Midterm Study Cards Flashcards
“civilization”
A civilization is a society that has organized states, an economy with jobs. They must also have organized religion, and written history.
“barbarians”
This term was originally a Greek word, referring to those that did not speak Greek. It refers to people or a society that isn’t civilized.
Phoenicians/Carthaginians
These people were also refered to as Punic, and came from Phoenecia, on the coast of Syria. They were traders, explorers, and established themselves at Carthage.
Greeks
They were certainly present, with city-states and colonies around Medit, from 900-800 BCE.
Latins
Latins were not considered civilized, unlike its neighbor region Etruria. The Romans themselves were Latins, and built Latin citizenship during the Roman Republic, as a feasible achievement.
Etruscans
They were part of Italy, and while their native origins are unknown, it is possible they immigrated from the East, around 800 BCE. They were militarily superior, and functioned as the first city-state in Italy.
753 BCE
This is known as the foundation date of Rome, according to the Romans. Rome’s actual foundation date may have been around 600 BCE. But to the Romans, 753 is the date to remember.
Aeneas
He was a Trojan hero, who had escaped the Trojan War. He eventually founded Rome, according to Roman legend.
Romulus and Remus
They were abandoned twin who were raised by wolves, and later went on to found Rome, according to Roman legend. In a fight between the two, Remus died, leaving the city to belong to, and bear Romulus’ name.
Forum
It serves as the central meeting place of town or city. For Rome, a forum served the purpose of a marketplace, or public square.
Roman Kingdom
It is the first of the three political divisions in Rome. It consisted of 7 Roman kings, and was poltiically infiltrated by Etruscans. The king was ruler and enforcer of laws for life, and was elected by the assembly.
imperium
It refers to the highest executive power. During the Roman Kingdom, the power went to the king.
Senate, senators
It was a council of elders, with high ranking men. They had some imperium, or power. They were an advisory body to the king, who they confirmed.
Assemby / Comitia Curiata
It was an assembly of free men, divded into wards, or districts of the cities.
centuries; centurions
Groups of 100 men in battle. Each century was classified by their equipment. More wealth meant a higher rank
Military Assembly / Comitia Centuriata / “Centuriate Assembly”
a
patricians
They were the artistocrats of the Roman world. Their rich status made them the only ones who could be senators or priests, and practically ran Rome.
plebs; plebeians
Plebians were members of the Plebs. They were the lower class, which were ordinarily mere city and country dwellers who were not wealthy.
Patron
Patricians were patrons, who could have multiple clients, should he have enough money to pay for multiple ones.
paterfamilias; patria potestas
The paterfamilia functioned as the head of the family, and ruled all descendants, along with their wives, slaves, movable property, and land.
manus
It was a form of marriage followed by the Romans. Women were handed down, kept under the guardianship of a man at all times.
Vesta; Vestal Virgins
Vesta was the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Her importance to the Romans is evident by the necessity of needing full time priestesses, known as Vestal virgins. These Vestal virgins took vows of chastity, who tended to the sacred fire that they could not let burn out.
Lares and Penates
They were Roman gods, that were kept in people’s homes. They were worshiped at home, as a reverence towards protection of their homes. As they were found in multiple Roman homes, it is clear these gods were worshiped, for a long time.
Fortune
This was a Roman god which was portrayed as a woman. She governed all divisions of luck.
Jupiter
He is comparable to the Greek God, Zeus. He is considered the king and leader of the Roman gods.
Juno
She is comparable to the Greek God, Hera. She is considered the queen of the Roman gods.
Minerva
She is comparable to the Greek God, Athena. She is considered the goddess of wisdom, as well as war.
Mars
He shares similarities to the Greek God, Apollo. He is Rome’s God of War.
Venus
She is comparable to the Greek God, Aphrodite. She is considered the goddess of love and beauty.
509 BCE
This date coincides with the traditional founding of the Roman Republic, as Brutus overthrew the king. This led to the creation of the consol, dictator, quaestor, praetor, and aedile positions.
Roman Republic
a
consul
The Roman Republic had 2 consuls, and were elected annually by the Senate, for one term. They would work together, and did the duties of the king. Each conul had their army, and both helo imperium and the ability to veto.
