Ancient Rome: From Republic to Empire

Vocabulary flashcards covering key dates, literary works, political institutions, social divisions, revolutionary figures, and the establishment of the Principate under Augustus.

Roman Kingdom

The earliest era of Roman history, lasting from 753 to 509 BCE, founded by Romulus.

Roman Republic

The period of Roman history lasting from 509 to 27 BCE, established roughly 200 years after Romulus founded Rome.

27 BCE

The key date when Octavian took the name Augustus, reformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire, and became its first Emperor.

Virgil

Roman poet who wrote the epic poem the Aeneid, which was left unfinished but published by Augustus anyway.

The Aeneid

An epic poem by Virgil whose first half resembles the Odyssey and second half resembles the Iliad, depicting a powerful yet imperfect leader who faced struggles.

Consuls

Two elected Roman officials representing the monarchical branch of the constitution, responsible for military/war, general affairs, and public affairs.

Senate

The aristocratic council in the Roman government responsible for laws, foreign affairs, public money, and criminal offenses.

Tribunes

Roman government officials responsible for protecting the interests of the plebeians.

Dictator

A temporary official appointed in the Roman government to exercise supreme authority during emergencies.

Patricians

The wealthy, elite, and aristocratic fixed social class of Ancient Rome.

Plebeians

The common citizens of Rome, including farmers and workers, who formed a fixed social class.

The People

The democratic element of the Roman constitution that voted, decided rewards and punishments, and addressed internal social issues.

3 Patron Gods

Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, who were Roman copies of the Greek deities Zeus, Hera, and Athena.

Punic Wars

Wars that allowed Rome to dominate the western Mediterranean, gain North African territories, and acquire valuable materials.

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus

Brothers and reformist figures who redistributed land to poor citizens, lowered food prices, sought to expand citizenship, and were killed by their enemies in the Senate.

General Gaius Marius

A Roman general who supported the poor by paying for their military equipment, creating soldiers whose primary loyalty was to him rather than Rome itself.

General Lucius Sulla Felix

A Roman general who built a personal army to fight for the rich, brutally invaded Rome, killed political opponents, and was appointed dictator.

Gaius Julius Caesar

A patrician general who supported the plebeians, had an affair with Cleopatra, established a lifelong dictatorship over Rome, and was assassinated.

Cleopatra

The last Hellenistic queen of Egypt, who had an affair with Gaius Julius Caesar.

Imperator

One of Augustus's official titles, meaning 'commander in chief.'

Princeps

An official title assumed by Augustus, translating to 'first citizen.'

Praetorian Guard

An elite bodyguard force of 10,000 soldiers established to protect Augustus, with their salaries paid directly by him.

Julio-Claudian Dynasty

The ruling family that followed Augustus, which utilized an adoption system to designate and transfer power to successive emperors.

Nero

The last emperor of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty who lived lavishly in a massive palace that was demolished after his assassination to build the Colosseum.

Res Gestae

A funerary inscription written by Augustus himself to present his legacy as a military victor, public benefactor, and preserver of Roman traditions.

Tribunician Power

A constitutional power held for life by Augustus to carry out the Senate's orders, for which he requested a colleague five times.

Sacrosanct

A legal status under Roman law held by Augustus meaning he was legally protected from harm.