Ancient Warfare and Society

Question 1

Porus

Answer 1

Porus: An ancient king of the region between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, in present-day Pakistan, who fought against Alexander the Great at the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BCE.

Question 2

Demetrius I

Answer 2

Demetrius I: A Seleucid king known as Demetrius I Soter, who ruled in the early 2nd century BCE and struggled to retain his power against various internal and external enemies.

Question 3

Romulus

Answer 3

Romulus: The legendary founder and first king of Rome, along with his twin brother Remus, who were said to be raised by a she-wolf.

Question 4

Velites

Answer 4

Velites: Light infantry soldiers in the Roman army, typically armed with javelins, who skirmished before the main line of battle.

Question 4

Aedile

Answer 4

Aedile: A Roman magistrate responsible for public works, games, and the maintenance of public order and grain supply.

Question 4

Battle of Ipsus

Answer 4

Battle of Ipsus: A decisive battle fought in 301 BCE between the successors of Alexander the Great, where the armies of Seleucus I and Lysimachus defeated Antigonus I, leading to the division of Alexander’s empire.

Question 4

Roxana

Answer 4

Roxana: A Persian princess and the wife of Alexander the Great, known for bearing him a son, Alexander IV.

Question 4

Praetor

Answer 4

Praetor: A Roman magistrate responsible for administering justice, with a role similar to that of a judge, and sometimes commanding armies.

Question 5

Patricians

Answer 5

Patricians: The aristocratic class in ancient Rome, which held most of the political power and land before the rise of the plebeians.

Question 5

Equites

Answer 5

Equites: A social class in ancient Rome, originally made up of wealthy citizens who could afford to serve in the cavalry, later becoming a political and economic elite.

Question 6

Battle of the Hydaspes River

Answer 6

Battle of the Hydaspes River: A battle fought in 326 BCE between Alexander the Great and King Porus, in which Alexander secured a victory despite facing war elephants and a strong army.

Question 6

Antigonids

Answer 6

Antigonids: A dynasty founded by Antigonus I, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, which ruled parts of Macedonia and Greece after Alexander’s death.

Question 7

Plebeians

Answer 7

Plebeians: The common people of ancient Rome, often contrasted with the patricians, and historically had fewer rights until they gained political power through the struggle of the orders.

Question 8

Hamilcar Barca

Answer 8

Hamilcar Barca: A Carthaginian general during the First Punic War and father of Hannibal, known for his military campaigns in Spain.

Question 9

Perdiccas

Answer 9

Perdiccas: A general under Alexander the Great and regent of his empire after his death, who attempted to maintain unity among the empire’s fragmented territories.

Question 9

Censors

Answer 9

Censors: Roman magistrates responsible for conducting the census and overseeing public morality and the regulation of the Senate.

Question 9

Quaestor

Answer 9

Quaestor: A Roman official responsible for financial and administrative duties, such as managing public funds or overseeing military finances.

Question 10

Ptolemies

Answer 10

Ptolemies: A Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great until the Roman conquest, founded by Ptolemy I Soter.

Question 10

Corvus

Answer 10

Corvus: A Roman naval boarding device used during the First Punic War to enable Roman soldiers to board enemy ships, giving them an advantage in naval battles.

Question 10

Dictator

Answer 10

Dictator: A magistrate in ancient Rome with absolute authority, typically appointed in times of crisis, but limited to a specific term.

Question 10

Lamian Wa

Answer 10

Lamian War: A conflict (323-322 BCE) between Athens and the Macedonian Empire following Alexander the Great’s death, where Athens attempted to break free from Macedonian control but was ultimately defeated.

Question 10

Seleucids

Answer 10

Seleucids: A dynasty founded by Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, which ruled over a large portion of his empire, including parts of Asia Minor, Persia, and Mesopotamia.

Question 11

Comitia Centuriata

Answer 11

Comitia Centuriata: A popular assembly in ancient Rome that was responsible for electing high-ranking officials, such as consuls and praetors, and making decisions on matters of war and peace.

