Roman Empire Flashcards

Administration

Rome had 40 provinces, each with a governor loyal to the emperor. Each city had a senate/council for local issues.

Client Kingdoms

Kingdoms surrounding Rome that were considered autonomous and served as buffers between inner Rome and their enemies.

Law

Became more based on jurisprudence (or precedent) rather than legislation.

Three Principles of Roman Law

All men are equal under law:

1. Innocent until proven guilty

2. Right to face accusers

3. Right to appeal

Roman Forum

Similar to the Greek agora, the forum was the economic center of Roman cities. This was also where Romans met to vote until Tiberius abolished voting.

Bread and Circuses

Included public baths, chariot races and gladiatorial games eased the dissatisfaction of the poor. Became an issue because they were very expensive (due to grian importation), and became a political issue because it reduced the poor’s voice and quelled their anger.

Slavery in Rome

Began to decline with the lack of wars, and their frequent freeing by their owners in Rome. Their freeing became a problem because the people would often flow into Roman cities.

Roman Architecture

1. Triumphal Arch

2. Basilica

3. Public Bath

4. Apartments

5. Amphitheaters (gladiatorial games)

6. Colosseum (theatre with pulleys and cages)

7. Pantheon (unknown use, best preserved)

8. Circus Maximus (chariot racetrack)

Appian Way

Rome’s first major highway, still in use.

Roads

Romans built an extensive system over 200,000 miles total:

1. Improved communication

2. Legions dispatched easily

3. Improved trade

Aqueducts

Over 1,300 miles total, moved between 200-300 million gallons of water each day. Lead paint chipping eventually led to the gradual poisoning and infertility of the population.

Roman Religion

The Romans initially tolerated other religions as long as a sacrifice was made to their gods. Mithraism (worship to the emperor) and the Cult of Isis (offered immortality) became popular.

Christianity

Was initially persecuted in Rome. Eventually became the official religion when Constantine became the emperor,

Sadducees

One of the Jewish groups that support the primacy of high priest, and cooperate with the king and the Romans. They cooperated because it allowed them to maintain their power and influence.

Pharisees

A faction of the rabbis that function out of synagogues and believe it is up to them to interpret the religious law of the Old Testament: strict interpretation of the law.

Zealots

Were not religious in motivation, but revolutionaries against foreign control of their land (against Rome). Aimed to gain their freedom.

Jesus

Created a new interpretation as the son of god that God was kind and forgiving as compared to the old testament, where God was vengeful. Christianity is based upon the belief that ____ sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity.

Christian Persecution

Nero persecuted the Christians after he blamed the fires in Rome on them. He destroyed the temple in Jerusalem, giving the Christians confirmation of their religion, and convinced the Jews that they were being punished by God.

Edict of Decius

Required all Romans to make a sacrifice to the gods, and for the person to get a certificate called libellus.

Great Persecution

Last and worst persecution of the Christians, enacted by Diocletian.

Pompeii

Roman city destroyed by a volcano. Gave insight into Roman life including street scenes and public baths.

Pax Romana

Apex of the Roman empire, from emperor Caesar Augustus to Marcus Aurelius.

Octavian

Established the Praetorian guard, 1-2 legions of soldiers dedicated to protecting the emperor. The guard were the only people able to bring weapons into Rome