Studied by 19 people
Romulus and Remus
twin brothers who founded Rome in 753 BC
Monarchy
the earliest period of Roman history when the city and its territory were ruled by kings.
Romulus and Remus
Etruscans
Tarquinius Superbus
Republic
second form of government in Rome, which consisted of three branches: the consuls, the senate, and the assemblies.
Gracchus Brothers
Sulla
Julius Caesar
Roman Empire
founded in 31 BC by Augustus Caesar and proclaimed himself first emperor.
Octavian/Caesar Augustus
Tiberius
Caligula
Claudius
Nero
Tarquinius Superbus
final king of Rome before it became a republic.
Patricians
The wealthy landholders and noble families made up the aristocratic class
Plebians
made up the majority of the people who were so-called the inferior class
Consul
highest elected political office in the Roman Republic
Conflict of Orders
Occurred in 494 BC when Plebians went on strike in order to be granted representation in government. They were granted an assembly called the council of the Plebs.
Law Of The Twelve Tables
written in 450 BC to appease the demands of the commoners as the many wars during this class favored the ruling class.
Council of the Plebes
A system where power lay in a number of magistrates and assemblies
Roma
After the city of Troy fell, this person led the women to burn the ships
Etruscans
built Rome into what it is today
renowned for metal working, pottery skills, expert sculpting, etc.
built the first forum
Capitoline Triad of the gods
where Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus were worshiped
Mars
god of war; supposed father of Romulous and Remus
Jupiter
the supreme god
Quirinus
believed to be a deified Romulus who watched over Rome
Gracchus Brothers
proposed reforms to try to help the poor
Suggested to give land to both the senate and assembly and unemployed and small farmers
Proposed to give citizenship to all Roman allies and this idea was met with much resistance
Sulla
Defeated monarchs around Rome and purged Roman Senate
Curtailed the power of the tribunes- who had veto powers
Sold tax immunity to certain cities
Still called a tyrant despite his many reforms
The Collapse of the Republic
The social wars weakened Roman society
Much fear and unrest among the people
This led to the First Triumvirate
Octavian took power promising that he could help the society stabilize
First Triumvirate
Controlled consulships and military commands
Went on individual conquests
Caesar-Gaul and Germania
Pompey-became governor of Spain
Crassus- eastward but was defeated and killed at Battle of Carrhae
Julius Caesar
declared dictator for life after death of Pompey
Secured eastern provinces and North Africa
Seen as a threat to the foundation of the Roman republic
Deified by Octavian
Mark Antony
Ally of Octavian, friend/cousin to Julius Caesar
Part of Second Triumvirate (43 BC)
Was supposed to marry Octavian’s sister, Ovtavia Minor, but fell in love with Cleopatra VII
Octavian/Caesar Augustus
First emperor of rome
Allied himself with Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus to create the Second Triumvirate
Turned attention to the punishment of Caesar’s assassins
Fought Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi and won
Fought Sextus Pompeius for rule of rome and was victorious
Resigned his power only to receive them from the Senate
Called himself Princeps or First citizen
His reign is called the Pax Romana in which Rome flourished
Died in 14 AD and was proclaimed a god
Tiberious
Reluctantly ascended to throne during the Julio-Claudian Dynasty
Avoided pageantry of throne
Allowed Senate to conduct primary business of empire
Started but didn’t complete many public work projects in city
Became increasingly paranoid in his later years, conducting many treason trials.
Caligula
Quickly became popular among the people
Ended treason trials
Recalled exiles
Gave bonuses to the Praetorian Guard
Completed building projects and rebuild temples and aqueducts
Notorious for his depravity and insanity
After a near-death experience he became paranoid
Raised taxes
Instituted purges against suspected enemies (including his ex wife)
Brought back the treason trials
Condemned people to confiscate their property
Became very invested in making people suffer
He, his wife, and his daughter were murdered after 4 years
Claudius
Found hiding after Caligula and family were murdered, but was still named emperor
Proved to be efficient emperor
First act was to execute assassins of Caligula
Brought relative peace to Rome with restoration of rule of law
Brought land to reform for farmers, built new harbor at Ostia, established imperial civil service, and when food riots broke out during drought, he imported corn to citizenry
He was paranoid, quick to anger, and didn’t hesitate to put supposed enemies to death
After a revolt, Upper Illyricum, he had 35 senators and 400 others executed or forced to commit suicide
Was anti-semitic and had entire Jewish population expelled from city
His wife Aggripina insisted her son Nero take throne
He died of poisoning, possibly at the hands of his wife.
Nero
Ruled 14 years and led one of the most sinister times in history
General public saw him as generous, kind, and accessible
Early part of his reign was considered to be a mini-golden age
Initiated entertainment: games, plays, concerts, etc.
Taxes were reduced
Agrippina was his mother, but when she claimed to be the source of his power, he kicked her out of the palace
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