Ancient Rome and Its Legacy Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering the history, governance, culture, and decline of the Roman Republic and Empire based on lecture notes.

How is a 'Republic' defined in the context of ancient Roman government?

A government where citizens with the right to vote select their leaders or representatives.

Who were the twin brothers that built the city of Rome after being rescued by a wolf and protected by the gods?

Romulus and Remus

According to the transcript, in which part of Europe is Italy located?

Eastern Europe

In what year did the Romans drive the Ecrustans out of power?

$$509\,B.C.$$

What were the names of the two main social classes in the Roman Republic?

Patricians (or Patriarchs) and Plebeians

Who were the two men who led the government, were advised by the senate, and ruled for one year with equal power?

Consuls

Under what specific condition were dictators appointed in Rome, and for how long could they hold office?

They were appointed for emergencies if consuls disagreed, and they could only hold office for $6$ months.

What was the name of the written code of laws that applied equally to all citizens and was displayed in marketplaces?

Laws of the Twelve Tables

Carthage is described as being part of which empire?

A North American empire

Between $58-51\,B.C.$, which leader conquered Gaul and later became the director of the Roman world in $48\,B.C.$?

Julius Caesar

What happened on March $15$, $44\,B.C.$ in Roman history?

The senators gathered around Julius Caesar and killed him.

Who was the first emperor of Rome, and what title did the senate award him in $27\,B.C.$?

Octavian; he was awarded the title Augustus, meaning 'highly respected'.

What phrase did the Romans use to refer to the Mediterranean Sea, and what does it mean?

'mare nostrum', meaning 'our sea'.

Which emperor proclaimed himself a god and appointed his favorite horse as consul?

Caligula

Which of the five 'good emperors' created a code of laws that protected women, children, and slaves?

Hadrian

What development in building materials allowed the Romans to build taller structures than previously possible?

Concrete

What was the spectator capacity of the Colosseum?

$50,000$ spectators

What structures were used by Roman engineers to carry water from the countryside into the cities?

Aqueducts

Which Roman senator is quoted as saying that the law 'cannot be bent by influence, or broken by power or spoiled by money'?

Cicero

In terms of the economy, what is the definition of 'inflation'?

More money being made but with less value.

Which emperor divided the empire into two parts and improved the tax collection system?

Diocletian

Which emperor founded Constantinople and proclaimed freedom of worship throughout the empire?

Constantine

Who was the final Roman emperor, and in what year did a German general take power from him?

$14$ year-old Romulus Augustulus; he was removed from power in $476$.