Ancient Rome Flashcards

Who were Romulus and Remus?

Romulus and Remus were twin brothers from a Roman legend who were sons of Rhea Silivia. After being abandoned on River Tiber to die on the orders of King Amulius, they were saved and raised by a she-wolf and then by a shepherd. When they grew up, they overthrew Amulius and restored power and kingship to their grandfather, Numitor. Later a disagreement between them of where to build a new city led Romulus to kill Remus. Romulus then founded Rome, becoming its first king. 

When was Rome founded?

753 BCE

Why did Rome overthrow the Estrucans?

Rome overthrew the Etruscans in 507 BCE, as they disliked their rule, (especially the last king, Tarquin the Proud) and found it to be very harsh, so they united to wage a war, and managed to overthrow them and set up an independent Roman rule. They vowed they would never be ruled by a king again, and set up a Roman republic and laws to stop one person ruling over again. 

What is a republic?

A system of government in which citizens elect and choose their leaders or representatives, and there is no king or queen.

Why did Rome choose this system of government?

The republic allowed power to be shared among elected leaders, like the senate or consuls, which helped prevent tyranny, and from one person ruling over them again, like Tarquin The Proud, and so Roman citizens could have a say in how Rome was run.

What is the difference between myths and legends?

Myths are ancient stories with roots in the sacred beliefs and cosmology of groups of people long ago. They are set in a remote past, in a time before historical time, and the main characters are gods/deities, or humans with extraordinary powers. They represent the way in which cultures before modern science sought to explain the origins of the world, and help make sense of it, and human relationships to it. While legends are set in historical times and in recognisable places, and the main characters are humans. Legends have been passed down from generations, and are popularly accepted as history. While myths tend to explore the origins and meaning of the world, legends are tales of heroes who go out on adventures and accomplish amazing feats. Example, Hercules for Ancient Greece.

What is the Age of Kings?

 The Age of Kings lasted about 200 years and is when Rome was ruled by kings, these were Roman and Estrucan Kings. The Romans overthrew the Etruscans, but Romans adopted numerous architecture and engineering techniques from them like the use of arches and sewage systems, as well as Estrucan artistic styles and religious practices. 

What was the Republic?

The republic lasted about 500 years and after the kings had been overthrown, the republic elected two consuls, to make sure that no one person could become too powerful, like the kings had been. 

During this time, there was a lot of conflict between patricians and plebeians, and a number of changes were made to give plebeians more rights. 

During this time, Rome also expanded its territory, where there were three wars against the Samnites, who had control over the South of Italy, which Rome won. Rome also fought three wars against Carthage, a north African civilization, known as the Punic Wars. By the end of the second war, Rome controlled the mediterranean, and by the end of the third war, Carthage was destroyed and Rome took control of Greece and Macedonia. 

During this time, there were two large ruling bodies, the first was the group of magistrates, who made up different levels of the government, and were responsible for duties like collecting taxes, and constructing public buildings. The second group was the senate, a group of 300 very powerful men, who had a lot of influence over the magistrates and their decisions.  

What was the Roman Empire?

The empire lasted about 500 years, and after Julius Caesar died, Rome plunged into a series of civil wars, and Augustus, the nephew of Julius Caesar won, and became the first emperor of Rome. In the empire, was when Rome expanded to the largest it's ever been, after a number of successful military campaigns. Rome faced a number of challenges though, there were a number of generals fighting over the title of emperor, and barbarians attacking the borders of Rome, which were non-Romans often fighting to win back territory Rome had taken over. At this time, Rome covered too much territory for one capital city to control, so the current emperor split the Roman Empire into two, the Western and Eastern Roman Empire. The emperors struggled to maintain power and the Huns invaded Italy, and the emperor was overthrown, and the Western Roman Empire fell. (the Eastern Roman Empire lasted for another 1000 years). 

What were the head/s of the Roman government at each stage of history?

 In the Age of Kings, there were kings, in the Roman Republic, there were two consuls, and in emergency situations, dictators and in the Roman Empire, there were emperors. 

What is the difference between a king and an emperor in the context of Ancient Rome?

A king rules over a kingdom, which is typically small areas where emperors are much more powerful and rule or lead over overseas territories and large areas. 

What power did the Romans have to defeat to gain control of the Mediterranean? What were these wars called?

