Who/what Flashcards
Etruscans
A dynamic people who dominated much of Italy, building thriving cities and establishing political economic alliances between their settlements. They manufactured metals such as bronze and traded actively in the Mediterranean.
Roman Republic
Roman state instituted by a Republican constitution who’s executive responsibilities were entrusted to consuls elected by the senate. There were rigid class distinctions and trade was prominent. It became the preeminent power in Italy, undergoing a series of expansionary wars which resulted in the Carthaginians destruction.
Patricians
An assembly dominated by hereditary aristocrats and wealthy classes whose interest was represented by both the senate and consuls. They held great power and control over Plebeians and dominated Rome as they granted Plebeians rights such as electing tribunes.
Plebeians
Roman common people whose voice in government was provided by Tribunes because they threatened to secede and establish a rival settlement due to strained class tensions and dominance over them. They were the majority and broadened the base of political participation as they gained power. They were able to invent in political matters and veto unjust decisions. Because they gained voice, they fought for compromise and equality to come.
Punic wars
Three deviating conflicts between Rome and Carthage caused by economic rivalry as Rome had a major role as well as other civilizations in the Mediterranean Sea. Carthage’s location in Modern Tunis caused it to have immense trade and political domination in areas such as North Africa. Romans succeeded and burned down most of the city of Carthage and enslaved over 50,000 Carthaginians.
Fall of Roman empire
Rome broke into civil war for many years where roman leaders attacked their enemies. The end result was wealthy elites overall gaining greater power which deepened social tensions and led to more problems where Caesar later changed the entire government and the republic collapsed.
Caesar
Dictator who escaped Sullas reign who favored liberal policies and social reform. He gained public interest, conquered Gaul and turned his army against Rome which he then claimed power for life. He extended roman citizenships, granted employment to the odor and launched large projects. He encouraged a centralized, imperial gov and arranged elites who were against him who later stabbed him to death.
Octavian
Nephew of Caesar and the dictators adopted son. He consolidated his rule and was named augustus, suggesting he was divine and powerful, for 45 years and fashioned an imperial gov that guided roman affairs for the next three centuries. His gov was a monarchy disguised as a republic as he reserved traditional republican offices but he controlled practically all governmental functions
Latifundia
Land conquered by Rome belonging to wealthy elites that were used as plantations holding a great number of slaves. It increased wrath ga as commoners paid a more expensive mortgage and operated as a higher price.
Gracchi bros
Two bros Tiberius and Gaius who attempted to ease social tensions by redistributing roman land and resources amongst the classes. They tried to limit the amount of land someone could possess to help commoners but elites denied and they were later assassinated.
