TEST 2 SET 3: BIG IDEAS + TEST-STYLE QUESTIONS

What major change begins in 133 BC?

Breakdown of Republican norms

Why are the Gracchi important?

They introduce reform and political violence

What was the central political conflict?

People vs Senate

What economic problem drove reform?

Loss of land and inequality

Why was the army changing?

Fewer landowners available to serve

What was the impact of Marius’ reforms?

Soldiers loyal to generals, not state

Why was the Social War significant?

Expanded citizenship across Italy

What problem did expanded citizenship create?

Weakened traditional political system

What did Sulla prove by marching on Rome?

Armies could control politics

Why were proscriptions important?

Normalized political violence

What role did Pompey play in the Republic?

Expanded use of extraordinary commands

What was wrong with extraordinary commands?

Bypassed normal political system

Why was the First Triumvirate formed?

To bypass the Senate

How did Caesar gain power?

Through military success in Gaul

Why was Caesar’s army important?

Loyal directly to him

Why did civil war break out?

Conflict between Caesar and Senate/Pompey

What does “crossing the Rubicon” symbolize?

Point of no return

Why did Caesar win the civil war?

Speed, strategy, loyal army

Why was Caesar’s dictatorship controversial?

Seen as monarchy

Why was Caesar assassinated?

Fear of loss of liberty

Did Caesar’s death restore the Republic?

No, it led to more civil war

What was the purpose of the Second Triumvirate?

Defeat Caesar’s assassins

What made the Second Triumvirate different?

It was legally established

What was the outcome of Philippi?

End of Republican resistance

Why did Antony lose to Octavian?

Political image + military defeat

Why was Actium important?

Final end of civil wars

What system replaces the Republic?

Principate

What does princeps mean?

First citizen

Why didn’t Augustus call himself king?

Romans hated monarchy

How did Augustus maintain power?

Controlled army + offices

What is Pax Augusta?

Peace after civil wars

How did Augustus use propaganda?

Architecture, religion, literature

What role did Virgil’s Aeneid play?

Justified Rome and Augustus

What is the key theme of the Aeneid?

Duty (pietas)

What philosophical shift occurs in this period?

Greek ideas influence Rome

What is the biggest cause of the Republic’s fall?

Concentration of power in individuals

What role did violence play?

Becomes normal political tool

What happened to the Senate?

Lost real power

What replaced Republican government in practice?

One-man rule

Final takeaway: Did Rome “fall” suddenly?

No—gradual transformation