Question 11

Battle of Lake Trasimene

Answer 11

Battle of Lake Trasimene: A major battle of the Second Punic War (217 BCE) in which Hannibal decisively defeated the Roman army using surprise and ambush tactics.

Question 11

Tiberius Gracchus

Answer 11

Tiberius Gracchus: A Roman tribune and reformer who proposed land redistribution to address inequality, which led to his political and violent death in 133 BCE.

Question 11

Antipater

Answer 11

Antipater: A general and trusted advisor to Alexander the Great, who became regent of Macedonia after Alexander’s death.

Question 12

Battle of Corupedium

Answer 12

Battle of Corupedium: A battle fought in 281 BCE between Lysimachus and Seleucus I, which resulted in Lysimachus’ defeat and death, solidifying Seleucus’ control of Asia Minor.

Question 12

Comitia Populi Tributa

Answer 12

Comitia Populi Tributa: A Roman assembly where citizens voted by tribe to elect lower magistrates and pass laws, and it also had judicial functions.

Question 12

Battle of Cannae

Answer 12

Battle of Cannae: A major battle of the Second Punic War (216 BCE) in which Hannibal inflicted a devastating defeat on the Roman army, killing tens of thousands of Roman soldiers.

Question 12

Gaius Gracchus

Answer 12

Gaius Gracchus: A Roman tribune and reformer, the brother of Tiberius Gracchus, who attempted to implement similar land reforms and was eventually killed in 121 BCE.

Question 13

Arsaces I

Answer 13

Arsaces I: The founder of the Parthian Empire, who led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire and established the Arsacid dynasty in the 3rd century BCE.

Question 13

Craterus

Answer 13

Craterus: A general under Alexander the Great who played a significant role in his campaigns and was later involved in the struggles for control of the empire after Alexander’s death.

Question 14

Consuls

Answer 14

Consuls: The highest elected officials in the Roman Republic, typically two in number, responsible for commanding armies and overseeing government functions.

Question 14

Fabius Maximus

Answer 14

Fabius Maximus: A Roman general known for his cautious “Fabian strategy” during the Second Punic War, which involved avoiding direct confrontation with Hannibal and wearing him down.

Question 15

Optimates

Answer 15

Optimates: A political faction in Rome that represented the interests of the aristocracy and sought to maintain the traditional power structure of the Senate.

Question 15

Eumenes

Answer 15

Eumenes: A general and secretary under Alexander the Great, who played a key role in the post-Alexander struggles and ruled over parts of Asia Minor.

Question 15

Tarquinius Superbus

Answer 15

Tarquinius Superbus: The last king of Rome, who was expelled in 509 BCE, marking the end of the Roman Kingdom and the beginning of the Roman Republic.

Question 15

Pyrrhus of Epirus

Answer 15

Pyrrhus of Epirus: A Greek king and general who fought against Rome in the Pyrrhic War (280-275 BCE), achieving victories but suffering heavy losses, leading to the term “Pyrrhic victory.”

Question 16

Antigonus I

Answer 16

Antigonus I: A general under Alexander the Great who became the founder of the Antigonid dynasty, ruling over Macedonia and parts of Greece after Alexander’s death.

Question 16

Populares

Answer 16

Populares: A political faction in Rome that championed the rights of the common people and often opposed the conservative optimates.

Question 17

Scipio Africanus

Answer 17

Scipio Africanus: A Roman general who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, securing Rome’s victory in the Second Punic War.

Question 18

Gravitas

Answer 18

Gravitas: A Roman virtue that emphasized seriousness, dignity, and responsibility, particularly in public life.

Question 18

Hastati

Answer 18

Hastati: The youngest and least experienced soldiers in the Roman legions, who formed the front line in the Roman army during the Republic.

Question 18

Battle of Cynocephalae

Answer 18

Battle of Cynocephalae: A battle fought in 197 BCE between the Roman army and King Philip V of Macedon, resulting in a Roman victory and the end of Macedonian power in Greece.

