Roman History and Government Flashcards

Flashcards covering the founding of Rome, the Roman Republic, and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Who were Romulus and Remus?

Twin boys sent adrift on the Tiber River, cared for by a she-wolf, founded Rome; Romulus killed Remus and became the first king.

What are the three main periods in Roman History?

Kingdom (753 BC – 510 BC), Republic (509 BC – 27 BC), Empire (27 BC – 476 AD)

What happened in 510 BC in Roman history?

The last king, Tarquinius, was expelled, and the Republic was formed.

What does SPQR stand for?

Senatus Populusque Romanus

What were the three branches of the Roman Republic's government?

Consuls, Senate, and Assembly

Who replaced the king in the Roman Republic and how long did they serve?

Two consuls of equal power, holding office for one year.

What were the duties of the Consuls?

Commanded the army and convened the Senate.

What was the Comitia Centuriata?

The centuriate assembly, composed of military units, that elected magistrates and voted on war and peace.

What was the Comitia Tributa?

The tribal assembly, nonmilitary, that did most of the legislating.

What was the Roman Senate?

An advisory council of about 300 members from leading families.

Who were the Patricians?

Wealthy, powerful citizens; nobles who initially controlled all aspects of government.

Who were the Plebeians?

Farmers, merchants, artisans, traders, workers; the majority of the population who gained the right to participate in government.

What was the Tribune of the Plebs?

A position created to protect plebeians from the ruling patricians; could intercede on behalf of plebs against the actions of a consul and veto actions of another tribune.

What was the Law of the Twelve Tables?

A set of laws written down and displayed in the Roman Forum in 450-51 BC to appease the plebeians, covering areas of family law, property, debt, and criminal law.

What were the Consuls responsibilities in the Republic?

Managed army and affairs of government. Could veto each other; One consul could become a dictator (in emergencies) for six months.

What were the Senate's responsibilities in the Republic?

Managed foreign policy and controlled the money. Proposed but could not pass law.

Who were the members of the First Triumvirate?

Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompey, and Licinius Crassus.

Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?

Many Senators believed Caesar wanted to become king and plotted to kill him.

Who were the members of the Second Triumvirate?

Octavian “Augustus”, Marc Antony, and Lepidus.

What happened in 27 BC?

Octavian becomes "Augustus" - Rome’s first emperor

Who were the Julio-Claudian Emperors?

Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Nero

Who were the Flavian Dynasty Emperors?

Vespasian, Titus, Domitian

What was the Edict of Milan in 313 AD?

Formally ended Christian persecution and proclaimed religious neutrality.

What happened in 476 AD?

The last emperor of the West is defeated by a Germanic prince, Odovacar.

How did ancient rome distiguinsh crimes?

private vs public

Private court cases in ancient rome

between two provate parties

public court cases in Ancient rome

between the government and the defendant

Delict

obligation to pay a pentaly because a wrong had been commited

Did ancient rome have a police force