The Roman Republic and Empire Review

A set of practice flashcards covering early Roman society, government structure, the Punic Wars, social reform struggles, and the civil wars leading to the Roman Empire.

What primary purpose drove the Romans to construct over 50,000 miles of main roads throughout their empire?

Roman roads were built primarily to provide faster passage for the Roman army.

What was the name of the first and most famous road constructed by the Romans?

The Appian Way.

What Latin term meaning 'Our Sea' did the Romans use for the Mediterranean Sea?

Mare Nostrum.

Which early inhabitants moved from the Alps into northern Italy and settled near the Tiber River?

The Latins.

When did the Etruscans settle in Italy, and what influence did they have on Roman culture?

The Etruscans arrived in the ninth century B.C. from Asia Minor, settling on the west coast near the Tiber River and passing Greek culture, philosophy, and language into Roman culture.

What was the League of the Seven Hills?

A league established by Latin villages in the mountains overlooking the Tiber River, marking the beginning of the city of Rome.

According to popular myth, which two brothers founded the city of Rome?

Romulus and Remus.

What was the role of the pater in early Roman society?

The pater (father) was the main authority in the family, holding final say in family matters, maintaining discipline, and leading family worship.

How were Patricians and Plebeians distinguished in early Roman society?

Patricians were wealthy landowners and nobles forming the aristocratic upper class, while Plebeians made up the majority working class of farmers, merchants, and craftsmen.

What was the symbol of the Roman king's authority (imperium) called, and what did it consist of?

The fasces, which was an axe enclosed in rods bound with a strap.

In what year was the Etruscan monarch overthrown, establishing the Roman Republic?

509 B.C.

What were the responsibilities and term limits of the two Roman consuls?

Consuls held imperium, commanded the army, served as highest judges, and ran government operations; they served one-year terms and both had to agree before taking action.

How many members served in the Roman Senate, and how were they appointed?

The Senate consisted of 300 members who were appointed for life by the consuls.

How did the plebeians force the patricians to grant them political rights?

By threatening to desert the army during Roman wars with neighboring countries.

What were plebiscites and tribunes in the Council of Plebeians?

Plebiscites were resolutions passed by the Council of Plebeians, and tribunes were ten elected officials who protected plebeian rights and could declare 'Veto!' to block Senate legislation.

What was the Law of the Twelve Tables and where was it displayed?

It was the foundation of Roman civil law, consisting of all Roman laws written down on twelve stone tablets hung in the Roman Forum.

What key power was granted to the Tribal Assembly in 287 B.C.?

The Tribal Assembly was granted the power to pass laws that were binding on all social classes, both patrician and plebeian.

What does the expression 'Pyrrhic victory' mean, stemming from King Pyrrhus's battles against Rome?

A victory in which the costly losses to the victor outweigh any gains achieved from the win.

What naval strategy did the Romans develop during the First Punic War to overcome Carthage's superior fleet?

The Romans developed the practice of boarding enemy ships with soldiers to engage in land-style combat rather than ramming them.

What route did Hannibal take to invade Italy during the Second Punic War, and what losses did he suffer?

Hannibal led over 40,000 troops, cavalry, and war elephants from Spain across the Alps into Italy, losing half his soldiers and all but one elephant to weather, terrain, and bandits.

What were the casualties on both sides during the Battle of Cannae in 216 B.C.?

The Roman army lost over 60,000 troops total, while Hannibal's army lost 6,000 men.

Who led the defense of Syracuse against the Roman general Marcellus, and what tools were used?

Archimedes organized the defense using catapults, cranes, and giant mirrors.

Which Roman general defeated Hannibal, and at what battle was the Second Punic War concluded?

Scipio defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama.

What actions did Rome take to permanently destroy Carthage during the Third Punic War (149–146 B.C.)?

Rome conducted a three-year siege, destroyed the city, and sowed the surrounding land with salt to prevent future crops from growing.

Why were publicans the most hated officials in Roman provinces?

Publicans were tax collectors who agreed to pay a set amount to Rome and kept any excess collected, enriching themselves by exploiting local populations.

What reforms did Tiberius Gracchus advocate as tribune in 133 B.C., and what was his fate?

He proposed dividing public lands captured by the Roman army among the poor; after seeking illegal reelection, he and 300 followers were killed by angry senators.

What proposal did Gaius Gracchus make as tribune in 123 B.C. to help the poor?

He proposed that the government sell grain at lower prices to assist the poor.

How did Marius reform the Roman army during the First Civil War?

He created a professional army of mercenary soldiers serving for financial benefit and loyalty to their general, replacing citizen-soldiers serving out of civic duty.

Who emerged victorious in the First Civil War, and what title did he adopt?

Sulla defeated Marius's faction, was declared dictator of Rome by the Senate, and attempted to restore power to the Senate.

Which three leaders formed the First Triumvirate, and what advantages did each bring?

Crassus (extreme wealth), Pompey (popularity with the Senate), and Julius Caesar (support of the common people).

What act was signified by Julius Caesar 'crossing the Rubicon'?

By marching his army across the Rubicon River into Rome, Caesar declared war on Pompey and the Senate.

Why was Julius Caesar assassinated on March 15, 44 B.C. ('Ides of March')?

Wealthy senators feared his growing popularity and power, worrying he would dissolve the Republic and make himself king.

What naval battle in 31 B.C. led to the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, leaving Octavian as sole ruler?

The Battle of Actium.

What title was given to the absolute ruler of Rome after the collapse of the Republic?

Imperator (commander of a victorious army).