Ancient Rome Flashcards
Ancient Rome
Was believed to have been created by twins named ROMULOS and REMUS who
were raised by a she wolf. Rome was established in 753 BCE. Most early roman history was based
on myth and legend. In 509 BCE the last roman king dies and we get the emergence of the patricians
and the plebeians, which was the divide of the lower class and the upper class and this struggle
lasted 300 years.
Patricians
Were the upper class of the romans at this time. There were 300 patrician families that ruled Rome. IMPOSED AUTHORITY over the plebeians by making them fall into a CLIENTAGE SYSTEM that made them pay or by protection from the patricians in times of war.
Plebeians
Were the lower class of the romans at this time. They could not hold a seat in the
senate, only in the assembly. They were also protected from high taxation because of their role.
** Note: ROME was only 50 sq. Miles at this time and fought often with the VEII and finally beat
them in 396 BCE
Punic Wars
Was the war between ROME and CARTHAGE in N. Africa in 265 BCE. They gave
a lot of problems to Rome because they had a large navy and army compared to Rome. The first war
lasted from 264 to 241. Roman flexibility in their fighting style allowed them to win out and gain cicely,
Corsica, and the rest of Italy.
First Punic War
Rome constructed a navy and won a major sea battle controlled Italian
islands signed treaty
Second Punic war
Macedonia declared war on Rome. Spain cut off Carthage’s supplies
Rome is now supreme power
Third War
much less developed. Rome declared war. Carthage immediately
surrendered town was burnt to the ground
- extended Roman control over the western Mediterranean
Carthage
Rome’s enemy from N Africa. CITY / STATE also
Hannibal
general of Carthage . Started the second PUNIC WAR in 218 BCE to 201 BCE and
crossed the Alps to start war with 20,000 troops. The romans were really tested by this war and they
lost 50,00 troops. This prompts Rome to expand further and eventually defeat Macedonia.
Senate
was only open to the Patricians. And is the center of power for the Rome.
Pompey
represented upper class aristocrats. Went to war to build himself credibility which he
did and when he returned to Rome rather then march on Rome with his army in tow he disbands the
army. Making him a weak political target. He leaves Rome to Egypt and is killed and his severed
head is sent back to Rome.
Crassus
Tried to be a part of the Triumvirate of power but it failed. Represents the middle and
lower class.
Julius Caesar
Had left for Spain to build military credibility and does so as well. But he returns
to Rome and before entering Rome he meets with Pompey and Crassus to to form the triumvirate of
power. But soon found that the three heads could not get along and decides to march on Rome with
his army and kills pompey politically. In 44 BCE he wants a change in the senate and stacks the
senate with pro Caesar people and makes the senate have 900 members.
Triumvirate
Was created after the defeat of Carthage which was a leadership board of sorts
with Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Caesar. Alliance, “rule of three”
Marc Antony
He and Caesar go into the new senate assembly and there Caesar is killed in a
knife fight. Is left with Octavian in charge of the empire as Caesars last wish. Later he leaves to Egypt
and marries Cleopatra but dies soon of an ASP bite. Was thought to be a traitor, giving land to
Cleopatra.
