Rome: Republic to Empire

Question 1

what did Octavian/Augustus do?

31 BCE - 14 CE

Answer 1

founded the principate/early republic

Question 2

what did Diocletian do?

284-305

Answer 2

divided empire into east & west

was later reunited under Constantine

Question 3

what was the Pax Romana?

31 BCE - 180 CE

Answer 3

period of Roman peace

• empire expanded geographically
• tax collection & army provisions
• public works
• literature & law

Question 4

what were the various mystery religions of the Roman Empire?

Answer 4

• Cult of Isis → fertility worship
• Christianity
• personal relationships with deities
• salvation/syncretism → join multipe to “cover bases”

Question 5

how were women percieved in Roman society?

Answer 5

• women = biologically inferior
• pater-familias (male HOH)
• elite women often educated

pater-famlilias could accept/reject infants (rf. Romulus & Remus)

Question 6

what were the main branches of government in the Roman Republic?

Answer 6

1. magistrates: served max. 1 year alongside another mag.
2. senate: composed of ex-magistrates
3. oligarchy: ruled by few elites; not a democracy
4. client-patron relationship: wealthy provided food, political protection, etc.

magistrates funed public works (i.e. aqueducts, baths, temples, etc.)

Question 7

what subjects were valued in an elite male education?

Answer 7

1. literature
2. philosophy
3. rhetoric

male education = sign of elite status

Question 8

what were the consequences of the Roman standing army?

Answer 8

• farmers impoverished
• more conquests & longer service = decline of citizen soldiers
• militay success = increased use of slaves

major slave revolts created a risk of uprising