Classical Rome

Legend of Rome's Founding

According to Roman legend, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by the demi-god twins, Romulus and Remus.

Romulus and Remus

Sons of the war god Mars and a Latin princess, said to be raised by a she-wolf.

Virgil

A Roman poet who claimed that Trojan refugees founded Rome after escaping Troy.

The Aeneid

An epic poem by Virgil that narrates the founding of Rome by Aeneas.

Tiber River

The river on the banks of which Rome was established.

Roman Republic

A representative democracy established after the overthrow of the last Etruscan king in 509 BCE.

Patricians

Aristocratic landowners who controlled the Senate in Rome.

Plebeians

Commoners in Rome who demanded a greater role in government.

Twelve Tables

The earliest code of Roman law created at the demand of Plebeians around 451 B.C.E.

Cincinnatus

A Roman leader known for his civic virtue, who returned to farming after serving as dictator.

First Punic War

A conflict between Carthage and Rome from 264-241 BCE over control of Sicily.

Hannibal

Carthaginian general known for crossing the Alps and wreaking havoc in Italy.

Scipio

Roman general who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama.

Gracchan Reforms

Efforts by Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus to implement land reforms after the Punic Wars.

First Triumvirate

An uneasy alliance between Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar in Roman politics.

Ides of March

The date of Julius Caesar's assassination, March 15, 44 BCE.

Dictator for Life

Title taken by Julius Caesar, which caused concern among senators.

Civic Virtue

The concept emphasizing the importance of citizens' duty and service to the Republic.

Centuriate Assembly

An assembly consisting of citizen-soldiers that elected consuls.

Latifundia

Large estates in Rome that utilized slave labor and outcompeted small farmers.

Paterfamilias

The male head of a Roman family who had authority over decisions and roles within the household.