HWH Study Guide

Etruscans

Ancient civilization in Italy (800-300 BCE). Known for their advanced art, architecture, and engineering skills. Influenced by Greeks and influenced Romans. Known for their elaborate tombs, bronze sculptures, and painted pottery. Played a significant role in shaping early Roman culture and society.

Patricians

These people were wealthy, influential Roman citizens from noble families. They held political power, had exclusive rights like serving in the Senate, and held high-ranking government positions.

Plebeians

Members of the lower social class in ancient Rome who were not part of the aristocracy or patrician class. They made up the majority of the population and were primarily farmers, laborers, and tradespeople. They had limited political rights and were not allowed to hold high office, but they could vote and participate in the Assembly.

Tarquin

Last name of the ruling dynasty in ancient Rome. They were Etruscan kings who ruled Rome from 616 to 509 BCE, until they were overthrown in a revolt led by Lucius Junius Brutus. This event marked the end of the Roman monarchy and the beginning of the Roman Republic.

Consuls

Dual executive officers in ancient Rome responsible for leading the government and commanding the army. They were elected annually and held equal power. One consul could veto the decisions of the other to prevent abuse of power. They played a crucial role in the Roman Republic's governance and military affairs.

Cincinnatus

Roman leader who became a dictator during crises, known for his humility and willingness to relinquish power, resolving conflicts swiftly before returning to his farm.

Pyrrhus

King of Epirus who fought against Rome in the Pyrrhic Wars. Known for his costly victories, where he suffered heavy casualties.

Hamilcar Barca

He was a Carthaginian general and father of Hannibal. He led Carthage in the First Punic War and later launched the Barcid campaigns in Iberia. He is known for his strategic brilliance and his efforts to rebuild Carthage's military power after their defeat in the war.

Hannibal

Carthaginian military leader who led the army against Rome during the Second Punic War. Known for his strategic brilliance and his use of elephants in battle. Successfully crossed the Alps with his army, surprising the Romans. Won several major battles but ultimately defeated by Rome.

Scipia Africanus

Roman general who defeated Hannibal in the Second Punic War. Known for his strategic brilliance and innovative tactics.

Scipio Aemilianus

Roman general who conquered Carthage in 146 BC, ending the Third Punic War. Known for his military brilliance and destruction of the city.

Equites

A social class in ancient Rome consisting of wealthy citizens who served as cavalry in the Roman army. They were the second highest class below the senatorial class, and their main role was to provide military support and serve as a political and economic elite.

Clientage

A political system in ancient Rome where wealthy patrons provided protection and support to less privileged clients in exchange for loyalty and political support.

Tiberius Gracchus

Roman politician in the 2nd century BCE

• Advocated for land reform to address wealth inequality

• Proposed redistributing public land to landless farmers

• Killed by political opponents who opposed his reforms

• His death marked a turning point in Roman politics

Gaius Gracchus

He was a Roman politician who fought for land reform and the rights of the plebeians. As a member of the popularis faction, he aimed to reduce social and economic inequality in ancient Rome. Serving as a tribune of the plebs, he implemented reforms including the distribution of public land to the poor. However, his actions caused political unrest and he was assassinated in 121 BCE.

Gaius Marius

Roman general & statesman

• Reformed Roman military

• Introduced professional army

• Allowed landless citizens to serve

• Fought against Germanic tribes

• Served as consul 7 times

• Influential figure during Late Roman Republic

Sulla

Roman general and dictator who seized power through military force in 82 BCE. Known for his reforms and political purges, he established a brief period of authoritarian rule. His actions set a precedent for future dictators in Rome.

Julius Caesar

Roman general and statesman. Played a crucial role in the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. Known for his military conquests, political reforms, and assassination in 44 BCE.

Octavian

a Roman statesman and military leader, was the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BCE to 14 CE. He was Julius Caesar's adopted son and played a vital role in the shift from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Octavian introduced political reforms and brought about a period of stability called the Pax Romana.

Princeps Civitatis

The first citizen, the title given to the leader of ancient Rome.

Nero

Roman emperor who ruled from 54 to 68 AD. Known for his tyrannical and extravagant reign. Persecuted Christians and blamed them for the Great Fire of Rome. Committed suicide at the age of 30.

Praetorian Guard

Elite Roman military unit formed by Augustus in 27 BCE. Served as the personal bodyguards of Roman emperors and maintained political influence. Known for their loyalty, skill, and brutal enforcement of imperial power. Disbanded in 312 CE by Constantine the Great.