Week 11 questions Flashcards
What virtues were emphasized in Roman marital relationships, and how did they manifest in daily life?
Roman marital relationships emphasized virtues such as devotion (fides or pietas), industriousness, pudicitia (chastity), and univira (one-man woman). These virtues were reflected in the commitment to family, household labor, and moral conduct.
Describe the consequences of adultery in ancient Rome, both for women and men.
Adultery, known as stuprum, had severe consequences. Women could lose half their dowry, face divorce, and in extreme cases, the male involved could be killed. It was a serious violation of Roman moral values.
Provide an example of Roman marital love from a literary source, and explain its significance.
Pliny’s Letter 7.5 to his wife Calpurnia exemplifies deep love and longing, emphasizing the importance of companionship in Roman marriages. It reflects the emotional aspect of marital relationships.
How did Roman society view the role of women within the institution of marriage, and what virtues were expected of them?
Women in Roman marriages were expected to embody virtues like devotion to family, industriousness, and pudicitia (chastity). The concept of a matrona, a respectable married woman, was highly valued.
Analyze the Roman perspective on the transfer of power in marriages, as portrayed in Catullus 62.
Catullus 62 illustrates the transfer of power over a woman’s life from the father to the husband, reflecting the patriarchal nature of Roman marriages and societal expectations regarding paternal authority.
Who founded the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, and why is its establishment significant in Roman history?
Augustus founded the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, marking the transition from the Roman Republic to a hereditary monarchy. This transition laid the foundation for imperial rule in Rome.
How did Augustus ensure the continuity of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, especially in terms of succession?
Augustus intended heirs like Marcellus and Agrippa, but after their deaths, Tiberius became his successor, establishing a precedent for adoption within the imperial family. This ensured the continuity of the dynasty.
Name two notable emperors of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, and briefly describe their contributions or challenges during their reigns.
Tiberius succeeded Augustus and faced challenges such as military revolts and political paranoia. Claudius, often underestimated, demonstrated effective administration, adding provinces and overseeing significant building projects.
