Rome SAC 3 – Study Guide, Revision Sheet & Mind Map

Vocabulary flashcards covering core social, political, economic features and major conflicts of Ancient Rome as outlined in the notes.

Romulus and Remus

Twin brothers in Roman mythology whose story tells of the founding of Rome. One brother killed the other in a quarrel over the location of the city they were to establish, and then founded the city, naming it after himself.

Aeneas

In Roman mythology, a Trojan hero, the son of the prince Anchises and the goddess Venus. His story is told in Virgil's Aeneid, where he flees from Troy to Italy and becomes an ancestor. He is considered a key figure in Roman foundation myths, linking Roman civilization to Greek heroic tradition.

Pontifex Maximus

The highest priest in ancient Rome, a position of great influence in state religion. He oversaw the Vestal Virgins, religious calendars, and other significant religious duties, effectively acting as the head of the Roman state religion.

Vestal Virgins

Priestesses of the Roman goddess Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. Chosen as young girls, they served for 30 years, maintaining the sacred fire in Vesta's temple, which symbolized the safety and continuity of Rome. Their chastity was seen as vital to Rome's well-being.

Paterfamilias

The male head of a Roman family and had legal power over his household, which included his wife, children, and slaves. He had rights over their property and could even condemn his children to death. This role underscored the patriarchal structure of Roman society.

Role of Women in Rome

In ancient Rome, women had limited legal rights and were under the legal guardianship of a male relative. They could not vote or hold political office. However, women, particularly in wealthy families, could wield influence through their husbands and sons and played a significant role in religious festivals and domestic management.

Patricians

Members of the upper class in early Roman society, often wealthy landowners, who held most of the power in the early Republic. They were the original members of the Roman Senate and controlled most of the important political and religious offices.

Plebeians

The general body of free Roman citizens who were not patricians. Initially excluded from many government positions, they gradually gained political power through social and political struggles, such as the Conflict of the Orders, which led to the creation of the office of Tribune of the Plebs.

Freedmen

Former slaves who had been granted freedom. Though free, they did not enjoy the same rights as Roman citizens by birth. They often maintained ties to their former masters and could achieve considerable wealth through trade and craftsmanship, but remained socially stigmatized.

Slaves in Rome

In ancient Rome came from various sources, including war captives, piracy, and trade. They performed a wide variety of jobs, from domestic service to agriculture and mining. Roman society and economy were heavily reliant on their labor, and they had virtually no legal rights.

Patron–Client System

A reciprocal relationship between a wealthy and influential upper class and a lower-status client. The former provided legal and economic assistance, while the latter offered services, loyalty, and political support. This system was a key component of Roman social and political life.

Militarism in Rome

A central aspect of Roman society, where military service was considered a civic duty and a path to social advancement. Romans valued military virtues, and successful generals often gained political power. This emphasis on military strength contributed to Rome’s expansion and dominance.

Rule of the Kings

During this period, Rome was ruled by monarchs who held supreme political, military, and religious authority. The kings laid the foundations for Rome’s political and social institutions, but the period ended with the overthrow of the last king, Tarquinius Superbus, and the establishment of the Roman Republic.

Oligarchy

The early Roman Republic was effectively this form of government, with power concentrated in the hands of a small number of wealthy patrician families. These families controlled the Senate and the most important political offices, which allowed them to shape policy and maintain their dominance.

Revolution of 509 BCE

This event marked the end of the Roman monarchy and the beginning of the Roman Republic. It was triggered by the tyrannical rule of Tarquinius Superbus and led to the establishment of a new form of government in which elected officials replaced the king.

Senate

An advisory body composed initially of patricians, which later included plebeians. Although it did not pass laws, it wielded considerable influence through its advice and decrees, which magistrates and assemblies usually followed. It managed finances, foreign policy, and oversaw state religion.

Assemblies

Citizen bodies that convened to vote on laws, elect officials, and make important decisions. The most important were the Centuriate Assembly, which voted on war and elected high-ranking officials, and the Tribal Assembly, which passed laws and elected lower-ranking officials.

Plebeian Institutions

Included the Tribune of the Plebs and the Plebeian Council, which were created to protect the rights. The Tribune had the power to veto actions of magistrates and the Senate, providing a check on patrician power. These institutions were crucial in the plebeians' struggle for political equality.

