ULTIMATE ANCIENT ROME FLASHCARD SET

What is gravitas?

The most important Roman virtue, meaning seriousness, duty, and selflessness.

Who was Horatius Cocles?

A legendary hero who single-handedly defended the Sublician bridge over the Tiber River against the Etruscans.

What was Horatius's reward for his bravery?

A statue was built in his honor in the forum, and he was given as much land as he could plow in a day.

Who were the two men who stayed to help Horatius Cocles?

Spurius Lartius and Titus Herminius.

Who was Lucretia?

A noblewoman known for her virtue. After being raped by Sextus Tarquinius, she killed herself to preserve her family's honor.

What was the political impact of Lucretia's death?

It sparked a rebellion that overthrew the Roman monarchy and established the Roman Republic.

Who was Sextus Tarquinius?

The son of the king who raped Lucretia, representing tyranny and a threat to Roman values.

Who was Cincinnatus?

A Roman farmer who was made dictator, saved Rome from invasion, and immediately gave up his power to return to his farm after 16 days.

Why is Cincinnatus important?

He is the model of Roman virtue and civic duty, showing leaders should serve the republic, not their own power.

What were the two main social classes of Roman citizens?

Patricians (wealthy landowners) and Plebeians (commoners).

Who were the Patricians?

The wealthy, land-owning aristocratic class who held most political power.

Who were the Plebeians?

The common people (farmers, soldiers, merchants) who were the backbone of Rome's army and economy.

What was the "Struggle of the Orders"?

The conflict where Plebeians fought for and gained more political rights from the Patricians.

What was a Tribune?

An official elected by the Plebeians to protect their rights and veto actions of the magistrates or Senate.

What were the Twelve Tables?

Rome's first written code of law, establishing that laws should be public and apply to all citizens.

What was a slave in ancient Rome?

A person who was owned as property, often captured in war. They had no rights.

What was unique about Roman slavery?

It allowed for "social mobility." Many slaves were freed during their lifetime, becoming "freedmen."

What was a Freedman?

A former slave who had been granted freedom. They had some rights but could not hold high office.

Who was Tiro?

An educated Greek slave who served Cicero, was treated well, and was eventually freed.

Who was Djedder?

A slave who was brutally treated in the salt mines, joined Spartacus's rebellion, and was crucified as punishment.

What was the role of the Paterfamilias?

The male head of the Roman family who had absolute authority over his household, including his wife, children, and slaves.

What was the Roman Republic?

A form of government without a king, where power was held by elected officials and the Senate.

What were Consuls?

The two chief executives who led the government and army. Their power was limited to one-year terms to prevent tyranny.

What was the Roman Senate?

A council of wealthy, experienced men (originally Patricians) who advised the consuls and was the most powerful governing body.

What does "SPQR" stand for?

"Senatus Populusque Romanus" - "The Senate and the People of Rome."

What is "Separation of Powers"?

The idea of splitting government power between different branches (like Consuls, Senate, Tribunes) to prevent any one group from having all the control.

What are "Checks and Balances"?

The ability of one branch of government to limit the power of another, keeping the government balanced.

What was the impact of the Punic Wars?

While Rome won, the wars created huge farms (latifundia), put small farmers out of work, and led to a large, angry poor class (proletariat).

Who were the Gracchi Brothers?

Tribunes who attempted land reforms to help the poor. They were murdered by the Senate's supporters, showing the use of political violence.

What was the First Triumvirate?

An unofficial political alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus to bypass the Senate and control Rome.

What was significant about Caesar crossing the Rubicon River?

It was an act of treason. By crossing with his army, he declared war on the Senate, starting a civil war.

What are the Ides of March?

March 15, 44 BC, the date Julius Caesar was assassinated in the Senate by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius.

What was the Second Triumvirate?

An official political alliance between Octavian (Augustus), Mark Antony, and Lepidus to rule Rome and avenge Caesar's death.

Who was Octavian's main rival?

Mark Antony. Octavian defeated him in battle, leaving himself as the sole ruler of Rome.

Who was the first emperor of Rome?

Octavian, who took the name Augustus Caesar.

What was the Pax Romana?

A 200-year period of peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire that began with Augustus.

Name two "Bad Emperors."

Caligula, Nero, Commodus.

What is Caligula known for?

Cruelty, declaring himself a god, and making his horse a consul.

What is Nero known for?

Possibly burning Rome, playing music while it burned, and persecuting Christians.

What is Commodus known for?

Fighting as a gladiator in the arena and ruling with extreme cruelty and insanity.

Name the "Five Good Emperors."

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

What is Trajan known for?

Expanding the Roman Empire to its largest size.

What is Hadrian known for?

Building Hadrian's Wall in Britain and consolidating the empire.

Who was Marcus Aurelius?

A "Philosopher-King" emperor who wrote "Meditations" and embodied Stoic virtues.

What are the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism?

Courage, Justice, Wisdom, Temperance (Self-Control).

Who was Hannibal?

The Carthaginian general who invaded Italy by crossing the Alps and won the Battle of Cannae.

Who defeated Hannibal?

The Roman general Scipio Africanus at the Battle of Zama.