Roman History Final: Persons, Peoples, and Places

Equites

Wealthy non-senatorial elite, originally cavalrymen. Played key roles in business, tax collection, and administration—a bridge between commoners and senators.

Praetorian Guard

Elite imperial bodyguards who protected the emperor. Held political power, sometimes making or breaking emperors. Eventually disbanded by Constantine.

Tiberius

Rome’s second emperor, stepson of Augustus. A capable but unpopular ruler, known for withdrawal from public life and increasing power of the Praetorian Guard under Sejanus.

Caligula

Known for cruelty and erratic behavior. Assassinated by the Praetorian Guard—one of Rome’s most infamous emperors.

Claudius

Expanded the empire (notably Britain), known for effective administration despite physical disabilities and being underestimated.

Nero

Last Julio-Claudian emperor. Known for cruelty, the Great Fire of Rome, and persecuting Christians.

Vespasian

Founded the Flavian dynasty after the civil war of 69 CE; began building the Colosseum.

Titus

Completed the Colosseum, ruled during Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption and a major fire; remembered as generous and popular.

Trajan

Expanded Rome to its greatest territorial extent; known for Trajan’s Column and public building projects.

Zeno of Citium

Founder of Stoicism. Taught virtue through living in accordance with reason and nature.

Catullus

Poet known for personal, emotional poetry, especially about love and loss (e.g., poems to “Lesbia”).

Martial

Master of the epigram—short, witty poems often satirizing Roman society and daily life.

Juvenal

Roman satirist known for harsh, moralizing verse satire, attacking corruption and decadence.

Suetonius

Biographer of emperors (The Twelve Caesars), blending history, gossip, and moral judgment.

Domitian

Authoritarian ruler; strengthened the empire but feared for his tyranny. Assassinated in a palace plot.

Constantine

First Christian emperor. Legalized Christianity (Edict of Milan) and founded Constantinople.

Hadrian

Consolidated rather than expanded; built Hadrian’s Wall in Britain. Promoted Greek culture and architecture.

Pliny

Lawyer and writer. His letters describe Roman life and include an eyewitness account of Vesuvius.

Diocletian

Reorganized empire via the Tetrarchy, stabilized economy, and led Great Persecution of Christians.

Constantinople

Founded by Constantine as the new Roman capital in the East (modern Istanbul); center of Byzantine power.

Visigoths

Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 410 CE under Alaric—a key sign of imperial decline.

Vandals

Germanic group that sacked Rome in 455 CE; their name became synonymous with destructive behavior.

Honorius

Western Roman emperor during the sack of Rome; known for weak leadership amid the empire’s decline.