Rome

Question 1

Why the Romans got rid of kings

Answer 1

The last king, Tarquin the Proud, was overthrown after his son, Sextus, assaulted Lucretia. Outrage led to the formation of the Roman Republic in 509 BCE

Question 2

The Tarquin Conspiracy

Answer 2

Tarquin attempted to reclaim power through a conspiracy involving Roman nobles. It was uncovered, and the conspirators were executed

Question 3

Battle of Silva Arsia

Answer 3

Fought between Tarquin’s forces (supported by Etruscans) and Rome. The Romans won but lost their consul, Brutus

Question 4

Reforms of Valerius Publicola

Answer 4

Allowed appeal against magistrate

Strengthened Republican institutions

Enacted laws to limit tyranny

Question 5

Heroic acts of Cocles, Gaius Mucius, and Cloelia

Answer 5

Horatius Cocles defended a bridge alone against an Etruscan attack

Gaius Mucius attempted to assassinate an enemy leader, burning his own hand to prove Roman resilience

Cloelia escaped Etruscan captivity, freeing other hostages

Question 6

The Battle of Lake Regillus

Answer 6

Fought around 496 BCE, this battle saw Rome defeat the Latin League, allegedly with divine intervention from Castor and Pollux

Question 7

Causes of the First Secession

Answer 7

Plebeians faced debt slavery and economic hardship.
Patricians monopolized political power and land ownership.
Plebeians had no official representation in government.

Question 8

Events of the First Secession

Answer 8

Plebeians withdrew from Rome in protest (c. 494 BCE).
Refused military service, pressuring patricians for reforms.
Patricians, fearing instability, negotiated with plebeian leaders.

Question 9

Consequences of the First Secession

Answer 9

Creation of the Tribune of the Plebs, granting plebeians representation.
Tribunes gained the power to veto decisions that harmed plebeians.
Key figures like Coriolanus opposed reforms and faced exile.
Spurius Cassius proposed land reforms but was executed.
Valerius Publilius supported plebeian rights and legal changes.