Wars & Revolts: Causation Flashcards
What were the economic factors behind revolts against Rome?
Heavy taxation, exploitation of resources, and forced labour led to widespread dissatisfaction, especially in regions like Judaea, Britain, and Gaul. The Roman elite benefited at the expense of the lower classes, fuelling resentment.
Josephus, Jewish War 2.6-8; Tacitus, Agricola 14-18.
How does archaeological evidence support the economic causes of revolts?
In Pompeii and Ostia, archaeological remains show the disparities between the wealthy Roman elite and the lower classes, highlighting social inequality. The evidence of trade and taxes in Pompeii also suggests economic exploitation.
Tacitus, Agricola 14-18; Pliny, Letters VI.16.
How did religious and cultural conflicts contribute to revolts against Rome?
Roman imposition of their gods and disrespect for local religious practices worsened tensions, leading to revolts like the Jewish Revolts (66-73 AD) and Boudicca’s Revolt (60-61 AD).
Josephus, Jewish War 2.7; Tacitus, Annals 14.31-35.
What archaeological evidence supports religious and cultural tensions in revolts?
The remains of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, especially the destruction layer from the 70 AD siege, corroborate Josephus’ accounts of the Jewish Revolt. Vindolanda tablets show Roman military imposition and local resentment in Britain.
Josephus, Jewish War 2.7; Tacitus, Annals 14.31-35.
How did social inequality contribute to revolts against Rome?
The concentration of wealth and power in Roman hands led to exploitation of the lower classes and resentment from local elites and common people, as seen in revolts like the Jewish War and Boudicca’s Revolt.
Tacitus, Agricola 20-21; Pliny, Letters VI.16.
How does archaeology reveal social inequality in Roman provinces?
Sites like Beneventum and Pompeii show the stark differences between the wealthy Roman elites’ villas and the poorer working-class neighbourhoods, highlighting economic disparities.
Tacitus, Agricola 14-18; Pliny, Letters VI.16.
What were the key causes of the Jewish Revolt in 66-73 AD?
The revolt was driven by religious opposition to Roman rule, Roman taxation, and interference in Jewish religious practices. The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD marked a pivotal moment.
Josephus, Jewish War 2.7-9; Tacitus, Histories 5.1.
What archaeological evidence supports the Jewish Revolt against Rome?
The remains of the Second Temple and the destruction layers in Jerusalem, alongside fortifications at Masada, confirm the violent suppression of the revolt. Archaeological finds from Masada provide insight into the last stand of the Jewish rebels.
Josephus, Jewish War 2.7-9; Tacitus, Histories 5.1.
What triggered the Bar Kokhba Revolt, and who led it?
The revolt was triggered by Hadrian’s policies, including the construction of Aelia Capitolina on the ruins of Jerusalem. It was led by Simon Bar Kokhba, who claimed to be the Jewish Messiah.
Historia Augusta, Hadrian 14; Dio Cassius, Roman History 69.12.
What archaeological evidence supports the Bar Kokhba Revolt?
The Cave of Letters in the Judean Desert yielded documents, including letters from Bar Kokhba. Coins and inscriptions from this period provide further evidence of his leadership and the revolt’s significance.
Historia Augusta, Hadrian 14; Dio Cassius, Roman History 69.12.
What caused Boudicca’s revolt in Britain?
The revolt was triggered by Roman disrespect for local customs, the Roman seizure of Iceni land after the death of Prasutagus, and mistreatment of Boudicca and her daughters.
Tacitus, Annals 14.31-35; Dio Cassius, Roman History 62.2.
How does archaeology support the account of Boudicca’s revolt?
Archaeological evidence from Colchester, London, and St. Albans shows layers of destruction from the revolt, including burned buildings and remains of Roman military installations. These sites corroborate Tacitus’ description of the revolt’s impact.
Tacitus, Annals 14.31-35; Dio Cassius, Roman History 62.2.
What caused the Batavi Revolt in 69 AD?
The Batavi tribe rebelled against Roman demands for military service and exploitation of their resources. Led by Julius Civilis, the revolt challenged Roman control of the Rhine frontier.
Tacitus, Histories 4.12-25; Josephus, Jewish War 4.30-40.
What archaeological evidence supports the Batavi Revolt?
Excavations in Nijmegen (Batavi region) show fortifications and military installations that suggest the Batavi’s strategic importance. The destruction layers found at these sites indicate intense conflict during the revolt.
Tacitus, Histories 4.12-25; Josephus, Jewish War 4.30-40.
Were the Jewish Revolts a threat or opportunity for Rome?
The revolts, particularly the Jewish War (66-73 AD), were a major threat to Roman control, destabilizing the eastern provinces and draining military resources. However, they also provided opportunities for Rome to assert dominance.
Josephus, Jewish War 7.2-5; Tacitus, Histories 5.1.
How does archaeology demonstrate Rome’s response to uprisings in Judaea?
The fortifications and mass graves at Masada provide evidence of the Roman military’s prolonged siege and suppression of the revolt. The rebuilding of Aelia Capitolina on the ruins of Jerusalem represents Roman efforts at Romanization after the revolt.
Josephus, Jewish War 7.2-5; Tacitus, Histories 5.1.
How did revolts provide opportunities for Roman expansion and Romanization?
Revolts allowed Rome to reaffirm control, expand military presence, and implement policies of Romanization, such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the establishment of Aelia Capitolina.
Josephus, Jewish War 7.2-5; Dio Cassius, Roman History 69.12.
What archaeological evidence shows Romanization after revolts like the Jewish War and Bar Kokhba Revolt?
The construction of Aelia Capitolina in Jerusalem after the Bar Kokhba Revolt and the establishment of Roman-style cities on conquered land show Rome’s efforts to Romanize regions after uprisings.
Dio Cassius, Roman History 69.12; Josephus, Jewish War 7.2-5.
