Chapter 7: The Roman Empire

These flashcards cover key concepts, significant historical events, societal changes, and contributions of notable figures regarding the Roman Empire from the lecture notes.

What event allowed Octavian to bring order to the Roman Empire?

The defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium (31 B.C.).

What title did Octavian adopt to disguise his autocratic rule?

Princeps, meaning 'first citizen.'

In what year did Octavian offer to surrender his power to the Senate?

27 B.C.

What semireligious name was conferred upon Octavian by the Senate?

Augustus, meaning 'the Exalted One.'

What was the duration of the Golden Age of Rome under imperial rule?

From 27 B.C. to A.D. 180.

What did Augustus primarily focus on during his rule?

Promoting the good life and protecting civilization.

How long did soldiers serve in Augustus's professional standing army?

Twenty-five years.

What was one major construction achievement under Augustus?

Aqueducts, monuments, and temples.

What major conflict occurred under the rule of Nero?

Anarchy and civil war due to his tyrannical rule.

Who built the Colosseum?

Vespasian.

What uprising did Roman rule clash with in Judea?

Militant Jews rejecting Roman rule.

Which hotly debated event occurred in A.D. 70?

The Roman armies captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.

Who succeeded Vespasian?

His sons, Titus and Domitian.

What natural disaster occurred under Titus's reign?

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Who adopted Trajan as his heir?

Nerva.

What major reforms did Trajan implement as emperor?

Eased taxes, cared for poor children, and built public works.

Who were the Five Good Emperors?

Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius.

What philosophical principles did Marcus Aurelius follow?

Stoic philosophy.

What significant change occurred after Marcus Aurelius’ death?

The end of the Pax Romana.

What was the Pax Romana?

A period of Roman Peace lasting for two hundred years.

What was a notable achievement in Roman engineering?

The extensive network of roads connecting the empire.

What social change occurred for slaves during the Empire?

Manumission became more common, and freed slaves could become citizens.

What rights did women gain during the Roman Empire?

Ownership of property, business arrangements, and access to divorce.

What feature characterized the urban landscape during Pax Romana?

Construction of cities and public amenities.

Who wrote the Aeneid?

Virgil.

What did the Aeneid celebrate?

Roman virtues such as patriotism, family, and duty.

What major historical work did Livy write?

History of Rome.

What was a common theme in the works of Roman poets like Horace?

Seeking pleasurable experiences while avoiding extremes.

What genre of writing was Juvenal known for?

Satire.

What philosophy became dominant during the Pax Romana?

Stoicism.

Who was Seneca?

A Stoic philosopher who served Nero.

What did Galen contribute to science?

Study of medicine and anatomy through dissections.

What architectural feature defined Roman buildings?

Use of arches and domes.

What was the legal system during the Roman Empire based upon?

Civil law and the law of nations.

What were the Twelve Tables?

The first written laws of Rome established during the Struggle of the Orders.

What were the economic consequences of excessive taxation?

Decline in agricultural production and inflation.

Describe the fate of Roman cities during the third century crisis.

Cities were pillaged and abandoned; urban centers collapsed.

What factors contributed to the decline in the quality of soldiers?

Loyalty decreased, and soldiers became more motivated by greed.

What was one consequence of the Germanic invasions?

Breaching of Roman defenses.

What happened to the Western Roman Empire in 476?

The last emperor was overthrown, marking the traditional end of the empire.

How did the role of the army change in the late Roman Empire?

The quality deteriorated, leading to failure in defending borders.

Why did the Roman public turn to mystery religions during the decline?

As a reaction to the failures of rational and secular values.

What was the significance of Mithras in Roman culture?

A mystery religion that offered eternal life and moral expectations.

What was Neo-Platonism?

A philosophical system that merged philosophy with religious mysticism.

Name a significant consequence of Diocletian's reign.

He transformed the Empire into a bureaucratically controlled state.

What was the economic state of the Roman Empire by the end of its decline?

A burdensome economy with declining population and resources.

What led to the fragmentation of the Western Roman Empire?

The inability to maintain control over its borders and reliance on non-Roman mercenaries.

What shift did Constantine enact for the Eastern and Western Roman Empires?

Established Constantinople as the capital, dividing the Empire.

What did the popular cults offer to Roman citizens?

Relief from earthly suffering and a sense of community.

What was the main contribution of Roman law to Western civilization?

The establishment and influence of common law.

Describe the social system of the Roman Empire.

