Junior Cycle Classics

Who was Julius Caesar?

A late Republic statesman and general who waged civil war against the Roman Senate and declared himself dictator.

What political alliance did Julius Caesar form in 60 BCE?

The First Triumvirate with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great).

What significant military campaign did Caesar lead?

The Gallic Wars, which extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine River.

What action did Caesar take in 49 BCE that defied the Senate?

He crossed the Rubicon with a legion, entering Roman territory under arms.

What was the outcome of the civil war between Caesar and Pompey?

Caesar quickly defeated Pompey and many Senate conservatives.

What title did Caesar assume after defeating his enemies?

Dictator in perpetuity.

What major reform did Caesar implement?

He created the Julian calendar.

When was Julius Caesar assassinated?

On the Ides of March, March 15, 44 BCE.

Who led the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar?

Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.

What was the political consequence of Caesar's assassination?

A new series of civil wars broke out, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire.

Who was Octavian?

Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir, later known as Augustus.

What was the Second Triumvirate?

An alliance formed by Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus in 43 BCE.

What battle marked the defeat of Mark Antony by Octavian?

The Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.

What was the significance of Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon?

It was an act of insurrection and treason against the Senate.

What was the role of the Roman dictator during Caesar's time?

A ruler appointed by the Senate during emergencies, serving temporarily.

How did Caesar change the composition of the Senate?

He filled it with his own partisans, increasing its membership to 900.

What was one of Caesar's strategies to maintain power?

He passed a law subjecting governors to term limits to minimize challenges.

What was a key feature of Augustus's rise to power?

He ingratiated himself with Caesar's legions to fulfill military demands.

What was the outcome of the political maneuvers following Caesar's assassination?

Octavian emerged as the sole ruler of Rome.

What did Caesar's assassination signify for the Roman Republic?

It marked the end of the constitutional government of the Republic.

What was the political climate in Rome after Caesar's death?

A period of chaos and civil war ensued.

What did Caesar do to reward his supporters?

He increased the number of elected magistrates and appointed many new senators.

What was the fate of many Senate conservatives after Caesar's rise?

Many were killed or committed suicide, decreasing the number of optimates.

What did Caesar's reforms lead to among the senatorial aristocracy?

It robbed them of prestige and made the Senate increasingly subservient to him.

What was one of the reasons for Caesar's eventual assassination?

The anger of those who felt their aristocratic privileges were threatened.

What did Caesar's declaration of being dictator signify about his power?

He gathered immense power for himself, akin to a monarch, despite not declaring himself king.

What was the significance of the Julian calendar?

It was one of the major reforms instituted by Caesar during his dictatorship.

Who was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium?

Mark Antony

What title did Octavian assume after becoming the first Roman Emperor?

Augustus

What years did Augustus rule as the first emperor of Rome?

27 BCE until his death in 14 CE

What was Augustus's birth name?

Gaius Octavius

Who named Octavian as his adopted son and heir?

Julius Caesar

What political alliance did Octavian form with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus?

The Second Triumvirate

What was the outcome of the Battle of Actium?

Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra

What was the Pax Romana?

A 200-year period of peace in the Roman Empire

What significant act did Augustus perform to signify the onset of peace?

Closed the Gates of Janus

What is the Ara Pacis Augustae?

The Altar of Augustan Peace, symbolizing the peace and prosperity achieved during the Pax Romana

What was Augustus's approach to the Roman Senate after the Second Triumvirate?

He restored the facade of the Republic while retaining autocratic power

What powers did Augustus hold by law granted for life?

Supreme military command, tribune, and censor powers

What was the Principate?

The constitutional framework established by Augustus as the first phase of the Roman Empire

What honorific title was given to Augustus that emphasized his military power?

Imperator

What was the significance of the title 'divi filius' for Augustus?

It means 'son of the divine', enhancing his legitimacy as ruler

What did Augustus do during the First Settlement in 28 BCE?

He returned powers to the Senate while retaining imperium over key provinces

What was the political strategy Augustus used to maintain influence without dictatorial powers?

He called himself princeps civitatis, or 'First Citizen'

What was the outcome of Augustus's second settlement in 23 BCE?

He appeared to limit his powers while actually extending his control

What was the relationship between Augustus and Julius Caesar?

Augustus was Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir

How did Augustus use public opinion against Mark Antony?

By portraying Antony as less committed to Rome due to his affair with Cleopatra

What was the role of the Praetorian Guard established by Augustus?

To serve as the emperor's personal bodyguard and maintain order

What major infrastructure developments occurred during Augustus's reign?

Reformed taxation, developed roads, and established police and fire services

What did Augustus do to appease the Senate during the First Settlement?

He agreed to a ten-year extension of responsibilities over disorderly provinces

What was the significance of the year 31 BCE in Roman history?

It marked the beginning of Octavian's undisputed control after defeating Antony

What was the main propaganda message of the Ara Pacis?

