Ancient Rome Flashcards
What did the Roman Empire consist of
Countries that surrounded Italy and had sea borders with the Mediterranean
- furthest point of empire reached as far as Britannia
What problems did the vast stretch of countries covered in the Roman Empire cause?
System of law and order in Rome as it two very different types of area to manage
Main crimes in Ancient Rome
Robbery and mugging Burglary and theft Slaves running away Fraud Arson Rioting Murder
Why did robbery and mugging s occur
A diverse community caused conflict ( rich aristocrats and slaves) = poverty vs wealth
What was burglary and theft ?
Crimes against property
E.g. Breaking in to someone’s home
Why did slaves run away
In society slavery was legal and slaves treated savagely so them running away wasn’t surprising
What common fraud took place in Ancient Rome?
Lie about weights of products such as bread e.g. Charge £1 for 1lb of bread but only give you 3/4lb of the bread
Why was arson common
Hot dry city with houses built close together so fires once purposely lit spread easy
Where did rioting commonly take place
Events that encouraged large group invites, i.e. Chariot racing often got out of hand
Info regarding murder
Wasn’t the most common but still significant.Even roman emperors killed on a regular basis
How were people made aware of the law
Written down and made public on what was known as the twelve tables. In order to make them common knowledge school children were taught to read and write by copying the twelve tables. Also displayed in public places for everyone to see.
Punishments for minor crimes?
Whipping/flogging
Confiscation of property
Fines to replay the cost of the stolen goods
Major crimes (arson,murder,stealing from a temple) punishments?
EXECUTION, such as: Crucifixion Sent to fight in games Pushed off cliff Have molten poured down your throat
How is the law system unfair
If nobles were convicted of major crimes they could go into exile rather than be executed
Slaves punishments generally harsh crucifixion to deter other slaves from committing crimes.Often all members of a slaves household would be executed if they had committed s crime
Legionnaires form of punishments
In order to discourage desertion from the army a soldier who was caught trying to leave would be brought back and while legion punished. This punishment was known as decimation. It involved killing every 10th man in the legion.
What were vigiles
Groups of volunteers whose job it was to patrol the streets at night looking for potential criminals,put out fires and catch any run away slaves
What were urban cohorts
Soldiers with the task of keeping order.they did not patrol the city but were used almost like a riot squad,call upon to keep peace in the city If a riot broke out.
What were praetorian guards
Largest group (almost as many as the urban cohorts And vigiles put together) They were the emperors person guard.They did not patrol the streets but were responsible for the emperors personal safety.
If u were a normal roman citizen with a crime committed against you , how was it dealt with?
Their own job to catch the criminal themselves and bring them to the magistrate to be tried.
The roman government wouldn’t help ordinary help people catch criminals after a crime had been committed they would only help to stop it happening in the first place,but not even much with that
What happened to laws when the romans left Britain?
Most of what the romans did stopped. Little legacy of roman laws left in England in the centuries immediately after the withdrawal of roman troops from Britain
What were facts regarding the courts
Innocent until proven guilty Magistrates heard cases Right to appeal to the emperor Serious cases heard by governor Minor cases heard by magistrates
Other jobs of vigils
Put out fires
Capture run away slaves
What was religious non-conformity
Christians were severely punished if they refused to worship the emperor. ( heresy)
