Ancient Rome: From Foundation to Empire

This set of flashcards covers the legendary origins of Rome, its early government structure, social classes, key military conflicts including the Punic Wars, and the factors leading to the collapse of the Roman Republic.

Romulus

A twin brother born to Rhea Silvia and Mars who killed his brother Remus and founded Rome, naming it after himself.

Remus

The twin brother of Romulus who was killed during a fight over where the city of Rome should be built.

Lupa

The she-wolf that saved and nursed the twin brothers Romulus and Remus after they were discarded in the Tiber River.

Founding of Rome

The event occurring on April 21, $753 \text{ BCE}$, when Romulus established the city.

Seven Hills

The geographical feature on which Rome was built, providing a defensive advantage.

Etruscan Influence

The contributions of Rome's northern neighbors, including engineering, the alphabet, and the toga.

Greek Influence

The contributions of southern Greek colonies, including religion, architecture, and the cultivation of grapes and olives.

Tarquin the Proud

The cruel Etruscan king who was overthrown in $509 \text{ BCE}$, ending the Roman monarchy.

Cincinnatus

A farmer appointed Dictator in $458 \text{ BCE}$ who defeated Rome's enemies in $15$ days and immediately resigned his absolute power to return to his farm.

Dictator

An official granted absolute power for six months during a crisis, such as the appointment of Cincinnatus.

Cursus Honorum

The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring Roman politicians.

Patrician

Wealthy, land-owning noblemen who held most of the political power in early Rome.

Plebeian

Commoners, artisans, and farmers who made up the majority of the Roman population.

Republic

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to govern and make laws.

Senate

A powerful council of wealthy elders who advised leaders and controlled state finances.

Consul

One of two top leaders elected yearly to command the army and run the government.

Tribune

Officials elected by plebeians to protect their rights from patrician overreach.

Veto

The power to reject or block a law, literally meaning "I forbid."

Constitution

The set of guidelines, laws, and unwritten traditions that organized the Roman government.

Insulae

Crowded, dark apartment blocks where the poor lived that were prone to collapse and fire.

First Punic War

A conflict fought over Sicily where Rome built its first major navy and won Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica.

Second Punic War

A conflict where the Carthaginian General Hannibal invaded Italy with elephants, but was later defeated by Scipio at Zama.

Hannibal

A Carthaginian General who invaded Italy using elephants during the Second Punic War.

Scipio

The Roman General who defeated Carthage at the Battle of Zama during the Second Punic War.

Third Punic War

The final conflict where Rome destroyed Carthage, salted the earth, and won North Africa.

Latifundia

Giant plantations owned by wealthy Romans that used cheap slave labor, which eventually led to plebeian homelessness.

Marian Reforms

Military changes by General Marius that allowed the poor into the army, causing soldiers to swear loyalty to individual generals rather than to Rome.

Julius Caesar

A powerful general who declared himself Dictator for Life and was later assassinated, leading to the end of the Republic.

Caesar Augustus

The first Emperor of Rome who rose to power after the assassination of Julius Caesar.