Roman Republic: From City-State to World Empire

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures in the history of the Roman Republic and its transition to Empire, offering a comprehensive review for exam preparation.

What period marks the establishment of the Roman Republic?

509 B.C.

What significant event led to the founding of the Roman Republic?

The overthrow of the Etruscan king.

What were the two main eras historians divide Roman history into?

Republic (509-27 B.C.) and Empire (27 B.C.-late fifth century A.D.).

What was the Roman Constitution's greatest achievement?

Creation of a world-state that unified the Mediterranean.

What governing body was the most powerful in the early Roman Republic?

The Senate.

Who were the Patricians in Roman society?

Members of the landholding upper class.

How long did Senators serve in the Roman Republic?

For life.

What was the role of the Consuls in the Roman Republic?

They supervised the business of government and commanded the armies.

What significant conflict is known as the Punic Wars?

Wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264-146 B.C.

Who was the famous Carthaginian commander during the Second Punic War?

Hannibal.

What landmark law was inscribed on the Twelve Tables?

The Roman code of laws established in 450 B.C.

What was the primary reason for the tension between Patricians and Plebeians?

Plebeians sought greater political equality and rights.

What did the Plebeians achieve by 287 B.C.?

Full civil equality and the right to hold office.

What role did the Tribune serve in the Roman Republic?

Elected representatives for the Plebeians with the power to issue vetoes.

What was the consequence of the Third Punic War for Carthage?

The complete destruction of Carthage.

What economic issue contributed to the Republic's decline?

Crisis in agriculture and neglect of farms due to military service.

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

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, who advocated for land reform for the poor.

What major conflict arose from rivalry between generals Marius and Sulla?

A civil war in Rome.

What significant action did Julius Caesar take in 49 B.C.?

He marched on Rome and was made dictator for ten years.

How did Julius Caesar's rule change after becoming dictator?

It was converted into a lifetime office.

What was a key outcome of the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.?

Octavian crushed Antony and Cleopatra.

In what year did Octavian become the first Roman Emperor?

27 B.C.

What transformation occurred in Roman leadership leading up to the collapse of the Republic?

Degeneration of senatorial leadership and increased violence.

What happened to small farms during the growth of large plantations (latifundia)?

They were driven out of business and their owners became impoverished.

What was the role of the Roman military in the Republic's political struggles?

The army became a private possession of generals.

How did Julius Caesar aim to stabilize the Roman Republic?

By lowering taxes and extending citizenship.

What was the reaction of the ruling class to the reforms proposed by the Gracchi brothers?

They viewed them as a threat and responded with violence.

What was the outcome of civil conflicts in Roman politics during the Republic's last years?

Rivalry and violence became prevalent.

What did the Roman administration in provinces generally demonstrate?

Positive features such as self-government and lower taxes.

What cultural influence began to grow in Rome during the Republic?

Greek civilization, including language, literature, and philosophy.

Who was considered Rome's best orator during the Republic?

Cicero.

What was the fate of Carthage after the Third Punic War?

It was destroyed and its citizens were killed or enslaved.

During which war did Hannibal famously march his troops across the Alps?

The Second Punic War.

How did Roman officials view the provinces during the Republic?

As sources of quick wealth and unrestrained by Senatorial oversight.

What architectural contributions did the Romans make during their time of expansion?

Roads, aqueducts, and public buildings.

What internal factor contributed to the collapse of the Republic?

Transformation of the political rivalry into violence.

How did Julius Caesar respond to the chaotic state of the Republic?

He sought to create order out of chaos.

What marked the end of the Roman Republic?

The rise of Octavian and establishment of imperial rule.

What were the two major successes of Rome by 246 B.C.?

Social cohesion and military might through conquest of Italy.

What did the Senate issue during times of crisis and war?

They could appoint a dictator with complete control.

What significant action did the Romans take to prevent a return to monarchy?

They increased Senate membership and restored its rights.

What was the impact of Hellenization on Roman culture?

Accelerated integration of Greek ideas into Roman society.

What was one major drawback of Roman expansion for the lower classes?

Many were displaced and sank into poverty, leading to urban slums.

What factor helped transform the loyalty of soldiers during the Republic?

The loyalty shifted from Rome to individual generals.

How were the 12 Tables significant in Roman society?

They provided public access to laws that protected the rights of the Plebeians.

What role did economic pressures play in the collapse of the Republic?

They led to social class tensions and ultimately civil wars.

What formula for leadership did Sulla believe could protect Roman interests?

An aristocratic oligarchy.

What was Cicero's political stance during the late Republic?

He sought to prevent one-man rule.

What prompted the creation of public works programs by Julius Caesar?

The need to stabilize and improve Roman society.

What was the fate of Tiberius Gracchus for his reform efforts?

He was killed by Senatorial extremists.

How did the influx of wealth from expansion affect Roman society?

It created a taste for luxury among the upper class.

What agricultural issue arose due to military service among Roman farmers?

Neglect of fields and increased reliance on slave labor.

What strategy did the Roman government adopt for managing its provinces?

They allowed significant self-government and minimal interference.

What significant change occurs within the structure of the Roman military by the late Republic?

Military loyalty shifted primarily to generals rather than to the state.

What year did Julius Caesar meet his end?

44 B.C.

Why did the Senate increase its membership, and what was a notable aspect of this change?

To make it less oligarchic; the membership increased to 600.

What was one major consequence of the Roman expansion regarding enslaved peoples?

Millions of enslaved people were transported to Italy.

What significant document encapsulated Roman law and rights for citizens?

The Twelve Tables.

What was the impact of Marius's military reforms on Roman society?

It recruited poor volunteers, changing soldier loyalty dynamics.

What major battle ended the Second Punic War?

The battle of Zama.

Who formed the Triumvirate along with Julius Caesar in 60 B.C.?

Crassus and Pompey.

What year marked the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire?

27 B.C.

What were some hallmark achievements accomplished by Caesar during his rule?

Lowering taxes, extending citizenship, and establishing public works.

What ultimately led to the civil wars following Julius Caesar's assassination?

Power struggles between his supporters and opponents.

What period followed the establishment of the Roman Empire?

The age of Imperial Rome.

Under whose rule did the Roman Empire reach the height of its territorial extent?

Under Emperor Trajan.

What major cultural influences spread throughout the Roman Empire?

Greek culture, language, and practices.

Which famed Roman general crossed the Rubicon, symbolizing his defiance against the Senate?

Julius Caesar.

During which century did significant reforms in Roman political structure occur?

The first century B.C.

What critical event took place during the Ides of March?

The assassination of Julius Caesar.

Which notable Romans contributed to the cultural and literary landscape during the Republic?

Plautus, Terence, Catullus, and Cicero.

What ultimately did Augustus achieve that Julius Caesar could not?

Establishing a lasting imperial framework.

What characterized the Roman political scene after the fall of the Republic?

Increased violence and rivalry among powerful leaders.

What key socio-economic issue did the influx of wealth from conquest exacerbate in Roman society?

The growing gap between rich landowners and the urban poor.

What is the significance of the year 27 B.C. in Roman history?

It marks the official transition from Republic to Empire.