Early Rome

What is Imperium?

A form of authority held by a citizen to control a military or governmental entity. (Supreme executive power)

What is Gens?

The name for a Roman Family. They all shared the same nomen and claimed descent from a common ancestor.

What is Patronus?

A man who gave assistance and protection to another person Roman or non-Roman. (Personal assistant/bodyguard)

What is Cliens?

Referring to the person under the service/protection of the Patronus.

What is Pater Familias?

The head of the Roman family (the father).

What were the Patricians?

A group of wealthy land-owning families that made up the political, religious, and military leadership of Rome.

What were the Plebeians?

The average working-class citizens of Rome.

What was the Cloaca Maxima?

Rome’s first major engineering achievement. It was the first sewage system. Water flushed waste from toilets into the Cloaca Maxima which then brought it to the Tiber River. This helped the citizen’s health and allowed for better health and hygiene.

Who was Romulus?

Was one of the founders of Rome. Was said to have built the City of Rome on one of the seven hills along the Tiber. He was the first king of Rome.

Who was Lucius Tarquinius Superbus?

CH Date: Second Persian Invasion (Before 480 B.C.)

He was the seventh and final king of Rome. Was exiled after the rape of Lucretia by his son Sextus. He joined forces with Lars Porsenna who besieged Rome. Tarquinius was not restored to power and he fled to Cumae where he later died.

Who was Lucius Junius Brutus?

CH Date: Second Persian Invasion (Before 480 B.C.)

Known as the founder of the Roman Republic. He helped to exile the royal family and established the Roman Republic.