It depicted images of Roman gods and the city of Rome amidst wealth and prosperity

What did Augustus do to ensure the loyalty of the military?

He retained imperium over provinces with significant military presence

What was the political climate in Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar?

It was marked by power struggles and the eventual rise of Octavian

What was the impact of Augustus's reforms on the Roman Empire?

They transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire

What was the role of the consul's platform in the Curia?

It provided a seat for the consul at the front, allowing them to speak first in Senate meetings.

What is ius primae relationis?

The right to speak first in a Senate meeting.

What does cura annonae refer to?

The care of Rome's grain supply, granting patronage powers over the plebs.

What is tribunicia potestas?

A position granted to Augustus allowing him to act as the guardian of Roman citizens, with rights to propose laws, veto laws, and grant amnesty.

What is maius imperium?

Greater (proconsular) power enabling Augustus to override other provincial governors' orders.

When did the Pax Romana begin?

It began after Augustus defeated Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.

What territories did Augustus annex during his reign?

Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, Raetia, and parts of Germania.

What were the Gates of Janus?

Gates to the Temple of Janus that were closed in times of peace and opened in times of war.

How many times did Augustus close the Gates of Janus?

Three times, in 29 BCE, 25 BCE, and likely in 13 BCE.

What was Augustus's challenge regarding peace?

To persuade Romans that prosperity in peace was better than the wealth and honor from war.

What is depicted on the east wall of the Ara Pacis?

An unidentified goddess presumed to be Tellus, Venus, or Peace, surrounded by symbols of prosperity and fertility.

Who succeeded Augustus after his death?

His adopted son Tiberius.

What was Tiberius known for during his reign?

Being one of Rome's greatest generals and conquering several territories, including Pannonia and Dalmatia.

What was Caligula's first act as Princeps?

To void Tiberius's will and have Gemellus executed.

How is Caligula described during the first six months of his reign?

As a noble and moderate ruler.

What led to Caligula's assassination?

A conspiracy by officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers.

What was Claudius known for as emperor?

Being an able administrator and ambitious builder, constructing roads, aqueducts, and canals.

What is the Praetorian Guard?

A force of bodyguards used by Roman emperors, also serving as secret police.

What dynasty did Tiberius belong to?

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty, blending the Julian and Claudian families.

What was Tiberius's demeanor as a ruler?

He was known to be dark, reclusive, and somber, not wanting to be emperor.

What was the significance of Augustus's propaganda?

It helped establish the idea of peace and prosperity during the Pax Romana.

What was the relationship between Augustus and Tiberius?

Augustus was Tiberius's stepfather.

How did Augustus manage to avoid civil war?

By binding together military magnates into a single title and eliminating the prospect of civil conflict.

What were Augustus's accomplishments in foreign policy?

He secured the Empire with client states and made peace with the Parthian Empire through diplomacy.

What was the impact of Augustus's reign on the Roman Empire?

He dramatically enlarged the Empire and established a long period of peace and stability.

Who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire?

Augustus

What title did Tiberius hold?

Princeps

What was Tiberius's approach to the Senate during his reign?

He was derisive and obstructive, leaving the Senate to act on its own.

What event caused Tiberius to become more reclusive?

The death of his son in 23 CE.

Who succeeded Tiberius as emperor?

Caligula

What was Caligula's first act as emperor?

To void Tiberius's will and have Gemellus executed.

How was Caligula initially perceived by the public?

He was almost universally heralded upon his assumption of the throne.

What significant reforms did Caligula implement early in his reign?

He granted bonuses to the military, destroyed Tiberius's treason papers, and recalled exiles.

What illness did Caligula experience that marked a turning point in his reign?

An illness in October of 37 CE, possibly due to poisoning.

What construction projects did Caligula initiate?

He constructed aqueducts, a temporary floating bridge, and large ships.

What financial crisis occurred during Caligula's reign?

A financial crisis due to overextending the state's treasury and raising taxes.

What province did the Roman Empire annex during Caligula's reign?

The Kingdom of Mauretania.

What led to the deterioration of relations between Caligula and the Senate?

New treason investigations and trials, along with the execution of senators.

Who assassinated Caligula?

A conspiracy involving officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers.

Who became emperor after Caligula's assassination?

Claudius.

What were Claudius's notable achievements as emperor?

He was an able administrator, constructed roads, aqueducts, and began the conquest of Britain.

How did Claudius's physical afflictions affect his political career?

They caused his family to ostracize him, but ultimately spared him from purges.

What was a significant challenge Claudius faced during his reign?

He was viewed as vulnerable by the Roman nobility.

What was Nero's relationship with his mother, Agrippina the Younger?

She competed for influence with his advisers, which created early problems in his rule.

What was one of Nero's key actions to consolidate power?

He eliminated rivals to his throne and minimized the influence of his advisers.