Roman History Part I Flashcards
What legendary twins were said to have found Rome?
Romulus and Remus
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
In what city were Romulus and Remus born?
Alba Longa
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
Who was king of Alba Longa when Romulus and Remus were born?
Amulius
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
What brother had Amulius deposed so that Amulius could become king of Alba Longa?
Numitor
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
Who were the parents of Romulus and Remus?
Rhea Silvia and (the god) Mars
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
Who was the father of Rhea Silvia?
Numitor
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
In order to prevent a challenge to his rule of Alba Longa, into what religious group did Amulius force Rhea Silvia?
Vestal Virgin
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
What did Amulius do with Romulus and Remus when he had heard of their birth?
He ordered the two to be cast into the Tiber river.
Fun Fact: The story of Romulus and Remus begins in the city of their birth, Alba Longa. The king of Alba Longa, Numitor, was deposed by his brother Amulius. In order to prevent a challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Numitor’s daugher, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin. The god Mars fell in love with Rhea Silvia and she bore twin sons, Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of the twins, he ordered them to be cast into the Tiber river.
After the infants Romulus and Remus were cast into the Tiber, who, according to legend, found and nursed the twins?
a she-wolf (lupa)
Fun Fact: The boys were found and nursed by a she-wolf (lupa). A shepherd named Faustulus found the twins and, along with his wife Acca Larentia, raised them as his own sons. After Remus was captured and imprisoned by Amulius, Faustulus told Romulus of his true identity. Romulus then led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king. The twin sons of Mars then restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne.
What shepherd raised Romulus and Remus?
Faustulus (along with his wife Acca Laurentia)
Fun Fact: The boys were found and nursed by a she-wolf (lupa). A shepherd named Faustulus found the twins and, along with his wife Acca Larentia, raised them as his own sons. After Remus was captured and imprisoned by Amulius, Faustulus told Romulus of his true identity. Romulus then led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king. The twin sons of Mars then restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne.
Which of the legendary twin founders of Rome was captured by Amulius?
Remus
Fun Fact: The boys were found and nursed by a she-wolf (lupa). A shepherd named Faustulus found the twins and, along with his wife Acca Larentia, raised them as his own sons. After Remus was captured and imprisoned by Amulius, Faustulus told Romulus of his true identity. Romulus then led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king. The twin sons of Mars then restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne.
When Remus had been captured by Amulius, who hatched a rescue plan?
Romulus led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king.
Fun Fact: The boys were found and nursed by a she-wolf (lupa). A shepherd named Faustulus found the twins and, along with his wife Acca Larentia, raised them as his own sons. After Remus was captured and imprisoned by Amulius, Faustulus told Romulus of his true identity. Romulus then led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king. The twin sons of Mars then restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne.
After the overthrowing of Amulius, who did Romulus and Remus restore to the Alban throne?
Their grandfather, Numitor
Fun Fact: The boys were found and nursed by a she-wolf (lupa). A shepherd named Faustulus found the twins and, along with his wife Acca Larentia, raised them as his own sons. After Remus was captured and imprisoned by Amulius, Faustulus told Romulus of his true identity. Romulus then led a group to rescue Remus and overthrow their uncle Amulius as king. The twin sons of Mars then restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne.
Describe the mythological founding of Rome.
Romulus and Remus settle along the Tiber—>
Remus saw six vulures over the Aventine hill—>
Romulus saw twelve vultures over the Palatine hill—>
They disputed over which hill should be the main—>
They each build walls on their respective hills—>
Romulus kills Remus for leaping over Romulus’ walls—>
Romulus builds his settlement on the Palatine hill
Fun Fact: After a while, Romulus and Remus decided to establish their own city on the banks of the Tiber. As they surveyed the future city of seven hills, each brother saw an omen. Remus first spotted six vultures soaring above the Aventine hill. Romulus soon after spotted twelve vultures over the Palatine. The brothers quarreled over the meaning of the portents, and each began to build the city on his respective hill. According to legend, Romulus killed Remus after the latter had leapt over the former’s walls and insulted him. Romulus, therefore, built his settlement on the Palatine hill. According to legend, Romulus established the Monarchy on April 21st, 753 B.C..
