Rome terms weeks 7&8

Marcus Junius Brutus

A Roman senator who helped assassinate Julius Caesar in 44 BC because he believed Caesar threatened the Republic. His actions led to further civil wars and eventually the fall of the Roman Republic.

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and dictator who expanded Rome's territory and gained enormous political power. His assassination in 44 BC led to civil wars that eventually allowed Augustus to become Rome's first emperor.

Iulus

The son of Aeneas and ancestor of the Julian family. He was important because he connected Julius Caesar and Augustus to Rome's Trojan origins and the goddess Venus.

Mark Antony

A Roman general and supporter of Julius Caesar made a speech during Caesar’s funeral which made people support caesar

Octavian

Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir who gained power after Caesar's assassination. He defeated his rivals and eventually became Rome's first emperor, Augustus.

Augustus

title given to Octavian when he became Rome's first emperor. He established a stable imperial government and began a period of peace.

The Ides of March 44BC

when Julius Caesar was assassinated by Roman senators. His death caused further civil wars and contributed to the Republic's collapse.

Caesar's Funeral

public funeral held after Caesar's assassination, where Mark Antony delivered a speech honoring him. It increased public anger toward Caesar's assassins and strengthened support for his followers.

Sidus Iulium [=Comet of Caesar]

A comet that appeared and interpreted as Caesar's soul ascending to heaven. Octavian used it to support Caesar's divine status and strengthen his own authority.

Divus Iulius

meaning "Divine Julius," given to Caesar after he was declared a god. It strengthened Caesar's legacy and helped Octavian claim divine connections.

Divi Filius

meaning "Son of the Divine One," used by Octavian after Caesar's deification. It helped legitimize Octavian's power by connecting him to a god.

Battle of Actium (31 BC)

naval battle where Octavian's forces defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The victory allowed Octavian to become Rome's sole ruler and eventually establish the Empire.

Cleopatra

ruler of Egypt who formed alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her defeat by Octavian led to Egypt becoming a Roman province and strengthened Rome's power.

Princeps

meaning "first citizen," used by Augustus instead of calling himself king. It helped him maintain the appearance of a Republican government while holding the power of an emperor.

Jupiter

king of the Gods

Juno

Queen, marriage, protector

Venus

love, ancestry, destiny

Neptune

ruler of seas and water

Cupid

Venus’ kid representing desire, attraction

Apollo

god of sun, art, disease/health. Adopted from Greece, but deeply integrated into Roman culture, especially under Augustus

Mars

God of war

Minerva

wisdom, strategy, crafts

Dido

queen and founder of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas Her tragic death after Aeneas leaves her to fulfill his destiny foreshadows the future conflict between Rome and Carthage.

Epic

a long narrative poem, book, or film that tells the story of a legendary or historical hero performing great and difficult deed

Mt.Olympus

greek mythological home for the 12 olympian gods (but also a real mountain)

Aeolus

god of wind