Midterm

Question 1

The Roman republic was best symbolized by the initials “SPQR” (Senatus Populusque Romanus).

What did this mean and why was this an accurate representation of how the basic institutions of Roman government-operated?

What were the strengths and weaknesses of what modern scholars have called “senatorial oligarchy?”

You should show familiarity with the basic branches of the republican system of government.

Answer 1

DATE: c 509-100BC

SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus –> Senatorial Oligarchy – was accurate and was not accurate

Formulated the military, government around SPQR

the existing body of the senators

Roman Republic:

- 2 consuls (elected annually ; consular imperium; fasces)
- Senate: appointed for life by Consuls SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) = Senatorial Oligarchy 
- Dictator: elected by Senate for 6 months in times of emergency 
- Assembly of Citizens; Plebeian Council (287BC) 
- Republic = Don’t have mob power

Weakness

• no written constitution
• Senate held a lot of power
• Consuls elected every year = scared of having dictator
• Government always in progress
• Axe: symbol of power over killing people
• Senate: until death (consul)

Strength

• Provoke, Predict, Prevail
• Rods: capital punishment
• Senate = backbone of government not a dictator

Roman governement operated

• Divison of power
• Loved pagentry and symbols

Examples:
- myth and symbols: wolf - foundation of rome - Romulius and remus

• Senate backbone example: 12 tables of Roman Law
• Punic war: weakness of PPP
• Struggles of war

Question 2

How did the Second Punic War prove, according to Polybius and Livy, to be the true test of Roman character (which accounted for Rome’s future greatness)?

Discuss the key events of the war to support their overall thesis about the moral lessons of this great
conflict.

How does the Third Punic War offer a disturbing critique to their “heroic” Roman narrative?

Answer 2

True test of Roman Character

• Warfare: how to deal with it
• Tenacity/Attrition = Character of Rome

Tenacity: patience with Rome

Polyibus and Livy: Narrative historians

Battle of Cannae
DATE: Aug 2nd 216
- Largest battle

• Greatest military diaster in Roman history (ENTIRE)
• Southeast Corner of Italy
• Day won the Battle of Cannae but lost the war!
• TURNING POINT
• Oxymoron: wining Cannae; losing 2nd punic war

Publius Cornelius Scipio

ONE: “Fabian Tactics” in Italy (Hannibal never marched on Rome!)

TWO: Conquest of Spain capture Cartagena

THREE: Invasion of Africa 204 bc

Battle of Zama
Date: 202
Hannibal gets a mssg from his hometown - War is lost, must come home = 15 yrs in Italy -never lost a battle

• Romans knew the battle strategy of Hannibal – Breaking ranks for the elephants to pass
• After lose the battle - went back to carthage
• Romans wanted BLOOD!! –> Wanted $$$

Scipio = General and Consul for Romans

Carthage = no navy, never wage war anywhere, — unconditional surrende, $ to Rome

Not heroic

• sold women and killed men
• GENOCIDE