Key Aspects of Ancient Rome and Its Society

City of Rome today

Rome is a bustling modern metropolis and the capital of Italy, blending ancient historical landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with contemporary life. It is known for its art, culture, and as the center of Roman Catholicism.

Mountain range bordering Italy

The Alps.

Rome's nickname

The Eternal City/City of Seven Hills

Sea facilitating trade for Italy and Greece

The Mediterranean Sea.

Head of the household in Rome

The paterfamilias (father).

Rights of the materfamilias in Rome

The materfamilias had authority over the household, including managing finances and making decisions regarding children and servants, though her powers were generally less than those of the paterfamilias.

Consequences for a 'bad' child in Rome

Bad children could be punished severely by their fathers, who had the right to discipline them, even with physical punishment, and in extreme cases, children could be disowned, killed, or sold into slavery.

Determining factor for number of slaves owned in Rome

Wealth and status determined the number of slaves one could own in Rome.

Who became slaves in Rome

Slaves in Rome were typically prisoners of war, criminals, or people who were captured during raids or sold into slavery.

Roles of slaves in Roman society

Slaves worked in households, fields, mines, and in public services. Some worked as skilled artisans or tutors.

Leisure activities for Romans

Romans enjoyed chariot racing, gladiator games, public baths, feasting, and attending theater performances.

Language of the Romans

Latin.

Number of letters in the Roman alphabet

The Roman alphabet had 23 letters. The letters J, U, and W were not used.

Author of The Aeneid

Virgil.

Historical background of The Aeneid

The Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas's journey from the fallen city of Troy to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Roman people.

The Aeneid's relation to Greek stories

The Aeneid is the Roman version of the Greek story The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Types of Roman art

Sculpture, mosaics, frescoes, and pottery.

Difference between Greek and Roman art

Greek art focused on idealized forms and perfection, while Roman art was more realistic and often portrayed individuals with imperfections.

Roman arch as an architectural achievement

The Roman arch allowed for the creation of larger and more stable structures, such as bridges, aqueducts, and amphitheaters, by distributing weight more efficiently.

Definition of a vault

A vault is an arched structure used to provide a space with a roof, often seen in Roman architecture.

Three structures of neoclassical buildings

a. Columns b. A portico (a porch with columns) c. A pediment (a triangular gable above the entrance)

Examples of Neoclassical buildings in the U.S.

a. The White House b. The U.S. Capitol c. The Lincoln Memorial

Purpose of the Roman baths

The Roman baths were public spaces for bathing, socializing, and relaxation, often including exercise areas, hot and cold pools, and saunas.

Purpose of the Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus was used for chariot racing and other public entertainments.

Purpose of an aqueduct

Aqueducts were used to carry water from distant sources into the city, supplying public baths, fountains, and homes.

Construction of Roman roads

Roman roads were constructed with several layers: a base of large stones, a layer of gravel or sand, and a smooth top layer made of paving stones. The roads were built with a slight curve for drainage.

Etruscan sewers

Advanced systems that drained waste and rainwater away from the city, contributing to public health.

Galen

A Greek physician who became the chief medical officer of the Roman Empire and made significant contributions to anatomy, physiology, and medicine.

Galen's scientific discovery

Advanced the understanding of anatomy and medicine, particularly through dissections of animals, laying the foundation for medical practices that continued until the Renaissance.

Roman calendar

Had 10 months.

Accomplishment of the Roman calendar

Introduced the concept of leap years and helped standardize timekeeping in the Western world.

Original currency of Rome

Initially used barter, but eventually the Roman denarius became the standard currency.

Republic

A form of government in which officials are elected to represent the people, and power is held by the people or their elected representatives, rather than a monarch.

Model for the U.S. government

Republic.

Dictators in Rome

Appointed during times of war to lead the government with absolute power for a limited time to make quick decisions and guide the republic during emergencies.

Dictator's term length

Six months.

Cincinnatus

A famous dictator who gave up his power willingly to return to a normal life.

Classes of citizens in ancient Rome

Divided into Patricians and Plebeians.

Wealthy class in Rome

Patricians.

Poor or working class in Rome

Plebian.

Majority class in Rome

Plebian.

Plebian government creation

Decided to create their own government so they would have representation in Roman society.

Patrician government restructuring

Knew they needed to restructure the government to avoid rebellion or revolt.

