Roman Republic Exam Prep

What were the main causes of the fall of the Roman Republic and how can you remember it?

1. Corruption and decline of political morality

2. Decline of Roman farmers

3. Unemployment and bread and circuses

4. Gracchi brothers and political violence

5. Marius reforms the army

6. Sulla marches on Rome

7. First Triumvirate

8. Caesar crosses the Rubicon

9. Caesar becomes dictator and is assassinated

10. Second Triumvirate

11. Octavian defeats Antony and becomes Augustus

“Corrupt Farmers Usually Get Military Soldiers To Control Civilizations Through Octavian.”

or C F U G M S T C C T O

What was the impact of the Punic Wars on the Roman Republic?(4)

Brought wealth and slaves, increased inequality, weakened small farmers, and created political corruption.

Who were the Gracchi brothers and what did they attempt to do?

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi, tribunes who attempted reforms to help poor Roman citizens.

What did the Gracchi brothers aim to achieve with their reforms?

Limit land ownership and redistribute land to poor citizens.

What was Gaius Marius known for?

Transforming the Roman army and creating a professional army.

How did Marius' reforms weaken the Republic?

Soldiers became loyal to their generals instead of the Roman state.

Who was Sulla and what was his significance?

A Roman general who seized power and weakened the traditions of the Roman government.

What marked the first major use of political violence in the Roman Republic?

The death of Tiberius Gracchi.

What was the first Triumvirate?

A political alliance between Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Caesar.

What event did Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon initiate?

A civil war against Pompey and the Senate.

Who defeated Pompey at the Battle of Pharsalus?

Julius Caesar.

What were the proscriptions during the Second Triumvirate?

Violent purges used to eliminate political enemies.

What was the political role of bread and circuses in Rome?

To distract citizens from political and economic problems.

How did Latifundia affect small farmers in Rome?

They forced many small farmers out of business by using slave labor.

Why did Gaius Gracchi fail in his reforms?

His reforms angered many Romans and the Senate moved against him.

What title did Octavian take after becoming the most powerful leader in Rome?

Augustus, meaning 'the revered one'.

Who were the key figures in the Second Triumvirate?

Marc Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus.

What was the significance of the assassination of Julius Caesar?

It was an attempt by senators to restore the Republic.

How did the rise of the equites class contribute to the decline of the Republic?

They gained wealth through war profits, which increased inequality.

What was the Dole in ancient Rome?

A system where the government distributed free grain to poor citizens.

How did the decline of political morality affect Rome?

Leaders used wars and offices for personal wealth rather than the Republic.

What was Caesar's key reform regarding citizenship?

He granted citizenship to provinces.

What was the result of the Battle of Actium?

Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra.

Why did the Roman Senate assassinate Caesar?

To try to restore the Republic.

Why did the Triumvirates weaken the Roman Republic?

They allowed powerful men to control politics outside of the Senate's authority.

What led to the formation of large farming estates (Latifundia)?

The reliance on slave labor due to the growth of slavery in Rome.

Why did corruption in the Roman Senate increase?

Senators gained wealth through controlling provinces and accepting bribes.

What was the impact of long wars on Roman farmers?

Many lost their farms or returned to destroyed property.

How did Augustus avoid the backlash that led to Caesar's assassination?

He avoided the title 'dictator'.

What did Sulla's actions in marching on Rome signify?

A shift in Roman military and political power dynamics.

Who was primarily affected by the Gracchi reforms?

Poor Roman citizens.

What was Marius' key military reform?

Removing the property requirement for soldiers.

What issues did bread and circuses aim to mask in Rome?

Political and economic problems.

What major change did Caesar implement with the Julian Calendar?

Standardization of the calendar for Roman society.

Who did Octavian defeat to gain control of Rome?

Marc Antony.

What military reform did Marius enact to professionalize the army?

Recruiting landless citizens to serve.

What was the effect of slavery on Roman labor?

Slaves replaced free workers leading to high unemployment.

What happened to Tiberius Gracchi after he proposed land reforms?

He was killed by a mob.

What did Octavian's concentration of power signify?

The beginning of the Roman Empire and the end of the Republic.

What did the decline of Roman farmers lead to?

An increase in unemployment and reliance on bread and circuses.

Why did the Senate oppose the reforms proposed by the Gracchi brothers?

They threatened the interests of the patrician elite.

What were Marius' soldiers required to be under his reforms?

They were no longer required to own property.

Why did many displaced farmers migrate to Rome?

They were searching for work and better living conditions.

What was the primary goal of the populare leaders?

To support reforms for the poor and appeal directly to the people.

What was Julius Caesar's relationship with the First Triumvirate?

He was a key member alongside Pompey and Crassus.

What economic impact did the Punic Wars have on the Roman Republic?

Created a small elite class while many citizens became poorer.

Why did Caesar declare himself dictator for life?

To consolidate his power over the Roman state.

What was the outcome of the political rivalry between Optimates and Populares?

Increased political instability in the Roman government.

What characterized Roman society after the Punic Wars?

Increased wealth disparity and social unrest.

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

To advise the consuls and govern Rome, representing the interests of the patricians.

What was the effect of Caesar's civil reforms on the provinces?

They were granted citizenship, extending Roman influence.