The Romans had to defeat Carthage, a North African civilization, to gain control of the Mediterranean, these were called the Punic Wars.

Who were patricians?

Patricians were Roman citizens, typically very wealthy, who were members of ruling families or had been accepted into this group, and had a say in laws or political affairs in Rome.

Who were plebians?

Plebeians were the ordinary citizens of Rome, with no political representation or say in the law.

What are pater familias?

The eldest male, who was the head of the family, and Roman law gave him complete control over all members of the family, including slaves.

What is a slave?

They were men and women who had no rights at all and could be brought or sold. Generally, they were people from conquered lands, who had been brought back to Rome or Roman citizens if they borrowed money and could not pay their debts. They could be educated, and be used as doctors, teachers or bookkeepers. 

Who are equestrians?

Equestrians were the second highest class, who were either patricians or plebians who made their wealth through trade or by collecting taxes and taking a share of money for themselves, or people who had served in the army in positions of command. They controlled law courts, taxes and could become senators. 

Who are foreigners?

Foreigners are any free people born outside of Rome, but part of the Roman empire. They had many more rights than slaves, but did not have the same rights as people born in Rome. This changed in 212 BCE, where they were able to gain full citizenship. The law changed because the Roman government wanted foreigners to feel equal to people in Rome, and so they would fight for Rome against barbarians. 

What was the social hierarchy of Rome?

There’s the patrician class, which is the upper class, and is made up of very few old and famous families, and very large and wealthy landowners. They received all their income from renting out their land to others, and did no paid work or owned any businesses. Male patricians were the only people allowed to pursue the road to high office/ cursus honorum, and they could become senators, magistrates and governors. Then there’s the plebian class, which is the middle class, and is the majority of Rome, who received their income from jobs and owning businesses, some could be wealthy, and most were craftsmen, farmers, artists, shopkeepers, with skilled or unskilled work, and lived in towns or rural areas. The male members of this class could run for tribune of the plebs, but could not run for high office. The lowest class was slaves, who had no rights at all, and could be brought or sold. The wealthiest and highest class was the senoirital class, which included most of the patricians, their wealth is based on land, and they’re forbidden to engage in commerce. Then the second class, is equestrians, made up of patricians and plebeians. Then the least wealthiest were the proletariat, with no land at all, and had to rely on selling their labor. Women’s social position depended on their father’s position before marriage and husband’s position after marriage, women were considered citizens, and were under the protection of Roman law, like in case of divorce, the dowry would be returned to them, however they could not participate in any part of Roman government. 

Why did patrician males want to serve in the government?

They were brought up with the belief that it was their duty to climb the ‘ladder of high office’ by moving up and serving at all different levels of government offices, as they gained experience. Serving the government and serving the people of Rome was seen as a path to honour. 

What is the ‘cursus honorum’?

The ladder of high office

What is the Tribune of the Plebs?

Each year, ten Tribune of the Plebs were elected, they could not create laws, but had the right to approve or veto (stop) any laws proposed by any of the patrician magistrates. This was the first office of the Roman state that was open to plebeians and was, throughout the Roman Republic, the biggest limitation on the power of the Roman senate and magistrates.   

Why did the patricians do this?

This was achieved by a strike the plebeians did where they walked out of Rome and camped on the outskirts, the patricians were scared they would attack and kill them, so they gave them these rights.  

What are the Twelve Tables?

Despite the implementation of Tribune of the Plebs there was still ongoing tension between patricians and plebeians, so the twelve tables were created to resolve this. These tables stated the legislation, (a set of laws) that stood at the foundation of Roma law, and the rights and duties of the Roman citizen, that was clear and accessible. These laws covered key issues like procedures for courts, the rights of familial heads, and the rights of women, as they included estates and guardianships, ownership and possession, and religion. This allowed for everyone to be held accountable, have a fair trial, and for a more organised social structure. 

What were the changes that gave the plebeians greater power?

The Tribune of Plebs was created, allowing plebeians to approve or veto any proposed laws. The Twelve Tables was also created, which gave plebeians a clear and accessible set of laws and legislation.

Why is the Senate so powerful in Republican Rome?

The Senate was made up of men who had previously been magistrates and were elected into the senate; there were between 300-900 members throughout history, and once they entered the senate, they remained a member for life. They provided advice to consuls, and were so powerful, because their advice was rarely ignored, and it's where all major decisions about Rome were discussed. 

