roman history study guide

Founded

Rome was founded in 753 BCE.

Monarchy Rome

The period when Rome was ruled by kings from 753-509 BCE, ending in tyranny.

Romulus

The first king of Rome and a central figure in its foundation myth.

Republican Rome

The era from 509-31 BCE characterized by shared and temporary power.

Augustan Rome

The period from 31 BCE to 14 BCE where emperors held power behind the scenes.

Imperial Rome

The phase of Roman history from 14 BCE to 476 CE.

Aeneas

A hero of Roman mythology, said to be a descendant of Romulus.

Fasces

A symbol of authority in ancient Rome, consisting of an axe bundled with rods.

Patricians

The wealthy class in Roman society.

Plebeians

The common people of Rome.

Libertas

The concept of freedom in Roman culture.

Cursus Honorum

The sequence of public offices held by aspiring politicians in Roman government.

Nobilitas

The class of new elites composed of patricians and plebeians.

Humiliores

The lower social class, often poor.

Honestiores

The upper social class, viewed as the elite in Roman society.

Tunica

Everyday wear in ancient Rome.

Pilleus

A cap worn by freedmen in ancient Rome.

Toga

A formal garment worn by Roman citizens, signifying status.

Bulla

A protective amulet worn by boys before they were eligible for a toga.

Imago

Death masks used to honor deceased family members.

Rights of citizens

Rights included owning property, legal familial recognition, voting, and protection from violence.

Slavery in Rome

A system that stripped people of legal rights, often due to debt, war, or birth.

Paterfamilias

The male head of a Roman family with legal authority over its members.

Domus

A wealthy Roman house, reflecting social status.

Insula

Apartment buildings where lower-class Romans lived.

Potestas

The legal power held by the paterfamilias over family members.

Marriages

Often arranged for political or economic reasons, governed by legal contracts.

Conubium

The legal right to marry in Roman law.

Sine Manu Marriage

A type of marriage where the wife remained legally independent.

Spartacus

A famous gladiator who led a slave revolt against Rome around 73-71 BCE.

Atrium

The central reception area of a Roman house.

Tabernae

Shops attached to the front of some Roman houses for extra income.

Triclinium

The dining room in a Roman house where meals were served.

Concordia

The ideal of harmony in Roman marriages.

Concubinage

A non-legal relationship that resulted in illegitimate offspring.

Fugitive slaves

Slaves who escaped to gain freedom.

Passive resistance

Tactics used by slaves such as working slowly or faking illness.

Peculium

An allowance or property given to a slave or son to control.

Marriage proof

Indicated through customs and ceremonies in Roman society.

Legitimate children

Children born within a legal marriage recognized by law.

Augustan Moral Reforms

Policies aimed at encouraging marriage and childbearing while penalizing adultery.

Materfamilias

The legal wife in a Roman household, managing home and children.

Cubicula

Bedrooms in a Roman domus, often small and sparsely furnished.

Pet care

Dogs and birds were common household pets in Rome.

Child mortality

High rates of infant mortality were prevalent in ancient Rome.