According to legend, Rome’s first government, the Monarchy, was established by Romulus on which date?
April 21st, 753 B.C..
Fun Fact: After a while, Romulus and Remus decided to establish their own city on the banks of the Tiber. As they surveyed the future city of seven hills, each brother saw an omen. Remus first spotted six vultures soaring above the Aventine hill. Romulus soon after spotted twelve vultures over the Palatine. The brothers quarreled over the meaning of the portents, and each began to build the city on his respective hill. According to legend, Romulus killed Remus after the latter had leapt over the former’s walls and insulted him. Romulus, therefore, built his settlement on the Palatine hill. According to legend, Romulus established the Monarchy on April 21st, 753 B.C..
Give the years of the Roman Monarchy.
753–510 B.C.
Fun Fact: The Roman Monarchy lasted from Rome’s founding in 753 B.C. until the expulsion of the last king in 510 B.C..
Rome is said to have how many kings rule over the course of its Monarchy?
Seven
Fun Fact: The Roman Monarchy lasted from Rome’s founding in 753 B.C. until the expulsion of the last king in 510 B.C.. In total, Rome had seven kings.
Who is considered the first king of the Roman Monarchy?
Romulus
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
What group of 100 men was Romulus said to have established?
Senate
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
What event under the reign of Romulus created an early influx of women into Rome?
Rape of the Sabine Women
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
To whom did Romulus dedicate the first spolia opima?
Jupiter
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
With which Sabine king is Romulus said to have co-ruled?
Titus Tatius
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
Some accounts have Romulus dying in a supernatural way. In these stories, how is Romulus said to have died?
enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
What became the deified name of the Roman king Romulus?
Quirinus
Fun Fact: The first king, Romulus, established the Senate (with 100 members called patrēs), brought the Sabine women into the city (Rape of the Sabine Women), and dedicated the first spolia opima (earned for killing an enemy commander in battle) to Jupiter. For a brief time Romulus co-ruled with the Sabine king Titus Tatius. It was said that Romulus did not die, but was enveloped by a storm cloud and raised into the sky. The Romans deified Romulus under the name Quirinus.
Who is considered the second king of the Roman Monarchy?
Numa Pompilius
Fun Fact: Romulus successor, Numa Pompilius, was a Sabine who brought religion to Rome. He established the Vestal Virgins and the cult of Janus.
From what Italic tribe was Rome’s second king Numa Pompilius said to have descended?
Sabines
Fun Fact: Romulus successor, Numa Pompilius, was a Sabine who brought religion to Rome. He established the Vestal Virgins and the cult of Janus.
What nearby town was Tullus Hostilius said to have destroyed?
Alba Longa
Fun Fact: Rome’s third king, Tullus Hostilius, destroyed Alba Longa due to the victory of the Horatii over the Curiatii.
Under which emperor did construction on the Colosseum begin, and under which emperor was it finally dedicated?
Vespasian; Titus
Fun Fact: The Colosseum, the first great arena in world history, is arguably the most splendid of Rome’s architectural achievements. Begun by the emperor Vespasian and dedicated by his son Titus in 80 A.D., the Colosseum held over 50,000 spectators. Gladiators and beasts fought on its arena floor in lavish public games for the amusement of the ancient Romans. This thirst for popular entertainment is immortalized in the Roman poet Juvenal’s quote “pānem et circensēs” (bread and circuses). The Colosseum gained its current name from a nearby statue of the emperor Nero (the Colossus Nerōnis). The ancient Romans called it the Amphitheātrum Flāvium, or Flavian Amphitheater, after the emperors who built it. Much of the southern portion of the edifice was destroyed by an earthquake during the Middle Ages.
What man removed the dagger from Lucretia’s deceased body and had the leading aristocrats swear an oath never to allow a king to rule in Rome again?
