Chapter 5 Flashcards
Rome’s neighbor to the North was the
Etruscans
The ritual of divination
examining organs of slaughtered animals
Citizen militia of heavy armed infantry troops
Fighting in formation
The seven kings of Rome created the most famous enduring government body
The Senate
In 509, the Roman nobility deposed the etruscan kings and replaced the monarchy with an
aristocratic republic
The highest value was — which emphasized strength, loyalty, and courage, especially in war
Virtue
Was Roman society’s bedrock because it taught values and determined ownership of property
The family
Romans in general, tended to be very tolerant towards most religions and cults, so long as they did
Not cause trouble
The shrine of Vesta, goddess of the hearth and protector of the family. It was the Vestal Virgins job
To keep the flame from going out thus ensuring Rome’s protection
Traditional Roman values stressed virtue, fidelity to first and foremost
The common good (republic)
A system/institution based on a network of relationships characterized by mutual obligations
Patron- client system
was a man of superior status who could offer financial and political assistance to people of lower status
A patron
Forum
The city’s public center
Patricians
Small group of aristocratic families who could trace their ancestry to one of the 100 Patricians at the founding of the city
Plebeians
They were the majority of free Roman citizens of the lower class
The struggle between the classes began over
Marriage, wealthy Plebeians insisted on the right to marry Patricians as social equals
the number one bargaining chip for the plebeians during this period was the refusal of
military service
Who possessed the authority to veto any legislation and contradict any device from the senate if they deemed it harmful or injurious to the Plebeians
Tribunes
A written law code in 451 BC, establishing basic procedural rights for all Roman citizens. Best protection against social strife
The Twelve Tables
By 287 the plebeian assembly was making laws that were binding on ALL Romans called
Plebiscites
Membership to ALL assemblies required
Previous military service
Centuriate assembly- only the centuriate assembly
Could declare war and elect the top 3 magistrates
The highest office in the Republic of Rome
Consuls
The Senate possessed 3 important powers:
-they controlled the Treasury
-they controlled the State religions and oversaw the cults
-in a state of emergency the Senate could name a dictator
The 2 main reasons for Rome’s remarkable expansion
fear from attacks and desire for wealth
Approach to governance of conquered foes
The hammer in the velvet glove
The 2 most significant Roman inventions that enabled to build throughout the Mediterranean world
Concrete and the Roman Arch
…were constructed up and down the italian peninsula for quick troop movement
Roads
Enabled the cities to grow
Aqueducts
Worst Roman military defeat EVER
Battle of Cannae
Disgruntled Groups:
veterans
not rewarded for service
Supporting the common people
Populares
Supporting the social elites or status que.
Optimates
Marius initiated reforms to allow landless rural residents and urban workers into the army
Gaius Marius
The First Triumvirate
Pompey, Crassus, Julius Caesar
Caesar’s Reign and Significantly important/ popular policies
-moderate debt cancellation, especially for his allies
-a large scale program of public works
-colonies (land) for his veterans
-expanded citizenship
-clemency for his political enemies
March 15, 44 BC
The Ides of March
