test 1 Flashcards
What are the three main periods of Roman history (including their dates)?
- Monarchy Period (753-509 BC)
- Republic Period (509-31 BC)
- Empire (31 BC - 476 AD)
on what basis is each period defined?
The periods are defined by their form of government.
how would you characterize each period?
- Monarchy: ruled by a king, heavily influenced by Greek and Etruscan cultures
- Republic: expansion, aristocratic competition, Punic Wars occur during this time, periods of civil war because the empire had grown too large for this form of government
- Empire: Run by an emperor and his armies, Rome reaches its geographical height, legalization of religion occurs during this period, and the empire eventually splits between east and west.
How do the Romans explain the origins of their city?
The Romans believe that twins Romulus and Remus were sent to their deaths by a king, but a she-wolf finds them by the river and nurses them. A man named Faustulus discovers them and raises them as his sons. Remus gets captured by the king, who found out that they were still alive. Romulus kills the king and saves his brother, restoring his grandfather to the throne. Romulus and Remus want to found a city, but fight over who it should be named after and Romulus kills Remus and founds Rome.
What roles do the gods play in Rome’s founding and continued success?
Romulus and Remus asked for the gods to send them a sign for who should get a city in their namesake, and more birds were sent to Romulus than to Remus.
Describe the natural features and advantages of Rome’s location.
Rome is located in Italy, which is in the middle of the mediterranean. It is also on the western side, which consisted of fertile land away from the mountains. It is covered in hills left by volcanic deposits, which provide a natural defense, as well as building materials that are easily accessible. The Tiber River cuts through Rome and provides water and access to the sea for trade.
How were the seven hills of Rome formed?
The seven hills of Rome were formed by volcanic deposits. As such, they were very fertile for crops.
What is Tuff and what are some of its uses?
Tuff is volcanic stone that comes from ash left behind by volcanic eruptions. The Romans used tuff as building material, and also carved into it for things like catacombs.
Which two groups influenced Roman culture during the Monarchy and in which areas of society was their influence especially significant?
- Greeks and Etruscans
- from the Greeks: art, pottery, their alphabet, and gods.
- Etruscans: construction techniques, art, and religious rituals.
Describe five major public works completed at Rome during the Monarchy.
- Cloaca Maxima: sewer, drainage system
- Forum Romanum: political, religious, and commercial center
- Forum Boarium: cattle market
- Pons Sublicius: 1st bridge in Rome
- Temple of Jupiter: big temple for Zeus
What are the dominant characteristics of the Early and Late Republic?
Major characteristics of the Republic include expansion, massive building programs, and a plague.
What are a few significant achievements of Augustus, the Flavian Dynasty, Trajan, and Hadrian?
- Augustus: beautified and rebuilt the city; reformed the government
- Flavian Dynasty: vast construction program
- Trajan: used spoils from military victories to better Rome
- Hadrian: huge building program, suppressed a Jewish Revolt
What are some notable achievements of Constantine?
Constantine legalized all religion and converted to Christianity. He ruled after winning the battle of Milvian Bridge
What role do aqueducts play in the growth of Roman cities?
aqueducts provided clean, flowing water for drinking, irrigation, and to supply hundreds of public fountains and baths
Who built the first Roman aqueduct and when?
Appius Claudius Caecus in the 4th century BC
