Roman beginnings Flashcards
Rome and Italy
Humble origins to world domination.
Major power by 3rd C. BCE.
Cultural and economic significance of Italy.
Etruscans
Evidence from 800 BCE.
Peaks around 650 BCE.
Incorporated into Rome in the 4th century.
Etruscan Influence
Livy: Roman symbols adopted from Etruscan models.
Examples include toga praetexta, sella curulis, fasces.
Rome as an amalgamation of cultures.
The Seven Hills
Archaeological evidence from 17th/16th centuries BCE.
Legendary foundation in 753 BCE.
Separate settlements cohere around the 8th century BCE.
Roman Population
Largest city in Italy by the 5th century BCE.
Over a million people by the 1st century CE.
Livy’s historical accounts and their value.
What Matters for Livy?
Interest in the lives of men, moral principles, and Roman history.
Focus on the collapse of discipline and morality.
Livy’s perspective on Roman vices and remedies.
Aeneas
Refugee from Troy sent to Italy.
Venus Genetrix as Aeneas’ divine connection.
Aeneas as a model of Roman virtues.
Romulus and Remus
Twins exposed and rescued.
Mythic foundation in 753 BCE.
Versions of the brothers’ conflict and Rome’s naming.
Rape of the Sabine Women
Overpopulation of men, shortage of women.
Romans seize Sabine women during a festival.
Treaty and acceptance, symbolizing Roman pragmatism.
Sextus TarquiniusAge of Kings: 753-510 BCE”
Son of Tarquinius Superbus.
Rape of Lucretia and her virtuous example.
Overthrow of the last King, establishment of the Republic.
the Rape of Lucretia
Sextus Tarquinius’ heinous act.
Lucretia’s choice of death.
Collatinus and Brutus seek revenge, leading to the Republic.
Foundation of the City
753 BCE, conflict between Romulus and Remus.
Ornithomancy to determine Rome’s name.
Romulus kills Remus or vice versa, symbolizing Rome’s harsh foundation.
