Roman History Exam 1

Who were the Etruscans?

They were an ancient, indigenous civilization that lived in central Italy. They were primarily in what is now modern day Tuscany, western, Umbria, and Northern Lazio.

What did the Etruscans call themselves?

Referred to as Rasna or Rašna.

What language did Etruscans speak?

Etruscan

True or False: Were Etruscans a unified nation?

No, they were a loose federation of independent city states.

Why were the Etruscans wealthy?

Through deposits of copper and iron metalworking, trade with the Greeks & Carthaginians, and agriculture.

How did Etruscans have a major influence on Rome?

They were a dominant power in Italy and profoundly shaped early Rome. Some of Rome’s early kings were of Etruscan origin. Key Roman innovations originated from Etruscans.

Name 4 major Etruscan innovations?

The use of arches + vaults.

Building aqueducts, urban planning, draining marshlands.

The toga, curule chair, gladiatorial combat, Roman Numerals.

The Alphabet (via Greeks), Roman religious rituals, divination, and temple design.

True or False: Rome and the Etruscans remained separate societies?

False, as the Roman Republic grew, it conquered the Etruscan city-states one by one.

What was the end chapter for Etruscans?

The last Etruscan territories were absorbed by Rome by the 3rd to 1st centuries BCE, Etruscans were granted Roman citizenship which merged into Roman society.

True or False: Etruscans got to keep their language?

False, since being conquered and merging into Roman society-they eventually lost their original language.

Sarcophagus of the Spouses

Etruscan married couple, reclining together at a banquet, warm smiles, affectionate embrace showing high standing of Etruscan woman. Appears to be carved out a wood.

Sarcophagus of Etruscan Woman

A woman laid with an arm over her, holding a leaf, and resting on a long chair. Color is still visible on the statue. Lady is wearing jewelry and a small crown that shows she is a woman of importance or social rank.

Etruscan Tombs of Tarquinia

Big wall art that is a mural. Show numerous people playing music, slaves, two leopards on the top of the mural. In color and almost every person is shown with brown skin but there are two people who aren’t colored and are fully clothed. A symposium of some sort.

Bucchero Ware

A goblet image with multiple details and patterned ridges. Turned black over time. The other piece has a type of animal with a long neck to use a spout for liquid and a tiny man riding the animal. 

It was only in the mid-to-late Republic that Rome?

Became a notable city architecturally.

Why was Italy not a unified land?

Different groups owned different regions of Italy.

Who dominated the central region of Italy?

Italics and Romans

The Southern coasts & Sicily were inhabited by who?

Greek colonies (magna graecia)

Who occupied the North region of Italy?

-The Etruscans.

What was the first advantages of Rome’s geographical site?

1.) The Seven Hills: Built across 7 steep hills (including Palatine), the elevated terrain provided natural fortifications, easy high-ground surveillance, and safe refuge against floods or enemy attacks.

What was the second advantage to Rome’s geographical site?

2.) Inland Safety: Rome was about 16 miles inland along the Tiber River, Rome was far enough from tend coast to avoid sudden pirate raids or direct naval assaults, yet close enough to use the river for shipping.

What was the third advantage to Rome’s geographical site?

3.) Tiber Crossing (Ford): Rome sat at a natural crossing point (ford) on the Tiber River making it a natural toll & trading hub connecting Northern and Southern Italy/

What was the fourth advantage to Rome’s geographical site?

4.) Rich volcanic soil: The surrounding Latium Plains featured fertile volcanic ash from local activity, yielding heavy food surplus (grain, olives, wine) to sustain a fast growing population and an army.

What was one advantage of Italy’s geographical setting?

1.) Mountain Barriers: The Alps blocked a heavy winter & forced invaders through narrow passages.

What was the second advantage of Italy’s geographical setting?

2.) Central Mediterranean location