Octavian Comes to Rome 44-42BC Flashcards
Octavian
Later known as Augustus, he was Julius Caesar’s adopted heir.
Became the first Emperor of Rome after the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Reigned from 27 BCE to 14 CE, establishing the Pax Romana (Roman Peace).
His leadership marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.
Julius Caesar
A military general and politician who played a crucial role in the end of the Roman Republic.
Conquered Gaul (modern-day France), expanded Rome’s territories, and became Dictator in Perpetuity in 44 BCE.
Assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15, 44 BCE) by a group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius.
Pontifex Maximus
The chief priest of the Roman religion and the head of the college of pontiffs.
The title was one of the most important religious roles in Roman society.
Julius Caesar held this position before becoming Dictator.
Triumvirate
A political alliance of three men in ancient Rome.
The First Triumvirate (60 BCE) included Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
The Second Triumvirate (43 BCE) included Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus.
Dictator
A magistrate in the Roman Republic given absolute power during an emergency for a limited period.
Unlike kings, dictators were appointed by the Senate and had to give up power after the crisis ended.
Julius Caesar was appointed Dictator but eventually became Dictator for life.
Brutus & Cassius
Leaders of the assassination plot against Julius Caesar.
Brutus was a close friend of Caesar, yet he believed killing him was necessary to restore the Republic.
Both were defeated by Mark Antony and Octavian in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE.
Denarius
The standard silver coin in the Roman Republic and later Roman Empire.
First issued around 211 BCE and widely used in trade.
It bore images of leaders, deities, and symbols of Roman power.
Triumph
A ceremonial procession celebrating a military victory in ancient Rome.
The victorious general, or triumphator, was paraded through the city streets, ending at the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill.
It was a high honour awarded by the Senate.
Mos Maiorum
The unwritten code of traditional Roman values and customs.
It emphasized respect for ancestors, duty to the state, and adherence to Roman virtues such as piety, discipline, and honor.
It played a significant role in shaping Roman political and social life.
The Battle of Philippi
Fought in 42 BCE between the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian (Second Triumvirate) vs. Brutus and Cassius (leaders of Caesar’s assassination).
The battle took place in Macedonia near the city of Philippi.
Outcome: Antony and Octavian were victorious, leading to the suicides of Brutus and Cassius.
This victory solidified the power of the Second Triumvirate and ended hopes of restoring the Roman Republic.
Proscription
A practice in ancient Rome where individuals were publicly listed as enemies of the state.
Those proscribed could be executed without trial, and their property confiscated.
Most famously used by Sulla in 82 BCE and later by the Second Triumvirate (Antony, Octavian, Lepidus) in 43 BCE.
Purpose: To eliminate political rivals and raise funds by seizing their assets.
The Battle at Mutina
Fought in 43 BCE between the forces of the Senate, led by Consuls Pansa and Hirtius, with support from Octavian, vs. Mark Antony.
Took place in northern Italy near the city of Mutina (modern-day Modena).
Outcome: The Senate’s forces won, but both consuls were killed, leaving Octavian as the commanding general.
The battle weakened Antony’s position but led to a power shift, with Octavian using the opportunity to gain political leverage and march on Rome.
