Roman History

A bunch of Roman History flashcards of things you should know.

What was the main flaw in Diocletian's system of governance?

The system of two Augusti and two Caesars broke down after Diocletian's retirement, leading to power struggles.

Who was proclaimed Augustus by soldiers at York after Constantius' death?

Constantine, his 21-year-old son.

What was Galerius' response to Constantine being proclaimed Augustus?

Galerius refused to accept Constantine as Augustus and instead offered to promote him to Caesar.

What significant battle did Constantine win in AD 312?

The battle of the Milvian Bridge against Maxentius.

What symbol did Constantine place on the shields of his men before the battle of the Milvian Bridge?

The Chi and Rho, as an appeal to the Christian God.

What phrase is associated with Constantine's vision before the battle of the Milvian Bridge?

In hoc signo vinces (in this sign you will conquer).

What was the significance of the Council of Nicea called by Constantine in AD 325?

It aimed to create unity in the Christian Church through a universally accepted creed.

What city did Constantine establish as the new capital of the Roman Empire?

Constantinople, established in AD 330.

What was the lasting legacy of Constantine regarding religion in the Roman Empire?

He converted the Roman Empire from a pagan to a Christian state.

What internal conflict arose after Constantine's death in AD 337?

His sons struggled for sole control, leading to civil war and weakening the Empire.

What was the impact of the tetrarchal system on the Roman Empire?

It created continual rivalry between the East and West and contributed to the Empire's decline.

What happened to Rome by the time of its sack by Alaric in AD 410?

Rome was no longer the capital and had become a weak shell of its former glory.

Who was the last Western Emperor of Rome?

Romulus Augustulus.

What was the fate of Romulus Augustulus?

He was deposed by Odovacer, ruling from a throne that was more name than reality.

What geographic feature was associated with Remus during the Augury process?

The Aventine Hill.

What was the significance of the Palatine Hill in Rome?

It was a residential area for the rich and the site of the first huts of Rome.

What were the two hills mentioned in the context of Romulus and Remus?

Aventine and Palatine Hills.

What were the Gracci wars?

Conflicts associated with the attempts of the Gracchi brothers to reform land distribution in Rome.

What should students learn about the Punic Wars for their study?

The battle order and general order of war battles.

What type of resources are suggested for studying Roman history?

Videos on Roman Republic history and brief history of Rome series.

What was the state of the Western Empire by the time of its decline?

It was very weak and unable to resist external pressures.

What was the role of the emperors after Constantine's rule?

Few emperors controlled the whole empire, leading to fragmentation.

What is the significance of the Capitaline Hill in ancient Rome?

It is the site of the Temple of Jupiter and the Tabularium, the temple of records.

Which Roman god is associated with the Quirinal Hill?

Quirinus, another god of war alongside Mars.

What historical population was located on the Caelian Hill?

The population of Alba Longa during and after the reign of Hostilius.

Who founded the people of Alba Longa?

Ascanius, the son of Aeneas.

What tribe is described as barbaric and located to the north of Rome?

The Etruscans.

What was the Latin League's relationship with the Romans?

The Latins had an alliance with the Romans.

Who were the Gauls in relation to ancient Rome?

They were located in the far north, even above the Etruscans.

What notable Greek hero is known for his cunning and intelligence?

Odysseus.

Who is recognized as one of the strongest opponents of early Rome?

Pyrrhus of Epirus.

What is the significance of Miltiades in history?

He was instrumental in the Battle of Marathon during the Greco-Persian Wars.

Who is known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa?

Perseus.

What is the story of Mucius Scaevola?

He attempted to assassinate Lars Porsenna, mistakenly killed his scribe, and demonstrated bravery by burning his right hand.

What event led to Lars Porsenna freeing Roman hostages?

Colalia and a group of women swam across the Tiber River after being taken hostage.

What were the Roman-Etruscan Wars?

A series of wars fought between ancient Rome and the Etruscans, with limited information available.

What is the toga pura?

An unadorned toga in the off-white color of undyed wool worn by adult male citizens.

Who was Cincinnatus in Roman history?

Known for his leadership and virtuous behavior in early Rome.

What role did Julius Caesar play in Roman history?

He was a renowned Roman general, statesman, and historian.

What is the toga praetexta?

An off-white toga with a broad purple border, worn by curule magistrates.

Who was Horatius Cocles?

Famed for defending the first major bridge of Rome, the Pons Sublicius.

What is the historical significance of the Pons Sublicius?

It was the first bridge built in Rome over the Tiber River.

Who was Spartacus?

He led a significant slave rebellion against Rome.

What was the role of Leonidas during the Greco-Persian Wars?

He is famous for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Who was Lysander in ancient Greek history?

A notable Spartan commander during the Peloponnesian War.

What is the importance of the Etruscans in relation to Rome?

They were a significant neighboring civilization immediately north of Rome.

What is the toga pulla?

A toga made of dark-colored wool worn during periods of mourning.

What is the toga candida?

An artificially whitened toga worn by candidates for political office.

What is the toga picta?

