Roman History

Years of Roman republic

4th century bce (500 bce) to 27 bce

Attributes of Roman republic

plutocracy, the rich are favored

electoral college keep rich in control

Roman Senate

Not elected

former generals

advisory group, males of high status

Consul

highest ranking official in a district. 2 are elected every year. extensions available if consul way at war

where did 50% of consuls come from?

10 extended families

Years of Roman Empire

27 bce to 5th century ce

Years of Julio Claudian Dynasty

27 bce to 68 ce

First five emperors

Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero

Pax Romana

Empire has no majors wars from 30 bce to 67 ce. seen as a sign of rome’s right to rule over the world.

Roman Army

60% of men 17-mid twenties are conscripted. Would receive roman citizenship after 25 years

Number of Legions

28 (5000-6000 each)

The Annals

Written by Tacitus in 2nd century ce about reign of Tiberius to Nero. exposee of the corruption of the imperial system

Letters

Of Pliny the Younger. written to Emperor Trajan to get advice on governance. asks what to do about the christians. Trajan says to leave them alone and not handle anonymous accusations.

Lives of the Caesars

Suetonius. exposed vices and virtues of caesars from Augustus to Domitian. Said emperors moral profile was the same as their governance skills.

1st Punic War

261-241 bce. Dispute over sicily. Carthage withdraws

2nd Punic War

218-201 bce. Hannibal crosses the alps with 5900 soldiers and elephants. He occupies italy for 15 years. After he reatreats, he is defeated by Scipio Africanus.

3rd Punic War

149-46 bce Carthage is destroyed and Carthaginians are enslaved.

20 years of civil war

49-30 bce

Julius Caesar becomes dominant ruler of Rome

49 bce

Ides of March

44 bce

Battle of Philippi

Octavian and Marc Anthony defeat republic forces. 42 bce

Actium

Octavian defeats Marc Antony and becomes sole ruler of Rome 31 bce

Octavian is declared Augustus and princeps of rome

27 bce

Jewish War against rome

67-74 ce. Romans win at Masada and destroy the temple. Jews are expelled from Jerusalem

Bar Kochbah

Jewish revolt. “son of the star” revolt. Jersusalem is destroyed and the jews are expelled. 132-135 ce

Masada

Long ramp commemorating finally destroying the Jewish resistance.

Olympeion

begins in 6th century bce in Athens. Built to honor Zeus in Hadrian’s greek cities

Cursus Honorem

Sequence of Officers (top to bottom)- Emperor, censor, consul, praetor, aedile, questor,

Honestiores

senetorial, equestrians, decurions

Humiliores

Free born, freed slaves, slaves