Question 18

Capite Censi:

Answer 18

Capite Censi: The class of Roman citizens who had little or no property and were often excluded from the higher political and military offices.

Question 19

Polyperchon

Answer 19

Polyperchon: A general and regent for Alexander the Great’s empire after his death, involved in the conflicts among the Diadochi (successors).

Question 20

Pietas

Answer 20

Pietas: A Roman virtue emphasizing duty, respect for the gods, and loyalty to family and the state.

Question 21

Principes

Answer 21

Principes: Heavily armored soldiers in the Roman legions, typically more experienced than hastati, who formed the second line of battle.

Question 22

Battle of Magnesia

Answer 22

Battle of Magnesia: A decisive battle fought in 190 BCE between the Roman Republic and the Seleucid Empire, which ended in a Roman victory and the weakening of Seleucid power.

Question 23

Cassander

Answer 23

Cassander: One of Alexander the Great’s generals, who became the ruler of Macedonia and parts of Greece after Alexander’s death.

Question 23

Cornelius Sulla

Answer 23

Cornelius Sulla: A Roman general and dictator who played a key role in the late Roman Republic, known for his military reforms and for marching on Rome to seize power.

Question 24

Virtus

Answer 24

Virtus: A Roman concept that referred to excellence in character, particularly courage, honor, and strength in battle.

Question 25

Triarii

Answer 25

Triarii: The veteran soldiers of the Roman legions, who formed the third line of battle, and were relied upon in times of crisis.

Question 25

Cursus Honorum

Answer 25

Cursus Honorum: The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in ancient Rome, often starting with lower offices and progressing to higher ones.

Question 25

Nobiles

Answer 25

Nobiles: A Roman elite class made up of individuals whose families had held magistracies or political power, distinguishing them from the plebeians.

Question 25

Cleitus the Black

Answer 25

Cleitus the Black: A Macedonian general under Alexander the Great, known for saving the king’s life at the Battle of the Granicus. Later, Cleitus fell out of favor with Alexander and was killed by him in 328 BCE during a drunken quarrel, after he criticized the king’s adoption of Persian customs.

Question 25

Auctoritas

Answer 25

Auctoritas: A Latin term referring to a person’s or institution’s moral authority or influence in Roman society. It was an intangible but important source of power, particularly held by Roman elites such as senators and generals, and was based on respect, trust, and reputation.

Question 26

Messana

Answer 26

Messana: An ancient city in Sicily, known as modern-day Messina. In Roman history, Messana was significant during the First Punic War, when it became a strategic base for the Romans after they intervened in a conflict between the Mamertines and the Carthaginians.

Question 26

Polybius

Answer 26

Polybius: A Greek historian from the Hellenistic period (circa 200-118 BCE), known for his work The Histories, which covered the rise of Rome from 264 BCE to 146 BCE, including the Punic Wars. Polybius is noted for his analysis of the Roman constitution and its political system.

Question 27

Octavian

Answer 27

Octavian: The first Roman emperor, later known as Augustus. He rose to power after the assassination of Julius Caesar, defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. He established the Roman Empire and became its first emperor in 27 BCE.

Question 27

Pompey

Answer 27

Pompey: A Roman general and politician who was part of the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Crassus. He became one of the most powerful men in Rome but was later defeated by Caesar in the civil war and died in 48 BCE.

Question 27

Senatus Consultum Ultimum:

Answer 27

Senatus Consultum Ultimum: A decree of the Roman Senate, which granted emergency powers to the consuls, typically in times of crisis. It was used to authorize extraordinary measures, such as the suspension of normal constitutional procedures or military action, in situations where the Republic’s survival was at stake. The decree was sometimes used to justify extreme actions, including the suppression of political opposition.

Question 28

Spartacus

Answer 28

Spartacus: A gladiator who led a major slave revolt against the Roman Republic in 73-71 BCE, known as the Third Servile War. Despite initial successes, the revolt was ultimately crushed by the Roman army.