Lucius Junius Brutus
Fun Fact: Tarquinius Superbus ruled as a tyrant. In fact, the name Superbus means “proud” or “arrogant.” The Romans grew increasingly tired of his rule, but the final straw came when the king’s son, Sextus Tarquinius, raped a virtuous noble woman named Lucretia. When her husband Collatinus discovered this act, he summoned the leading aristocrats to his home. Lucretia, ashamed at what had occurred, plunged a knife into her heart. Lucius Iunius Brutus pulled the knife from Lucretia’s body and had the men present swear an oath never to allow a king (rēx) to rule in Rome again.
During which year was the Colosseum dedicated?
80 A.D.
Fun Fact: The Colosseum, the first great arena in world history, is arguably the most splendid of Rome’s architectural achievements. Begun by the emperor Vespasian and dedicated by his son Titus in 80 A.D., the Colosseum held over 50,000 spectators. Gladiators and beasts fought on its arena floor in lavish public games for the amusement of the ancient Romans. This thirst for popular entertainment is immortalized in the Roman poet Juvenal’s quote “pānem et circensēs” (bread and circuses). The Colosseum gained its current name from a nearby statue of the emperor Nero (the Colossus Nerōnis). The ancient Romans called it the Amphitheātrum Flāvium, or Flavian Amphitheater, after the emperors who built it. Much of the southern portion of the edifice was destroyed by an earthquake during the Middle Ages.
The nearby statue of which Roman emperor gave the Colosseum its name?
Nero (the statue being the Colossus Nerōnis)
Fun Fact: The Colosseum, the first great arena in world history, is arguably the most splendid of Rome’s architectural achievements. Begun by the emperor Vespasian and dedicated by his son Titus in 80 A.D., the Colosseum held over 50,000 spectators. Gladiators and beasts fought on its arena floor in lavish public games for the amusement of the ancient Romans. This thirst for popular entertainment is immortalized in the Roman poet Juvenal’s quote “pānem et circensēs” (bread and circuses). The Colosseum gained its current name from a nearby statue of the emperor Nero (the Colossus Nerōnis). The ancient Romans called it the Amphitheātrum Flāvium, or Flavian Amphitheater, after the emperors who built it. Much of the southern portion of the edifice was destroyed by an earthquake during the Middle Ages.
By what other name is the Colosseum known?
Amphitheātrum Flāvium
Fun Fact: The Colosseum, the first great arena in world history, is arguably the most splendid of Rome’s architectural achievements. Begun by the emperor Vespasian and dedicated by his son Titus in 80 A.D., the Colosseum held over 50,000 spectators. Gladiators and beasts fought on its arena floor in lavish public games for the amusement of the ancient Romans. This thirst for popular entertainment is immortalized in the Roman poet Juvenal’s quote “pānem et circensēs” (bread and circuses). The Colosseum gained its current name from a nearby statue of the emperor Nero (the Colossus Nerōnis). The ancient Romans called it the Amphitheātrum Flāvium, or Flavian Amphitheater, after the emperors who built it. Much of the southern portion of the edifice was destroyed by an earthquake during the Middle Ages.
As shown on the Column of Trajan, what kingdom did the Roman emperor Trajan conquer by 106 A.D.?
Dacia
Fun Fact: In 101 A.D. the emperor Trajan led his legions across the Danube river to conquer the kingdom of Dacia, modern day Romania. The king of the Dacians, Decebalus, had previously fought a successful war against the Roman emperor Domitian. By 106 A.D. Trajan had conquered Dacia and transformed it into a Roman province. In Rome Trajan then set out to build a monument to his victory. The result was Trajan’s Column, a 110 foot memorial which tells the story of the Dacian War. On top of Trajan’s Column was a bronze statue of the emperor, which has been replaced by a statue of St. Peter. Trajan not only built a column in Rome, but an entire Forum. Trajan’s Forum, called the Forum Ulpium in Latin, contained a basilica and a series of markets which were built into the sides of the Capitoline and Quirinal Hills. In the annals of Roman history, Trajan is known as Optimus Princeps (the best emperor). His reign ushered in the high point of the Pāx Rōmāna. In later years coins were minted in ancient Rome with the phrase felicior Augustō, melior Trāiānō—“more fortunate than Augustus, better than Trajan.” When Trajan died in 117 A.D., the Roman Empire was at its greatest territorial extent.