How did the Roman structure of government stop one person from having too much power? Why was this so important?

The Roman elected two consuls, where each could veto the other’s decisions, which allowed the power of consul to be shared, and prevented one consul from gaining too much control with decisions. They also had the Senate, which was a very large group of patrician men, which provided advice to consuls and discussed the major decisions affecting the Roman Republic, ensuring actions and decisions were made from the input of multiple leaders rather than a single ruler. This was important to prevent tyranny and monarchy, which they had fought to stop

Which other civilisations did the Romans defeat to expand their empire?

Etruscans, as they found their rule to be very harsh, and did not like the current Estrucan king, Tarquin the Proud, and to escape monarchy. Gauls, as Rome set out to take control of Italy, and Gauls.Samnites, to take control of Southern Italy, and Carthage, which was the most powerful civilization of the Mediterranean at that time, and the growth of Roman power greatly worried them, and they feared the Romans might take control of so much land around the Mediterranean Sea that they would become more powerful that them. 

What were the three wars Rome fought with Carthage?

The Punic Wars lasted from 264 BCE to 146 BCE, and throughout, there were three wars. First Punic War, where Rome defeated Carthage, and took over control of Sicily. The Second Punic War, Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, planned an attack on Rome by crossing the Alps. Rome did not expect this, and lost a great number of battles in northern Italy, but after 16 years of fighting, Rome won a major battle against them, and forced them to sign a treaty, which made them give up a lot of land to Rome and pay them a lot of money. The Third Punic War, after a truce for 50 years, Rome become worried about a revenge attack  and their growth of military power, so the Roman general Scipio Aemilianus led a Roman army in a war against Carthage, Carthage surrendered, and Scipio burned the whole city of Carthage, and killed all the people. This led to total destruction of the Carthaginian Empire and left Rome as the Superpower of the Mediterranean region. 

What is a Superpower and why did Rome want to become one?

A civilization or empire that is clearly the most powerful and dominant of a region, and wielded significant economical, military and political power. Rome wanted to become one,  so they could expand its territory, to gain land, slaves and resources, and spread Roman culture and law, control trade across the Mediterranean and prove its strength and bring glory to the Roman Republic.

Why was Rome considered equal to Carthage at the end of the Second Punic War?

Rome was considered equal as it had proven its military strength and dominance, by rebuilding itself after Hannibal’s invasion, and then ultimately defeating him, and winning a very intense and long Punic War for the second time. Rome had also gained significant power and territory by taking over Carthiginian territories and forcing Carthage to give a large amount of land and money in a treaty after their loss, which originally made them the superpower of that region. 

Why did Rome destroy Carthage and kill all its people?

Rome destroyed Carthage because they feared it could rise again and threaten their power. After the Second Punic War, Carthage began to recover economically and militarily. Many Romans had deep hatred and a grudge towards Carthage for the destruction caused by Hannibal. Rome also wanted complete dominance over the Mediterranean, and by destroying Carthage, it removed a major rival in North Africa. This act sent a powerful warning to other civilizations, on how Rome would destroy any threat, making it less vulnerable to future attacks or wars.  

What are the public games or Ludi mainly celebrating?

 It was held for the entertainment of Roman people and was often associated with religious festivals. Ludi ranged in duration, and could be half-day events to spectacular multi-venue celebrations, with religious ceremonies, public feasts, horse and chariot racing, athletics, plays and recitals, beast hunts and gladiator fights, or even public executions.

Why did politicians use circuses?

When a patrician male wanted to run for a position of aedile or consul, or a wealthy man wanted to win approval, they would use the circuses to win people’s favours, as they were extremely popular and well-attended, and if the person liked the games that were held, they would likely remember the person who organised them and would vote for them.  

Who were the Gladiators?

Gladiators were typically slaves or soldiers or prisoners, who lived in Gladiator Schools and were trained by former gladiators, and were owned by schools and rented out to the people running the games, they could earn their freedom by fighting well and surviving. ( Roman citizens rarely volunteered due to the high risk of death. )Or if a Roman citizen was poor, becoming a Gladiator would give him a job, regular food, housing and a chance at fame or glory.

What were some activities that made up the public games?

