Ancient Rome Test Flashcards
Who were Romulus and Remus?
According to legend they were 2 brothers who were raised by wolves after being cast aside due to infidelity. Eventually Romulus kills Remus in a fit of rage, and becomes the legendary founder of Rome.
What is the physical landscape of Rome like?
It is a narrow peninsula that extends 750 miles south and on average is 150 miles wide. The Apennine Mountains run through the peninsula north to south. Has a few large plains great for farming. Although Apennines are tall much less rugged thus preventing isolated communities. Central location for trade and transportation.
What are 2 good places for farming in Italy?
Po Valley in the Northh and the Plain of Catium
What is the Tiber River?
The Tiber River was full of trash, sewage, and dead bodies. The Romans used the River as a place for all waste to go. It is still a nasty river today.
Defining a Republic- What is a republic characterized by?
In a republic citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.
What type of government does the United States have? How does this differ from Rome and Greece?
The United States has a Democratic Republic. In Greece they had a democracy which is when the majority rule votes and everyone’s vote counts, and is able to decide on all issues. In Rome they had a Republic where citizens elect leaders to make decisions. In America we have too many people for every vote to count, but we can all still vote, but we also elect leaders to make decisions.
What are dictators?
a dictator is a leader whose law would overrule the consuls during time of trial. In emergencies one of Rome’s consuls would become dictator for six months. Not all dictators were bad. They could only be dictator for six months so that they did not have to much power.
Cincinnatus- were all dictators considered bad? Who was Cincinnatus and why was he considered a great leader for Rome?
No, He was one of the most admired dictators. Named dictator to meet country’s need for a time. He helped defeat an army then returned to work on a farm immediately. He was not eager to hold power for a long time.
Who were the plebeians?
The plebeians were small farmers, and laborers. At one time had no say in the government of the republic.
Who were the patricians?
Latin nobles/wealthy elite/landowners.
Who were the magistrates?
basic name for the elected officials of Rome
Who were the consuls?
2 consuls. Highest officials. Managed army and affairs of government. Could veto each other
What was the Roman Senate?
Made up of 300 men. served for life. Managed foreign policy and controlled the money. Proposed but could not pass law. They gave advice to the consuls.
Tribunes- what group of people did they serve in Rome?
They were the representatives of the plebians
What is a veto?
“I forbid” came from the consuls, either could override the other’s decision
What is Latin?
The language of the Romans spoke
What are checks and balances?
limiting the power of certain people in government
Roman Forum- what went on in this area of the city?
Leisure, hanging out,
reading the twelve
tables, trade, political
speeches, food, drink
12 tables- examples of Roman laws, and the reason for posting this in the middle of the city
These were the Roman laws. They were placed in the middle of the city so that everyone would see them and they hold everyone accountable, even the leaders. Some examples of Roman laws are:
- A dreadfully deformed child shall be quickly killed.
- If a father sells his son 3 times, the son shall be free from his father.
- A child born after ten months since the father’s death will not be permitted legal inheritance
Legions and formations of the legions- Legionaries, Cavalry, Auxiliary
The Roman legions were 6,000 men divided into groups of around 480. Legionaries were roman soldiers. they were well trained, strong, and effective. treated foes very well. archers and light infantry were the auxiliaries. Were eventually paid.
What was a Centurion?
Professional leader of a legion
Auxiliary forces in a legion- What were their roles in the legion?
They were archers and light infantry
What purpose did decimation serve in the Roman military?
this was the practice of beating/stoning every tenth man in a legion that tried to abandon a fight/mutiny against a leader. It was to keep the legions in line.
Equipment, gear, and weapons of the Romans. How did it differ from the Greek Phalanx? Especially the Macedonian Phalanx (that of Alexander the Great)
Phalanx were too large and slow. The Romans would have a helmet, shield, javelin, body armor, dagger, sword, sandals, groin protection, woolen tunic, and shoulder plates. They wore nothing on their legs so that they could move quickly.
Punic Wars, significance of the victory for Rome? “Mare Nostrum” what does this
phrase mean “in Latin” for Rome at this point in history?
series of wars between Rome and Carthage. lasted over 100 years. 146 BC Rome burned Carthage. Romans sowed salt so no crops would grow which wiped out large portion of Carthage’s population. Rome’s victory gave them complete control of the Mediterranean sea. Rivalry was fierce. “Mare Nostrum” means our sea
Hannibal-What empire did he represent?
The Carthaginian Empire. He was a great war general who marched over the Alps with 40 war elephants and they all survived. He hated Rome and took a blood oath as a child to always hate Rome.
Conquest through the Alps
Brought 40 war elephants and 40,000 men in 15 days. All the elephants survived.
Scipio Africanus his role in the Punic Wars what side did he represent, who did he defeat?
General of the Romans he attacked Carthage and forced Hannibal back to Africa.
Tiberius & Gaius Gracchus-What were these young men killed for? What branch of government were they a part of? Why was Tiberius Gracchus’ death a significant
turning point in the Republic?
Plebeian tribunes who wanted to give public land to the poor. they gained great deal of power. Senate did not like how much power Tiberius had gained so he was killed by a group of senators. Their bodies were thrown into the Tiber River.
Spartacus and the slave uprising How long did this last for? Why, and how did it last for so long?
Spartacus and other gladiators broke out of their barracks using kitchen utensils and knives. went on a 3 year rampage through Italy 73 BC- 71 BC. 6000 of Spartacus’ followers were crucified along Roman roads.
Who was Cicero?
A brilliant lawyer and speaker who eventually became a consul. He opposed Julius Caesar and wanted to return Rome to the ways of the Republic.
Julius Caesar-Role in expanding the empire, as well as his role in the shift from Rome as a Republic to Rome as an Empire
One of Rome’s greatest generals and politicians. For several years served as consul. Served in the first triumvirate. He took over Gaul and Britain. He took over as dictator in 45 B.C.E The people who killed Caesar wanted to return Rome to a republic but their actions delivered the deathblow to the republic.
What was Gaul?
area of modern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and part of Germany.
Who was Pompey?
he served in the first triumvirate. Became jealous of Caesar and ordered him to return home.
Who was Mark Antony?
part of the second triumvirate.
What’s a triumvirate?
group of three people with equal power- marked the end of the republic