Question 28

Trajan

Answer 28

Trajan: A Roman emperor from 98 to 117 CE, known for his military campaigns, particularly in Dacia (modern Romania), which expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. He also undertook extensive public building projects.

Question 29

Constantine

Answer 29

Constantine: Roman emperor from 306 to 337 CE, known for being the first Christian emperor. He enacted the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christians, and founded the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

Question 29

Limitanei

Answer 29

Limitanei: Roman soldiers stationed along the borders of the empire in the late Roman Empire. They were part of the defensive system, typically serving in a more static role compared to the mobile field armies.

Question 30

Second Triumvirate

Answer 30

Second Triumvirate: A political alliance formed in 43 BCE between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, intended to avenge Julius Caesar’s assassination. It gave them near absolute power, leading to the proscriptions and a division of the Roman world.

Question 31

Hadrian

Answer 31

Hadrian: Roman emperor from 117 to 138 CE, known for consolidating and securing the empire’s borders, particularly through the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in Britain. He also promoted the arts and architecture.

Question 32

Constantius II

Answer 32

Constantius II: Roman emperor from 337 to 361 CE, son of Constantine the Great. His reign was marked by conflict with the Sassanid Empire and internal religious divisions within the Roman Empire.

Question 32

Comitatenses

Answer 32

Comitatenses: A category of Roman soldiers in the late Empire, part of the mobile field armies that were more flexible and capable of rapid deployment, in contrast to the limitanei.

Question 32

Crassus

Answer 32

Crassus: A wealthy Roman general and politician who was a member of the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Pompey. He is famous for his role in defeating the slave revolt led by Spartacus and for his disastrous campaign against Parthia at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE.

Question 32

Proscriptions

Answer 32

Proscriptions: A practice in ancient Rome where political enemies were declared outlaws and their property confiscated. This was notably used by Sulla and the Second Triumvirate.

Question 32

Marcus Aurelius

Answer 32

Marcus Aurelius: Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE, known for his philosophical writings, particularly Meditations. His reign was marked by military struggles, including wars with Germanic tribes.

Question 33

Foederati

Answer 33

Foederati: Allied barbarian tribes or groups that were granted land or military service agreements with Rome, in exchange for military assistance in defending the empire’s borders.

Question 33

Edict of Milan

Answer 33

Edict of Milan: Issued in 313 CE by Constantine and Licinius, it granted religious tolerance to all religions in the Roman Empire, allowing Christianity to be practiced openly for the first time.

Question 33

Battle of Philippi

Answer 33

Battle of Philippi: A decisive battle in 42 BCE where the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian defeated the assassins of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius. This battle marked the end of the Roman Republic’s civil war.

Question 34

First Triumvirate

Answer 34

First Triumvirate: An informal political alliance formed in 60 BCE between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus. It allowed them to dominate Roman politics but eventually collapsed, leading to civil war.

Question 34

Septimius Severus

Answer 34

Septimius Severus: Roman emperor from 193 to 211 CE, who strengthened the empire through military reforms and campaigns, particularly in Africa and the East, and established the Severan dynasty.

Question 34

Battle of Milvian Bridge

Answer 34

Battle of Milvian Bridge: A pivotal battle in 312 CE between Constantine and Maxentius, where Constantine’s forces won and solidified his control of the Western Roman Empire. It is also significant for Constantine’s conversion to Christianity.

Question 34

Gaiseric

Answer 34

Gaiseric: The king of the Vandals from 428 to 477 CE, known for his conquest of North Africa and the sack of Rome in 455 CE.

Question 35

Julius Caesar

Answer 35

Julius Caesar: Roman general and statesman, who played a critical role in the events leading to the demise of the Roman Republic. His crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BCE sparked a civil war, and he eventually became dictator for life before being assassinated in 44 BCE.

Question 36

Cicero

Answer 36

Cicero: A Roman statesman, orator, and writer, noted for his speeches and philosophical works. He was an influential figure in the late Roman Republic and played a key role in opposing Julius Caesar’s rise to power.

