early rome

Who were Romulus and Remus?

Mythical twin brothers raised by a she-wolf; Romulus founded Rome in 753 BCE after killing Remus.

What is the legendary date for the founding of Rome?

753 BCE.

What role did Aeneas play in Roman mythology?

Trojan hero who fled Troy and whose descendants (including Romulus) founded Rome; featured in Virgil’s Aeneid.

How many kings ruled Rome during the monarchy?

Seven kings, starting with Romulus and ending with Tarquin the Proud.

Who was Tarquin the Proud?

The last king of Rome; overthrown in 509 BCE for his tyranny, which led to the founding of the Republic.

What was the role of kings in early Rome?

Kings held executive, religious, and military power; advised by the Senate.

What event marked the beginning of the Roman Republic?

The overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud, in 509 BCE.

What were consuls?

Two elected leaders who replaced the king; served one-year terms and led the government and army.

What was the Senate?

A council of patricians who advised consuls and influenced laws and policies.

Who were the patricians?

Wealthy, aristocratic families who held most of the power in early Rome.

Who were the plebeians?

Common people, including farmers, artisans, and merchants, who struggled for political rights.

What was the Conflict of the Orders?

A power struggle between patricians and plebeians; resulted in greater plebeian rights over time

What was the Law of the Twelve Tables?

Rome’s first written code of law (451 BCE); made laws publicly accessible and helped protect plebeian rights.

What were tribunes?

Officials elected by plebeians to protect their interests; could veto actions by other officials

What were Roman religious beliefs influenced by?

Greek religion, Etruscan rituals, and local Italic traditions.

What is the role of augurs in Roman society?

Priests who interpreted the will of the gods by observing the flight of birds (augury).