The Flavians and Antonines

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Flavian and Antonine dynasties in Roman history.

Julio-Claudians

The first dynasty of Roman emperors, including Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.

Nero

The last Julio-Claudian emperor, whose reign ended in 68 CE with his suicide.

Year of Four Emperors

A period in 69 CE characterized by civil war and the rapid succession of Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian as emperors.

Vespasian

The founder of the Flavian dynasty who ruled from 69-79 CE and implemented significant reforms to stabilize the empire.

Lex de Imperio Vespasiani

A law passed in 69-70 CE that formalized Vespasian’s authority and imperial powers.

Colosseum

Originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, completed in 80 CE, symbolizing Vespasian's building program.

Damnatio Memoriae

A practice of erasing the memory of disgraced individuals from history, notably used against Domitian by Nerva.

Five Good Emperors

A term referring to five consecutive emperors (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius) who presided over a period of peace and prosperity.

Optimus Princeps

A title meaning 'Best Emperor' awarded to Trajan by the senate in recognition of his successful reign.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification built across northern Britannia during Hadrian's reign to define the empire's frontier.