Unit 2 Early Rome (c. 1000–509 BCE) – Roman Religion: Study Questions Flashcards
Q: What resources did Rome control that other people needed or wanted?
A: Rome controlled valuable resources like grain from Egypt and North Africa, metals (iron, silver, gold) from Spain, timber from Gaul, and salt from Italy. It also had fertile land, a strong trade network, and extensive road systems, making it a key supplier of goods across the Mediterranean.
Q: What peoples surrounded, and may have affected, Roman development?
A: Rome was influenced by the Etruscans to the north, who contributed to its architecture, religion, and political symbols. The Greeks in southern Italy introduced writing, philosophy, and urban planning. Italic tribes like the Samnites and Latins shaped early Rome through warfare and alliances.
Q: What made the location where Rome was founded safe to live in and travel through?
A: Rome was built on seven hills, offering natural defense against invaders. The Tiber River provided fresh water and access to trade routes while being far enough inland to avoid coastal raids. Its central location in Italy made it a strategic hub for expansion and communication.
Q: How did the geography affect life in Italy?
A: Italy’s mountains (e.g., the Apennines) provided natural barriers but allowed movement through passes. Fertile plains, especially in the Po Valley and Campania, supported agriculture. The Mediterranean climate enabled year-round farming, and the long coastline facilitated trade and naval power.
Q: Which people were the closest in culture to the Romans?
A: The Etruscans were culturally closest, influencing Rome’s religion, architecture, and governance. The Greeks also had a major impact, especially in art, literature, and philosophy. Other Italic peoples, like the Latins and Samnites, shared linguistic and social similarities with Rome.
Q: How did the Romans choose their kings?
Roman kings were chosen through a mix of election by the Senate and approval by the people. The king was not hereditary but selected based on merit, often with religious approval from the gods. The Senate played a key role in confirming the choice.
Q: For what reason was Aeneas chosen as the forefather to the Roman people?
A: Aeneas, a Trojan prince, was linked to Rome through mythology to give the city a prestigious origin. His journey from Troy symbolized resilience and divine destiny, tying Rome to the gods, especially Venus. Virgil’s Aeneid reinforced his role as Rome’s founder in spirit, if not directly.
Q: How do the Romans organize their people politically, and what does this organization tell us about their society?
A: Romans divided society into patricians (elite) and plebeians (commoners), with political power centered in the Senate and assemblies. Citizenship came with rights and duties, and political offices (magistracies) followed a strict hierarchy. This organization reflects a structured, hierarchical, and duty-bound society.
Q: Are there primary sources of any kind for the early history of Rome? Describe them.
A: There are no contemporary written records from Rome’s early history, but later sources like Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Roman inscriptions provide accounts. Archaeological evidence, such as tombs and pottery, also offers insights into early Rome.
Q: Do the Roman accounts start at the same point in time as those of modern scholars? Explain the reasons for any differences.
A: No, Roman accounts begin with myths, such as Aeneas and Romulus, whereas modern scholars rely on archaeology and comparative history. Romans used legends to justify their power and values, while historians seek factual evidence.
Q: What attributes seem to be most favored in the description of life under the kings?
A: Roman sources emphasize virtues like piety, military strength, justice, and civic duty. Kings like Numa were praised for religious devotion, while Romulus and Tullus Hostilius were admired for their warlike nature. These reflect Roman ideals of leadership.
Q: What facts about the Regal period can we know with some degree of certainty?
A: Rome was ruled by a series of kings, with Etruscan influence evident in architecture and governance. The city expanded its territory, built early temples, and developed religious institutions. Archaeology confirms settlement growth and early fortifications.
Q: How much land did Rome control by the end of the Regal period?
A: By the end of the monarchy (509 BCE), Rome controlled the area around the Tiber River, including Latium. It had expanded its influence over neighboring Latin and Etruscan communities, but its territory was still relatively small compared to later periods.
Q: What was the role of religion in Roman government and warfare?
A: Religion was central to Roman government and warfare, ensuring divine favor and legitimacy. Priests (such as augurs) interpreted omens, and magistrates performed public rituals. Military campaigns began with sacrifices, and victories were credited to the gods.
Q: What are the common features of mystery religions?
A: Mystery religions, such as the cults of Mithras and Isis, involved secret initiation rites, personal salvation, and a focus on the afterlife. They often had a god who died and was reborn, promised spiritual transformation, and required loyalty from their followers.
Q: How is Roman religion different than most modern religions?
A: Roman religion was polytheistic, ritualistic, and focused on maintaining divine favor rather than personal belief. It lacked sacred texts and emphasized public ceremonies rather than private faith. Unlike many modern religions, it was also deeply intertwined with the state.
Q: What are the central features of a Roman religious celebration?
A: Roman religious celebrations included sacrifices, processions, feasting, and games. Priests and magistrates led public rituals to honor gods, ensuring prosperity and military success. Festivals like the Lupercalia and Saturnalia blended religious devotion with communal entertainment.
Q: What features of the “Hymn of the Arval Priests” are typical of Roman religion?
A: The Hymn of the Arval Priests features formalized, repetitive chants, invoking multiple gods for agricultural prosperity and protection. It reflects the Roman focus on ritual precision, collective worship, and the belief in divine favor for civic well-being.