Magistracies

Elected offices held by Roman citizens for a fixed term. Key positions included consuls, who served as chief executives, praetors, who administered justice, and aediles, who oversaw public works and festivals. These officials were responsible for the day-to-day governance.

Cursus Honorum

The sequence of political offices that aspiring Roman politicians sought to climb. It typically began with military service, followed by quaestorship, aedileship, praetorship, and culminated in the consulship. This career path was designed to provide experience and demonstrate competence.

Twelve Tables

Rome’s first codified laws, established in 450 BCE. They provided a basic code of law that protected the rights of all citizens and were displayed publicly. They formed the foundation of Roman law and legal procedure.

Land Tenure in Rome

In Rome varied from small family farms to large estates owned by the wealthy. The distribution of land was a source of social and political tension, as small farmers often struggled to compete with the latifundia, leading to land reform efforts aimed at redistributing land to the poor.

Urban Growth & Infrastructure

In Rome spurred the construction of extensive infrastructure, including roads (like the Appian Way), aqueducts, and harbors. These improvements facilitated trade, communication, and the supply of essential resources, contributing to Rome’s economic and political dominance.

Trade & Mediterranean Commerce

Extensive trade networks and maritime commerce across the Mediterranean Sea were vital to its economy. Rome imported grain, luxury goods, and raw materials from its provinces and trading partners, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Growth of Slavery & Economy

The growth in Rome was closely tied to its military conquests. As Rome expanded, vast numbers of war captives were enslaved and used for labor, especially in agriculture and mining. This influx of slaves transformed the Roman economy and social structure, but also created social tensions.

Lake Regillus (496 BCE)

An early military victory for Rome, around 496 BCE, against the Latin League. This victory helped secure Rome's position in Latium and demonstrated its growing military strength in central Italy.

Conquest of Veii

Around 396 BCE, was a major turning point in Rome's expansion. Veii was a powerful Etruscan city, and its capture significantly increased Rome’s territory and resources, paving the way for further conquests in Etruria.

Sack of Rome (390 BCE)

In 390 BCE, Rome was sacked by Gauls, who defeated the Roman army and looted the city. This event had a profound impact on Roman identity and military strategy, leading to the construction of defensive walls, such as the Servian Wall, to protect against future invasions.

Samnite Wars

A series of conflicts between Rome and the Samnite tribes of central Italy. These wars, lasting from 343 to 290 BCE, tested Rome’s military capabilities and ultimately resulted in Roman dominance over the region.

War with Pyrrhus

This war was a conflict between Rome and Pyrrhus of Epirus, a Greek king who invaded southern Italy in the 3rd century BCE. Pyrrhus won several battles, but his victories were costly.

First Punic War (264–241 BCE)

Fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 to 241 BCE. The war was largely a naval conflict, and Rome’s victory resulted in the acquisition of Sicily and the establishment of Rome as a major maritime power.

Second Punic War (218–202 BCE)

Involved Hannibal’s invasion of Italy and several major battles, including the Battle of Cannae. Despite early Carthaginian victories, the war ended with Scipio Africanus defeating Hannibal at the Battle of Zama, securing Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

Third Punic War (149–146 BCE)

A brief conflict that resulted in the complete destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE. This marked the end of Carthaginian power and solidified Rome’s control over the western Mediterranean.

Conquest of Greece (c. 146 BCE)

Occurred around 146 BCE, following the Battle of Corinth. This led to the incorporation of Greece into the Roman Republic. Greek culture and knowledge profoundly influenced Roman art, literature, and philosophy.

Foundation Narratives & Identity

Foundation myths, such as the stories of Romulus and Remus, played a key role in shaping Roman identity and promoting a sense of exceptionalism. These narratives provided a shared history and cultural values that united the Roman people and justified their imperial ambitions.

496 BCE

What year did the Lake Regillus battle occur?

390 BCE

What year did the Sack of Rome occur?

264-241 BCE

What years did the First Punic War occur?

218-202 BCE

What years did the Second Punic War occur?

149-146 BCE

What years did the Third Punic War occur?

146 BCE

Around what year did the Roman Conquest of Greece occur?