History 7.1 Flashcards

How did the geography of the Italian peninsula affect Rome's development?

Mountains allowed separate cultures to develop; the peninsula created safe harbors and access to the Mediterranean Sea enabled maritime trade.

What cultures influenced the early development of Rome?

Greeks, Latins, and Etruscans had significant impacts on Roman culture.

What was the role of the Etruscans in Rome's early development?

Etruscans transformed Rome from a village into a city and created the Roman military.

List the three tactics used by Romans to conquer the peninsula.

Good diplomacy, military expertise, and practical politics.

What was the Confederation of Rome?

A group of conquered peoples on the peninsula who enjoyed full Roman citizenship and could run their own affairs.

Define Patricians and Plebeians in Rome.

Patricians were the upper class, wealthy landowners, while Plebeians were the lower class, average citizens.

What was the Senate in ancient Rome?

A governing body made up of 300 Patricians who advised consuls, enforced laws, and managed foreign policy.

What were the duties of the Roman consuls?

Two consuls commanded the military and oversaw the administration of Rome.

What was the Struggle of the Orders?

A long conflict between Patricians and Plebeians that eventually led to the latter gaining rights and representation.

What were the Twelve Tables?

The first written code of Roman law, reflecting the values of a simple farming community.

What was the outcome of the Punic Wars?

Rome won all three wars, with victories leading to the acquisition of Sicily, Spain, and the destruction of Carthage.

Who fought in the Punic Wars?

Rome fought against Carthage.

Who were key figures in the Second Punic War?

Hannibal, the greatest Carthaginian general, and Scipio, a Roman general.

What did the Lex Hortensia accomplish?

It made laws passed by the Council of Plebeians binding and transferred some power to the lower classes.

Define the Law of Nations.

A body of law that applied to both Roman citizens and non-Romans.