Tripartite government

A government with three branches or parts.

Three parts of Roman government

The consuls, the Senate, and the assemblies.

Title of highest magistrates

Consuls.

Function of consuls

The chief executives of the Roman government, overseeing the military and the government's administration.

Role of lower magistrates

Assisted with legal and administrative duties, including judges, financial officers, and election officials.

Wealthy and powerful advisors

The Senate.

Senate's unique power

Had the power to propose laws and advise the consuls, making it a key legislative body.

Main job of the Senate

To advise the consuls and other magistrates, and to control government finances.

Third group of government

Divided into Assemblies and Tribunes.

Group made up of both classes

The Assemblies.

Group that elects magistrates

The Assemblies.

Group made up of plebeians only

The Tribunes.

Tribune's unique power

Had the power to veto laws passed by the Senate or consuls that harmed plebeians.

Power of assembly and tribune

Together have the power to elect magistrates and pass laws.

System of keeping tripartite equal

Called checks and balances.

Checks and balances

The system of keeping the tripartite equal in power.

The Roman Forum

The center of public life in ancient Rome, a place for political, social, and commercial activity.

The Twelve Tables

A set of written laws that formed the basis of Roman law.

Civil law

A system of laws dealing with disputes between individuals, such as property.

Jupiter

The God of the Gods (Zeus in Greek mythology).

Juno

The Queen of the Gods (Hera in Greek mythology).

Neptune

The god who controlled the water (Poseidon in Greek mythology).

Pluto

The ruler of the Underworld (Hades in Greek mythology).

Venus

The goddess of love (Aphrodite in Greek mythology).

Roman Polytheism

The first religion of Rome, focused on worshipping many gods and spirits.

Greek civilization

The source from which Romans adopted most of their gods and goddesses.

Integration of cultural beliefs

The reason Romans worshipped gods and goddesses from other civilizations, to maintain peace and alliances.

Judaism

The religion that Romans did not agree with, characterized by the monotheistic belief in one God.

Monotheism

The belief in one god, practiced by the Jews.

Jewish rebellion against Romans

The Jews rebelled due to unhappiness with Roman rule, particularly taxes and oppression of religious practices.

Messiah

Jesus of Nazareth was thought to be the Savior in Christian belief and the Son of God.

Christianity

The new religion that followed Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus' death

He was put to death by the Romans because he was seen as a threat to their rule.

Christians

The followers of Jesus.

Gladiator fights

Originally fought to honor the dead and serve as a form of sacrifice during funeral rites.

Gladiators

Individuals who became gladiators included slaves, prisoners of war, and sometimes criminals or volunteers.

Colosseum

Used for public spectacles, such as gladiator games, animal hunts, and mock naval battles.

Sack of Rome

The mistake Rome made when Gaul attacked, underestimating the threat and failing to defend adequately.

Farming

The primary occupation of most Romans.

Army enlistment requirement

To enter the army, a person needed to own land or property.

Recruitment of non-property-owning citizens

When Rome was invaded, the army started recruiting plebeians to ensure enough soldiers.

Army payment

If you entered the army, you were paid in money (stipends).

Army service reward

After 25 years of serving in the army, you were given land or a pension as a reward.

Salt road

A trade route used to transport salt, which was highly valuable in ancient times.

Salary

The Latin word for salt is salaria, as Roman soldiers were often paid in salt.

Legion

A military unit of the Roman army, typically made up of around 5,000 soldiers.

Punic Wars

The wars between Rome and Carthage.

Carthage's attack during the first war

Carthage attacked Sicily, which was a Roman ally.

naval battles

They fought primarily at sea.

Hannibal

The name of the leader of Carthage during the second war.

elephants

Hannibal used elephants to cross the Alps and attack Italy.

destroyed Carthage

Rome burned the city and salted the earth to ensure it could not rise again.

Gracchus brothers' plan

Proposed land reforms to distribute land to the poor, improve quality of life, and address economic inequality.

assassinated

What happened to the Gracchus brothers by their political opponents.

Gaius Marius

Created reforms that allowed poor citizens to join the army, giving them a chance to gain land and wealth.

proscriptions

A series of political purges carried out by Sulla, executing his enemies and seizing their property.

Triumvirates

Three-man ruling bodies used by Romans to replace a leader.