quiz study gides

Latins, Greeks, Etruscans

Early settlers of Rome; Latins built villages, Greeks brought culture and farming, Etruscans were builders and engineers.

Paterfamilias

The father in a Roman family who had full authority and led the household.

Piety (pietas)

Roman value of duty and devotion to family, gods, and country.

Gravitas

Roman value signifying seriousness, self-discipline, and dignity in action.

Dignitas

Honor and reputation in Roman culture earned through service and achievements.

Patricians and Plebeians

The two main social classes in Rome; Patricians were wealthy nobles, and Plebeians were commoners.

509 B.C.

The year Rome overthrew its monarchy and established itself as a Republic.

Consuls

Two leaders who ruled Rome together for one year.

Roman Senate

A governing body of 300 members that controlled finances, foreign policy, and advised magistrates.

Assembly of Centuries

A voting body made up of soldiers that elected consuls and passed laws.

Council of Plebeians

A plebeian assembly created to give commoners a voice in the Roman government.

Tribunes

Officials elected by plebeians who had the power to veto unfair laws.

Law of the 12 Tables

Rome’s first written laws established in 451 B.C. to ensure laws were public and equal.

Pyrrhus

A Greek king known for costly victories against Rome leading to the term 'Pyrrhic victory'.

First Punic War

Conflict between Rome and Carthage caused by disputes over Sicily.

Outcome of the First Punic War

Rome won and gained control of Sicily.

Hannibal

Carthaginian general known for his strategic prowess in the Second Punic War.

U-shape strategy

Hannibal's tactic of surrounding and crushing Roman troops at the Battle of Cannae.

Cow strategy

Hannibal’s tactic of tying torches to cattle horns to deceive the Romans at night.

Scipio Africanus

Roman general who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama.

Third Punic War

Conflict where Rome destroyed Carthage completely between 149–146 B.C.

Bread and circuses

The practice of providing free food and entertainment to distract the poor from societal issues.

Gracchi brothers

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, who attempted land reforms for the poor and were ultimately killed.

Marius vs Sulla

The civil war between these two generals; Sulla emerged victorious.

First Triumvirate

Political alliance of Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey.

Reforms of Julius Caesar

Included becoming dictator for life, altering the calendar, and creating the month 'July'.

Assassination of Julius Caesar

Killed on March 15, 44 B.C. by senators on the Ides of March.