An exploitive and elitist structure with limited expansion opportunities.

What marked the end of the Pax Romana?

The succession of Commodus in A.D. 180.

What role did the Senate play in Augustus's reign?

Claimed to be a partner in governance, despite his absolute power over the army.

Who succeeded Nero and was known for the Flavian dynasty?

Vespasian.

What was the intent behind Augustus's public works projects?

To promote the welfare of the state and its citizens.

In what form did Augustus disguise his authority?

By adopting the title 'princeps' instead of king.

What institution did Augustus leave mostly intact to gain legitimacy?

The Senate.

How did cultural life peak during the Pax Romana?

Through advancements in literature, philosophy, and the arts.

Who emphasized education to produce good citizens?

Quintilian.

What literary technique did Virgil employ in the Aeneid?

Epic poetry.

Which philosopher wrote Meditations?

Marcus Aurelius.

Which aspect of Roman life did Galen’s medical work impact?

Understanding of anatomy and medical practices.

What significant change in economic policy occurred under Diocletian?

Imposition of excessive taxes and regulations.

What were two major themes in Roman entertainment?

Chariot races and gladiatorial combat.

What was a notable educational advancement for women during the Roman Empire?

Upper-class women could gain education and literacy.

Who was known for denouncing popular spectacles as barbaric?

Seneca.

What natural disaster altered the cultural landscape under Emperor Titus?

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

What type of peace was established during Augustus's reign?

Pax Romana, or Roman Peace.

Who were the first emperors after Augustus?

The Julio-Claudian dynasty.

What was a primary impact of the Colosseum's construction?

Facilitated large-scale gladiatorial contests.

What connecting feature was used in Roman architecture?

Arches.

Describe the significance of public baths in Roman society.

Reflected advanced engineering and social life in Rome.

What were the causes of the third-century crisis?

Military anarchy, economic troubles, and invasions.

What was the significance of the Germanic tribes in the Roman Empire?

Their pressures exacerbated internal problems and contributed to decline.

What characterized life for peasants in the later Roman Empire?

They became virtual serfs bound to the land.

What change did Constantine bring to the empire?

He established a new capital, Constantinople.

How did the Romans view their own cultural achievements?

As superior to the Greeks in governance and organization.

What did the Roman Empire contribute to later Western civilization?

Foundational concepts of law, government, and cultural achievements.

Who wrote Annals and Histories, criticizing Roman imperialism?

Tacitus.

Define the concept of Roman universalism.

The idea of a unified empire with common laws and governance.

What was one effect of Roman infrastructure on trade?

Improved trade routes and commerce across the empire.

Discuss the attitude of the Roman elite towards the common people.

Increasingly apathetic and disconnected from their needs.

What led to the decline of traditional Roman civic values?

Emergence of mystery religions and shifting attitudes towards spirituality.

What did Plotinus contribute to philosophy?

Development of Neo-Platonism and spirituality in philosophical thought.

Summarize the Roman approach to science during this period.

Combination of empirical investigation with philosophical inquiry.

What marked a significant contrast between Augustus and later emperors?

Augustus believed in serving the good life, whereas later emperors focused on state control.

What was the role of trade during the Pax Romana?

A thriving trade network expanded commercial activities.

How did individual rights change under Diocletian’s rule?

The state exercised greater control over individual lives.

What indicated Rome's cultural influence throughout Europe?

Latin became the language of learning and law.

What was a crucial outcome of Crisis of the Third Century?

Collapse of centralized governance and increased chaos.

What system replaced traditional governance by the end of the Empire?

A feudal-like system centered on local aristocracies.

What function did Roman roads serve during the Empire?

Facilitated military movement and trade across provinces.

Who did Rome see as a competitor in the realm of philosophical thought?

Eastern religions and philosophies.

What was a major drawback of relying on slave labor in Roman economy?

Stagnation due to lack of technological advancement.

What trend affected religious sentiment during Rome's decline?

Spiritualization and movement towards mystery religions.

What societal change occurred regarding the status of slaves?

Freed slaves gradually gained rights and could become citizens.

Name an important construction project under Augustus that improved urban life.

The building of aqueducts.

What impact did the Huns have on the Germanic tribes?

They forced them to seek refuge within the Roman Empire.

How did the Romans perceive their own culture compared to others?

They believed their governance was superior to that of Greeks.

Explain the decline of urban centers in Roman territories during invasions.

As cities were pillaged, their populations dwindled, leading to abandonment.