Roman History and Key Figures

This set of flashcards covers major figures, events, and terms related to early Roman history, including the establishment of the Republic and key wars.

Aeneas

A member of the royal family after the Trojan war, son of Aphrodite, who led Trojans to establish a great empire in Central Italy.

Romulus

Brother of Remus, son of Mars and Rhea Silvia, who became the first king of Rome after killing Remus.

Etruscans

A population that contributed to the culture and religion of early Rome, known for their skills as engineers.

Tarquinius Superbus

The last king of Rome known for being an evil tyrant.

Lucretia

A noblewoman who killed herself after being attacked by Sextus Tarquin, leading to the expulsion of the Tarquins.

L. Junius Brutus

Leader who drove the Tarquins out and established the Roman Republic.

Patricians

Wealthy landowners of Rome who held most important religious offices and power.

Plebs

Common citizens of Rome, making up 95% of the population, who could not hold office.

Centuriate assembly

An assembly that divided the citizens into Centuries based on wealth, where voting was dominated by the wealthy.

Senate

The most important political body in Rome with 300 lifelong members, where Plebians were not allowed to serve.

Consul

Elected magistrates who held the dual powers of military and civil authority in Rome.

Conflict of the Orders

Struggle from 494-297 between Plebians and Patricians for more rights, leading to significant changes in governance.

Mutiny

A strike by Plebians against their treatment during war, demanding rights and concessions.

Tribal assembly

An assembly responsible for electing magistrates and making legislative decisions, primarily representing poorer citizens.

Tribunes

Officials who could vote, lead the Tribal Assembly, and protect the rights of Plebians.

12 Tables

The first written compilation of Roman statutory law, establishing legal standards.

Legion

Elite infantry of Rome formed from various sources, including prisoners of war and plebeians.

Quinquereme

A Roman naval ship characterized by five banks of oars on each side.

1st Punic War

A major conflict between Rome and Carthage that focused on control over territories, especially Sicily.

Hannibal Barca

A Carthaginian general known for his strategic prowess against Rome during the Second Punic War.

Battle of Zama

Decisive battle that marked the turning point of the Second Punic War in favor of Rome.

Philip V

King of Macedonia who perceived Rome as a future threat and sought to emulate Alexander the Great.

Antiochus III

King of the Seleucid Empire whose defeat at Magnesia marked the start of its decline.

3rd Punic War

Final conflict between Rome and Carthage that resulted in the complete destruction of Carthage.