Question 36

Shapur the Great

Answer 36

Shapur the Great: A Sassanid Persian king (240-270 CE) known for his military campaigns against the Roman Empire, including the defeat of Emperor Valerian at the Battle of Edessa.

Question 36

Julian

Answer 36

Julian: Roman emperor from 361 to 363 CE, known for his attempts to revive paganism and his campaigns against the Sassanid Empire, which ended in his death.

Question 37

Attila

Answer 37

Attila: The king of the Huns from 434 to 453 CE, famous for his invasions of the Roman Empire and his reputation as one of history’s most feared leaders.

Question 37

Claudius Gothicus

Answer 37

Claudius Gothicus: Roman emperor from 268 to 270 CE, known for his victories against the Gothic invasions of the empire and for stabilizing the empire during a period of crisis.

Question 38

Vercingetorix

Answer 38

Vercingetorix: A Gallic chieftain who united the Gallic tribes in an attempt to resist Roman conquest. He was defeated by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Alesia in 52 BCE.

Question 38

Ammianus Marcellinus

Answer 38

Ammianus Marcellinus: A Roman historian of the 4th century CE, whose work Res Gestae is one of the primary sources for the history of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century.

Question 39

Battle of Pharsalus

Answer 39

Battle of Pharsalus: A decisive battle in 48 BCE during the Roman civil war, where Julius Caesar defeated Pompey, leading to Pompey’s eventual death and Caesar’s consolidation of power.

Question 40

Romulus Augustulus

Answer 40

Romulus Augustulus: The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, reigning from 475 to 476 CE. He was deposed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, marking the traditional end of the Western Roman Empire.

Question 41

Caesarion

Answer 41

Caesarion: The son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, he was briefly co-ruler of Egypt with his mother before being killed by Octavian’s forces after Cleopatra’s death.

Question 41

Battle of Strasbourg

Answer 41

Battle of Strasbourg: A 357 CE battle where the Roman emperor Julian defeated the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe, solidifying his reputation as a military leader.

Question 42

Barracks Emperors

Answer 42

Barracks Emperors: A term used to describe the Roman emperors of the 3rd century CE who were primarily military generals, often coming to power through military coups and reigning for short periods.

Question 42

Aetius

Answer 42

Aetius: A Roman general in the 5th century, often called the last of the Romans. He was instrumental in defending the Western Roman Empire from various barbarian invasions, including the Huns.

Question 42

Battle of Alesia

Answer 42

Battle of Alesia: A decisive battle in 52 BCE during the Gallic Wars, where Julius Caesar defeated Vercingetorix and the Gallic forces, leading to the complete Roman conquest of Gaul.

Question 42

Battle of Actium

Answer 42

Battle of Actium: A naval battle in 31 BCE between the forces of Octavian and Mark Antony, which led to Octavian’s victory and his consolidation of power, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Question 43

Princeps

Answer 43

Princeps: A title used by the first citizen of Rome, most famously by Augustus, meaning “first among equals.” It was the formal term for the Roman emperor during the early empire.

Question 43

Aurelian

Answer 43

Aurelian: Roman emperor from 270 to 275 CE, known for his military victories, including the defeat of the Palmyrene Empire and the restoration of the Roman Empire’s borders.

Question 43

Battle of Adrianople:

Answer 43

Battle of Adrianople: A major battle in 378 CE in which the Roman army was defeated by the Goths, marking a significant turning point in the decline of the Roman Empire.

Question 43

Battle of the Catalaunian Plains

Answer 43

Battle of the Catalaunian Plains: A 451 CE battle between the Huns, led by Attila, and a coalition of Roman and barbarian forces, resulting in a tactical victory for the Romans but failing to stop Attila’s advance.

Question 44

Marc Antony

Answer 44

Marc Antony: A Roman politician and general, a member of the Second Triumvirate, and the lover of Cleopatra. He was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium and later committed suicide.

Question 44

Legates

Answer 44

Legates: Senior Roman military officers, typically serving as deputies or generals under the consuls or emperors, with authority to command armies or govern provinces.

