Chapter 5: An Age of Empires: Rome and Han China, 753-600 CE Flashcards
What is the mythical founding of Rome?
Romulus and Remus were abandoned in the Tibre, raised by a wolf, and founded Rome.
What is the historical founding of Rome?
Latin people settled on Palentine Hill in Rome and were conquered by the Etruscans. A monarchy was formed and lasted 200 years. In 509 BCE the Etruscans were overthrown and established a Republic (indirect type of democracy) with representatives.
Rome was a republic of what?
Rome was a republic of farmers. The Senate was composed of a few families with a large amount of land, making it the center of wealth and influence.
What were the 2 consuls?
The 2 consuls were chosen from the Senate. One was in charge of the military and the other was in charge of domestic affairs. Both served for 1 year.
What were the 2 social classes in the Roman Republic?
Patricians, the wealthy aristocratic class, and plebeians, landowners, merchants and farmers, as well as wealthy nonaristocratic people.
What was the “Conflict of Orders” and what did it lead to?
The Plebeians protested inequalities in Roman society and the patricians. It led to the first set of Roman laws, written on 12 tables. They were a check on arbitrary decisions. Tribunes, from lower classes, were created and could veto any patrician actions deemed against the interest of lower orders.
What did the Romans worship?
They worshipped nature spirits, and later gods and goddesses. They borrowed Greek deities and renamed them.
What was family life like in the Roman Republic?
The family was the basic unit of society. The father was the head, but women asserted influence. Wives had few legal rights, but more influence than those of the Greece.
What was the patron-client relationship in Rome?
The patron was a wealthy aristocrat who offered support to the client in return for political support. Some patrons had many clients.
What were the characteristics of the Roman military?
They had a strong army. Every male citizen had to serve when needed. They improved Greek tactics, with smaller more mobile divisions.
The Punic Wars were a period of what?
Expansion.
What happened during the 1st Punic War?
The Romans had complete control of Italy by 275 BCE, and Carthage expanded to Sicily. Rome wanted to control the entire Mediterranean, and they defended the Strait of Messina. They made Carthage pay a huge indemnity and give up Sicily.
What happened during the 2nd Punic War?
Carthaginian general Hannibal travelled through Spain over the Alps with 40,000 men and 40 elephants. A lot of them died due to sickness, hunger, snow, and attacks. The Romans attacked at Carthage and demanded control of Spain and an indemnity.
What happened during the 3rd Punic War?
“Carthaga delenda est” Carthage must be destroyed- the Romans burned Carthage and sold their population into slavery. Rome gained control over the entire Mediterranean.
What did wars and expansion in Rome lead to?
Italian farmers were away from their homes, so they were replaced by “latifunda” or “broad estates.” They grazed cattle and crops for MONEY, so there was not as much grain production. There was a decrease of small farms and an increase in slaves. There was also a shortage of men with minimum required land for military service.
Increased slave labor after the Punic Wars led to what?
Increased slave labor made it difficult for farmers to find work, which led to growing urban masses that were idle and prone to riot. They were not loyal to the Republic and instead were loyal to independents and military leaders. This caused bloody civil wars from 88-31 BCE.
What notable action did Julius Caesar take in 60 BC? What role did he take after that, in 44 BC? How did he act in that role?
He formed the Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. There was a civil war, and Julius Caesar won and declared himself “dictator for life.” He established social reforms such as assistance to the poor and re-distributed land, and expanded the Republic.
How was the emperor chosen in the Roman Empire?
In theory, he was affirmed by the Senate, but in reality he was chosen by armies. The adoption of mature men by the emperor was common.
What was the Pax Romana?
An over-200-year period of peace and prosperity begun in 27 BC, during the rule of Augustus/Octavian, and lasting until 180 AD. Citizenship was granted for 26 years of military service and good behavior. Citizens could travel easily and had more rights.
What other events characterized the Pax Romana?
Public work projects, such as the Colosseum and aqueducts. Roads using concrete were constructed, trade increased, and the economy rose. There were still many poor Romans.
Why was there tension in Judea between the Jews and Romans?
The Jews believed in one God and were waiting for the Messiah, which the Romans saw as a threat because they refused to worship the emperor, which was seen as disloyalty. They crucified Jesus.
Who was Jesus?
He was a rabbi/ teacher, fiery prophet, or political revolutionary. He was believed by some to be the Messiah/son of God.
What was the Gospel?
The Gospel was the stories of Jesus’ life and teachings, which was central to Christianity. Paul traveled widely to spread it
Why was Rome able to sustain a larger population than Greece?
They had better climate which allowed for a longer growing season and fertile soil.