A purple toga embroidered with gold thread worn by victorious generals during triumphal parades and later adopted by emperors for state occasions.

What were the factions in Roman chariot racing?

Red and White, Blue and Green, with purple and gold added by Domitian.

What is a mappa in the context of chariot racing?

A dropped cloth used to start chariot races.

When was the Coliseum founded?

In 80 AD.

Who created the Roman Senate?

Romulus.

What was the role of patricians in Roman society?

They were the nobility class.

How often did senators rotate the position of king after Romulus's death?

Every 5 days.

Where was Pompey assassinated?

In Egypt.

What naval battle resulted in the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra?

The Battle of Actium in 31 BC.

Which battle did Julius Caesar win against the sons of Pompey?

The Battle of Munda in 45 BC.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Philippi?

The conspirators who killed Julius Caesar were defeated in 42 BC.

What is a triumvirate?

A power-sharing arrangement by three men.

When was Rome founded?

April 21, 753 BC.

What significant event occurred on March 15, 44 BC?

The assassination of Julius Caesar.

What was the time period of the Roman Republic?

509 BC to 27 AD.

When did the Roman Empire fall?

476 AD.

What was the Spartacus slave revolt?

A major slave uprising that occurred in 73 BC.

Who became dictator in 458 BC and is often compared to George Washington?

Cincinnatus.

What is the significance of the name ending in 'an' or 'na'?

It indicates an Etruscan name.

What is the praenomen abbreviation for Marcus?

M.

What is the structure of Roman names?

The first name is the praenomen, the middle name is the nomen, and the last name is the cognomen.

Who was Romulus, and what is a legend associated with him?

The founder of Rome, who was allegedly swept up by the gods in a storm upon his death.

What did Numa Pompilius contribute to Roman culture?

He was a peace-loving emperor who built the temple of Janus and appointed priests for the gods of war.

What did Ancus Marcius establish?

Rites for declaring war without incurring the wrath of the gods and founded the first Roman colony.

Who was Lucius Tarquinius and what was his contribution?

He popularized sports and built the Circus Maximus for chariot races.

What significant construction project began during the early Roman period?

The temple of Jupiter.

Who was Servius and what was his contribution to Roman society?

Servius distributed the main folk of Rome into classes, created the census, and added the Quirinal, Viminal, and Esquiline hills for the expanding population.

Who was Tarquinius Superbus and what is he known for?

The last king of Rome, known for his tyrannical rule, violent rise to power, and the overthrow of Servius Tullius.

What marked the reign of Tarquinius Superbus?

Increased hostility within the Roman aristocracy and a disregard for traditional institutions.

What is Augustus Caesar known for?

He was the first Roman emperor.

Who was Cicero and what was his notable achievement?

A senator who saved Rome from a conspiracy by Catiline and was named 'pater patriae'.

What was Catiline's role in Roman history?

A broke politician who started an uprising against Rome.

Who was Tiro?

The slave and scribe of Cicero.

What was Pompey's significance in Roman politics?

A member of the first power-sharing group who married Julius Caesar's daughter.

Who was Rhea Silvia?

The mother of Romulus and Remus, with Mars as their father; she was a vestal virgin.

What role did Numitor play in the story of Romulus and Remus?

He was the king of Alba Longa and regarded Romulus and Remus as his grandchildren.

What did Amulius do to Numitor and his family?

He disposed of Numitor, murdered his sons, and made Rhea Silvia a vestal virgin.

What was the fate of Romulus and Remus's mother, Rhea Silvia?

She was thrown into the Tiber River by Amulius.

Who was Aeneas and what did he do?

A prominent war hero who rescued his people and led them from Troy.

What is Mars known for in Roman mythology?

He is the god of war.

What is the significance of the Punic Wars in Roman history?

They marked Rome's first major involvement in a conflict outside the Italian peninsula.

When did the First Punic War take place?

From 264 BC to 241 BC.

What was the main cause of the First Punic War?

The struggle for control over Sicily.

What was the outcome of the First Punic War?

Carthage conceded defeat, ceding Sicily and paying an indemnity to Rome.

What was the significance of the naval victory at Mylae?

It was Rome's first significant naval victory during the First Punic War.

What was the Corvus?

A ship attachment for hooking onto other vessels and boarding them.

Who were the Gracchus brothers and what did they advocate for?

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, who did land reforms to redistribute land and make the economy more fair.

Who was Scipio Nasica and what did he do?

He killed Tiberius Gracchus with a chair leg.

What was the role of the Patricians and Plebeians in Roman society?

Patricians were the rich upper class who made laws, while Plebeians had the Tribune of the Plebs.

What naval strategy did Rome adopt during the war against Carthage?

Rome built its first large fleet to counter Carthage's maritime prowess.

What were some key victories for Rome during the First Punic War?

Victories at Mylae and the Aegates Insulae.

What were the consequences of Rome's victory over Carthage?

Rome emerged as a dominant naval power, Sicily became its first overseas province, and Carthage suffered significant territorial losses and a hefty indemnity.