Question 44

Diocletian

Answer 44

Diocletian: Roman emperor from 284 to 305 CE, known for his reforms that stabilized the empire, including the establishment of the Tetrarchy, where the empire was divided into four regions ruled by two senior

Question 44

Alaric

Answer 44

Alaric: The king of the Visigoths from 395 to 410 CE. He is most famous for leading the sack of Rome in 410 CE, a pivotal event in the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

Question 45

Odoacer

Answer 45

Odoacer: A Germanic chieftain who became the first barbarian king of Italy after deposing the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 CE. His reign marks the traditional end of the Western Roman Empire.

Question 46

Brutus

Answer 46

Brutus: Marcus Junius Brutus was a Roman senator and one of the leading conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. He was a key figure in the downfall of Caesar and the end of the Roman Republic.

Question 47

Praetorian Guard

Answer 47

Praetorian Guard: An elite unit of the Roman army whose primary role was to protect the emperor. They were also influential in Roman politics and had a role in making and unmaking emperors.

Question 48

Tetrarchy

Answer 48

Tetrarchy: A system of government established by Emperor Diocletian in 293 CE to divide the Roman Empire into four regions, each ruled by a separate leader. There were two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares).

Question 49

Traditional View

Answer 49

Traditional View: A term often used to refer to the classical interpretation of the decline of the Western Roman Empire, which emphasizes internal decay, such as political instability, economic decline, and barbarian invasions, as the main causes for its fall.

Question 50

Visigothic Kingdom

Answer 50

Visigothic Kingdom: A kingdom established by the Visigoths in the western Roman Empire after their sack of Rome in 410 CE. It was centered in Hispania (modern Spain) and lasted until 711 CE, when it fell to the Moors.

Question 51

Curia

Answer 51

Curia: A building in ancient Rome where the Senate met. The term can also refer to the Senate itself or a division of the people in ancient Rome.

Question 52

Pax Romana

Answer 52

Pax Romana: A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted from 27 BCE to 180 CE, beginning with the reign of Augustus and ending with the death of Marcus Aurelius.

Question 53

Augusti

Answer 53

Augusti: The title used by the senior emperors in the Roman Empire, particularly in the Tetrarchy system. There were two Augusti, one ruling the eastern and the other the western half of the empire.

Question 54

Transition View

Answer 54

Transition View: A modern interpretation of the fall of the Roman Empire that emphasizes a more gradual transformation of Roman political, social, and cultural structures, rather than a sudden collapse, focusing on the continuity of the Eastern Roman Empire and the evolution of European kingdoms.

Question 55

Vandalic Kingdom

Answer 55

Vandalic Kingdom: A kingdom established by the Vandals after they crossed into North Africa and sacked Rome in 455 CE. The Vandals ruled much of North Africa and parts of the Mediterranean until their defeat by the Byzantines in 534 CE.

Question 56

Rostra

Answer 56

Rostra: The platform in the Roman Forum from which public speeches were delivered. It was also the site where victorious generals would display the prows (rostra) of enemy ships they had captured as symbols of their triumphs.

Question 56

Augustus

Answer 56

Augustus: The first emperor of Rome, originally named Gaius Octavius, who became Augustus in 27 BCE after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra. His reign marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Question 56

Caesares

Answer 56

Caesares: The title given to the junior emperors in the Tetrarchy. They were the deputies to the Augusti and were designated to succeed them in due course.

Question 56

Frankish Kingdom

Answer 56

Frankish Kingdom: A kingdom established by the Franks, a Germanic tribe, in Western Europe. It eventually evolved into the Holy Roman Empire, with Clovis I being the first king to unite the Franks and convert to Christianity in the 5th century CE.

Question 56

Revised View

Answer 56

Revised View: A modern perspective on the decline of the Roman Empire, which often suggests that the empire did not fall suddenly but experienced a gradual transformation, including the rise of Christianity, the division of the empire, and increasing reliance on barbarian soldiers and foederati.