Rome part one flashcards

Why was Rome’s geography beneficial?

Less rugged mountains and fertile plains made it easier to unify and provided a consistent food source.

When did the Latin people migrate to Italy?

Around 800 B.C.

What civilizations influenced early Rome?

Etruscans (north/central Italy) and Greeks (south).

What did the Romans adopt from the Etruscans?

The alphabet, engineering (drainage), arches, religious ideas, and clothing like the toga.

When was the Roman Republic founded?

509 B.C., after the overthrow of the last Etruscan king by Lucius Junius Brutus.

What does “pietas” mean in Roman culture?

Respect for the gods, state, and father (patriarchal values).

What role did women have in early Rome?

Mostly worked at home but had more freedoms than Athenian women.

How were children educated in early Rome?

Learned to read and write; wealthy families hired Greek tutors to teach rhetoric and classics.

What is the Roman foundation story?

Romulus and Remus.

How did Roman religion compare to Greek religion?

Very similar—Jupiter = Zeus, Mars = Ares, Venus = Aphrodite; held festivals every 5–6 days.

What does “Res Publica” mean?

“That which belongs to the people.”

Who were the Patricians?

Landholding elite who controlled the Senate (300 members, life term).

What were Consuls?

Two annually elected officials who supervised the government and commanded the army; could veto each other.

Who was an example of a Roman dictator?

Cincinnatus.

Who were the Plebeians (Plebs)?

The bulk of the population—eventually gained rights and representation through tribunes.

What were the Twelve Tables (449 B.C.)?

Rome’s first written code of laws guaranteeing rights like “innocent until proven guilty” and “fair judges.”

What was the Cursus Honorum?

A career path ensuring political advancement by merit, not popularity.

What did Censors do?

Kept the list of citizens; must have been consul first.

What did Praetors do?

Legal officials; acted in place of consuls when absent.

What did Aediles do?

Oversaw public works and food supply.

What did Quaestors do?

Managed finances and military budgets.

How did Rome expand after forming the Republic?

Within two centuries, Rome extended control across Italy.

What was a Roman Legion?

A unit of 5,000 citizen-soldiers with personal weapons.

What values were emphasized in the army?

Authority, respect, and discipline (reward for success, punishment for failure like decimation).

How did Rome treat conquered people?

Allowed them to keep customs and governments in exchange for taxes and soldiers.

What was the Roman Confederation?

Gave conquered people rights to intermarry, migrate, vote, hold office, and do business in Rome.

What unified Italy under Roman rule?

Roman roads, soldiers, and the spread of Latin.