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
