s values
Corrupt officials used threats and bribes to achieve their goals
Which invader of the Roman Empire was known for his fierce, ruthless battle tactics
Attila the Hun
Describe the role the Goths played in decline of Rome
The Goths were fleeing from invading Huns and had to expand into Roman territory
What were the three goals of Emperor Justinian?
Wanted to reunite parts of the Old Empire
Guarantee fair treatment for all people
Maintain peace in the empire by stopping riots