In what year did the Roman emperor Trajan begin his attack on Dacia?
101 A.D.
Fun Fact: In 101 A.D. the emperor Trajan led his legions across the Danube river to conquer the kingdom of Dacia, modern day Romania. The king of the Dacians, Decebalus, had previously fought a successful war against the Roman emperor Domitian. By 106 A.D. Trajan had conquered Dacia and transformed it into a Roman province. In Rome Trajan then set out to build a monument to his victory. The result was Trajan’s Column, a 110 foot memorial which tells the story of the Dacian War. On top of Trajan’s Column was a bronze statue of the emperor, which has been replaced by a statue of St. Peter. Trajan not only built a column in Rome, but an entire Forum. Trajan’s Forum, called the Forum Ulpium in Latin, contained a basilica and a series of markets which were built into the sides of the Capitoline and Quirinal Hills. In the annals of Roman history, Trajan is known as Optimus Princeps (the best emperor). His reign ushered in the high point of the Pāx Rōmāna. In later years coins were minted in ancient Rome with the phrase felicior Augustō, melior Trāiānō—“more fortunate than Augustus, better than Trajan.” When Trajan died in 117 A.D., the Roman Empire was at its greatest territorial extent.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, who was the king of the Dacians whom Trajan ultimately defeated?
Decebalus
Fun Fact: In 101 A.D. the emperor Trajan led his legions across the Danube river to conquer the kingdom of Dacia, modern day Romania. The king of the Dacians, Decebalus, had previously fought a successful war against the Roman emperor Domitian. By 106 A.D. Trajan had conquered Dacia and transformed it into a Roman province. In Rome Trajan then set out to build a monument to his victory. The result was Trajan’s Column, a 110 foot memorial which tells the story of the Dacian War. On top of Trajan’s Column was a bronze statue of the emperor, which has been replaced by a statue of St. Peter. Trajan not only built a column in Rome, but an entire Forum. Trajan’s Forum, called the Forum Ulpium in Latin, contained a basilica and a series of markets which were built into the sides of the Capitoline and Quirinal Hills. In the annals of Roman history, Trajan is known as Optimus Princeps (the best emperor). His reign ushered in the high point of the Pāx Rōmāna. In later years coins were minted in ancient Rome with the phrase felicior Augustō, melior Trāiānō—“more fortunate than Augustus, better than Trajan.” When Trajan died in 117 A.D., the Roman Empire was at its greatest territorial extent.
What title, which typically is translated as “the best emperor”, is normally attributed to the Roman emperor Trajan?
Optimus Princeps
Fun Fact: In 101 A.D. the emperor Trajan led his legions across the Danube river to conquer the kingdom of Dacia, modern day Romania. The king of the Dacians, Decebalus, had previously fought a successful war against the Roman emperor Domitian. By 106 A.D. Trajan had conquered Dacia and transformed it into a Roman province. In Rome Trajan then set out to build a monument to his victory. The result was Trajan’s Column, a 110 foot memorial which tells the story of the Dacian War. On top of Trajan’s Column was a bronze statue of the emperor, which has been replaced by a statue of St. Peter. Trajan not only built a column in Rome, but an entire Forum. Trajan’s Forum, called the Forum Ulpium in Latin, contained a basilica and a series of markets which were built into the sides of the Capitoline and Quirinal Hills. In the annals of Roman history, Trajan is known as Optimus Princeps (the best emperor). His reign ushered in the high point of the Pāx Rōmāna. In later years coins were minted in ancient Rome with the phrase felicior Augustō, melior Trāiānō—“more fortunate than Augustus, better than Trajan.” When Trajan died in 117 A.D., the Roman Empire was at its greatest territorial extent.
