Rome and the Rise of Christianity Flashcards
Rome
Located on the Latium Plain, Rome had fertile land so good farming, and was surrounded by seven hills which made defense easy
Etruscans
The Etruscians came from north of Rome in Etruria and expanded Rome and influenced much of its culture (toga+cloak)
Sicily
A Greek occupied island south of the Italian penninsula who influenced Roman culture
Republic
A form of gov. in which the leader is not a monarch and certain citizens can vote
Latins
An Indo-European people who lived in Italy before the Romans and lived in the Latium region. Spoke latin
Livy
A Roman historian who provided stories which taught Romans imperative morals and values. He told the story of Cincinnatus.
Patricians
Rome’s rich landowners who were able to be in government positions.
Plebeians
Less wealthy merchants and farmers who had significantly fewer rights than Patricians.
Consuls
Two per year who were in charge of leading Rome into battle
Praetor
One praetor at a time who was in charge of civil law (law as it applied to Roman citizens)
Roman Senate
About three hundred patricians who could serve for life and who advised government officials. Their power and influence wavered throughout the years
Centuriate Assembly
They elected chief officials and passed laws and was only Patricians therefore unfair
Council of Plebs
Eventually, Plebeians advocated for more influence in gov. so they were granted this council to protect the Plebeians’ rights.
Tribunes of Plebs
New officials which participated in all gov. things and furthermore protected Plebeians’ rights.
Triumvirate
A government ruled by 3 people with equal power.
Dictator
An absolute ruler
Imperator (emperor)
Commander in chief
Crassus
The richest man in Rome who was a ruler in the First Triumvirate. He was given a command in Syria but was killed in battle.
Twelve Tablets
Rome’s first code of law
Law of nations
The more developed code of law created out of a need for more detailed guidance
Octavian
Julius Caesar’s heir and grandnephew who was a ruler of the Second Triumvirate. After the death of Lepidus, the 3rd ruler, Octavian took the western empire and Antony took the east. Octavian defeated Antony, who had sided with Cleopatra VII, and took control over the Roman world. His rule started the Age of Augustus.
Antony
An ally and assistant of Caesar who was a ruler in the Second Triumvirate. After the death of Lepidus, the 3rd ruler, Antony sided with Cleopatra VII and fought with Octavian. His forces were destroyed and he committed suicide shortly after.
Augustus (“The Revered One”)
Another name for Octavian after he became the first emperor of Rome. He restored the republic and ruled through the Age of Augustus. He gave a little bit more power to the Senate. He had 28 legions, each consisting of 5,000.
Nero
A successor of Augustus who was powerful but extremely evil. He killed anyone in his way, including his mother. When Roman legions revolted, he committed suicide.
Pompey
A military hero who was a ruler in the First Triumvirate. He was given a command in Spain, and, after Crassus died, he was supposed to take control over the empire for himself. He was killed and never became the ruler over the empire.
Julius Caesar
A military commander in Spain who was a ruler in the First Triumvirate. After Crassus died, he was supposed to step down as ruler, but him and his army started a civil war between his and Pompey’s forces. Caesar won and he was named the dictator of the empire. Caesar weakened the Senate by increasing its number to 900 and gave land to the poor. He was planning much more, but he was assassinated by a group of leading senators.
Octavian
Julius Caesar’s heir and grandnephew
Paterfamilias
The dominant male figure in Roman society.
Insulae
The poorly built apartment buildings in which the poor would live
Virgil
The most distinguished poet in Rome. He wrote the Aeneid which taught imperative virtues to Romans.
Horace
Another Roman poet who laughed at the weaknesses of humanity.
Livy
The Latin historian who gave much of what we know about Rome today. His work was possibly not completely accurate.
Spartacus
A roman gladiator who led a slave revolt and defeated several Roman armies.
Procurator
A roman official in charge of a province
Jesus
A Jew-ish “Prophet” (false) who spread lies about god speaking to him and being chosen to bring salvation. He taught that strict adherence to the law was not as important ad the transformation of the inner self which is not true. He was lying and is burning in hell as we speak.
Simon Peter
A Jewish fisherman who became an apostle of Jesus’s cause. He was the leader of the apostles
Paul
Another educated jew who took the message of Jesus and spread it and set up christian communities
New Testament
A collections of the teachings of Jesus
Clergy
The church leaders
Laity
regular church members
Constantine
The first Roman emperor who tolerated christianity
Plague
An epidemic or mass sickness
Diocletian
Diocletian and Constantine lengthened the life of the empire bob enacting many reforms. Strengthened the gov., enlarged the army, fought inflation, and much more.
Inflation
a rapid increase in prices
Byzantium
A greek city which later became the capitol of western Rome.
Huns
A people who came from Asia
Visigoths
A people who were pressured bob the Huns and moved into Roman territory and then revolted and sacked Rome
Vandals
People from Africa who sacked Rome
Romulus Augustus
Western Rome
