Homework Questions Flashcards
In which ways were campaigning and elections in Roman society similar and different than in our own society?
Similar: make connections, establish a broad base of support, keep a high profile, and promise everyone everything
Differences:
Elections were yearly, campaigning was virtually never-ending
Friendships and marriages were matters of political convenience
Divorces were mostly prompted by wanting new political advantages (among the senatorial class)
Insane amounts of bribery (more than today)
What was a “new man”, politically speaking?
someone whose family had never before had a consul in its rank
In Roman society how were laws introduced and enforced?
The consuls introduced to the Senate proposals for legislation. The senators discussed the proposals and, if they approved them, advised the consuls to present the legislation to one of the popular assemblies for a vote.
Senate had tight control over what legislation actually reached the assemblies. The Senate could not technically pass laws, but its “advice,” called a Senatus consultum came to have the force of a law,
What types of government officials or “magistrates” existed among the Romans?
The magistrates were the public officials of Rome and of the Empire–the mayor, the chief justice, the chief engineer, the public treasurer, the army chief of staff, etc
What were the various powers of assemblies and the senate?
Assemblies:
Comitia Centuriata- Votes regarding property value and age belong to this group
Comitia Tributa- Votes regarding districts and municipalities belong here
Concilium Plebis- Votes regarding matters of the Plebs belong here.
Senate:
The Senate controlled all money in Rome, and how to spend it. (Taxes, tributes, public rents, etc)
Senate administered its own members as governors.
All aspects of public life, and most private life were controlled by the senate
How did the Roman army develop and improve over time?
Changed from ‘heroic” one-on-one fighting to professional, organized cohorts that fight and act as one.
What was a Roman “triumph”?
the greatest honor their country could bestow on them for a military victory.
A parade through Rome celebrating a military victory
What were some of the reasons for the success of the Roman army?
The Roman military was insanely organized, being able to transport, supply, and regulate military units far from Rome
Romans never stopped training. Their military was always on high alert and trained every single day throughout service
What was the lifestyle of professional Roman soldiers like?
Roman soldiers trained every day, with no less stress than in actual military battles.
Soldiers had complete obedience to their superiors.
What was the relationship like between soldiers and civilians during the Roman Empire?
The presence and privileges of Roman soldiers were sometimes a source of tension and discontent for local inhabitants, who may have viewed the soldiers as an army of occupation.
Roman soldiers however did stimulate local economies with trade, manufacturing, and construction, as well as forming common-law relationships with many local women
How were Roman governors (rulers of provinces) selected?
Governors were Roman senators who would have their names drawn at random. If your name was drawn to look over that province, you were now governor of said province.
What were the duties of Roman governors?
The governor of a province should prevent illegal requisitions, especially those made with violence, and sales and financial obligations extorted through fear, or where money is not paid.
The governor should also see to it that no one unjustly makes a profit or suffers a loss
The governor should take care to prevent unauthorized staff members from proceeding to threaten people under the pretext of assisting military officials and punish them when they are caught.
He should also prevent illegal exactions from being made under the pretext of collecting tax and tribute.
It is proper for a good and conscientious governor to take care that the province in which he governs is peaceful and quiet
TLDR: Make sure things don’t go to shit
What was a “publican”?
Someone dealing with public revenues (money-lender, banker, etc)
In which ways were governors and publicans often unscrupulous?
They would use their power over the people to enrich themselves while the people suffered
In which ways could Roman rule be viewed as beneficial?
Peace and protection of the Roman Empire
You were able to enjoy and participate in all the luxuries and rights of a Roman citizen