Public feasts, religious ceremonies, horse and chariot racing, athletics, plays and recitals, beast hunts and gladiator fights, and even public executions.

Who was Julius Caesar?

Julius Caesar was a patrician male born in 100 BC, who rose through the ranks of Roman politics and military through his outstanding leadership and strategic prowess. He served as consul, military general of Gaul, and dictator for life of Rome. 

How was Julius Caesar involved with the military?

Julius Caesar served in the army from the age of 19 to 26, and at the age of 29, he served as a military general, showing his interest in the military, even before he was involved in politics. After his term of consul ended, he took on the role of general in the Roman army and fought in Gaul, where he won the loyalty of his soldiers while continuing to gain support of the Roman people as he wrote and published books on his military success in Gaul. 

What was Julius Caesar’s pathway to being elected as consul?

Julius Caesar climbed through the ladder of high office / cursus honorum, and served as an aedile, where he organized magnificent public games for the Roman people that put him in huge debt, this helped him gain popularity. Julius Caesar wanted to be elected as consul in 59 BC but he was worried he wouldn’t win as he was so heavy in debt, so he made a triumvirate, (alliance) between the two most powerful men in Rome, Crassus and Pompey, promising he would repay them and give them large amounts of land if he was elected. Julius Caesar was successful in being elected, where he completely ignored his co-consul, and effectively ruled alone. He became very popular due to the public games he put on, and the projects he had begun and approved, like a scheme to stop River Tiber from flooding, and constructing a new road over the Apennine Mountains that surrounded Rome. He was also re-elected after fighting in Gaul, as he had many friends supporting his claim and was very beloved by the Roman people.

How did Julius Caesar become dictator?

Julius Caesar declared himself dictator of Rome after his year of consul ended, it was supposed to only be for ten years but then after one year, he was declared dictator for life. 

Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?

A minority in the Senate believed Julius Caesar was a threat to the Roman Republic, especially after he walked into Rome with his army, which was a bold and illegal move, and that he was effectively a king, which is the type of tyranny Rome fought not to be under with the Etruscans, and they were also threatened as he was so popular and loved among people ,so they assassinated him in 44 BC. This plunged Rome, into a series of civil wars, and led to the fall of the Roman Republic. 

What are the levels of government offices in the Roman Republic?

The bottom level is censors, there’s 2. They counted and registered the citizens, and then placed them in tribes and classes for voting and military service. Then there’s 20 quaestors, which collected taxes and managed government spending, and then there’s 16 aediles, which looked after large government policies and cared for the city’s water supply. In the next office, there’s praetors, there’s 8, and they could command armies, be asked to be governor of a foreign province ruled by Rome after their year as praetor, and were judges who administered Roman law. In the highest level there’s 2 consuls, who were the head of government, managed the army and each could veto or stop the action of the other consul. 

What is Pax Romana?

The Pax Romana was a nearly 200 year long period of widespread peace and stability across the Roman Empire, starting with the reign of Augustus in 27 BC. During this time, Roman culture and lifestyle spread largely throughout the Empire, and provinces enjoyed increased safety, wealth and integration. This marked a dramatic shift from the civil wars and expansion conflicts that Rome had previously undergone, allowing Rome to focus on commerce, education, the arts and the development of the legal system. Rome also adopted and expanded on ideas from conquered peoples, leading to significant advancements in architecture, sculpture and literature. Trade flourished under secure roads and seas, and the empire grew wealthier through tax revenues, which emperors used to beautify cities, construct public buildings, roads, bridges, and strengthen infrastructure. 

Why did Augustus become the measure by which all later emperors would be judged?

This was because of the Roman peace and stability Augustus led, which allowed the economy, the arts, education and commerce and agriculture to flourish and raised the Roman standard of living. He also initiated an ambitious building program, and was believed to have restored or built 82 temples in one year. He also passed many laws to maintain stability in marriage and to raise the birth rate in Rome, so he could populate his Empire. He improved the legal system, protecting the rights of all people living under the Roman Empire, and created a modern transportation system, consisting of roads, aqueducts, and tunnels. By his effective leadership, reforms, and lasting peace, Ausgustus set the standard for later emperors. 

What was the main reason that no other power was able to challenge Rome’s superiority during the Pax Romana period?

The Roman Empire had soldiers and armies permanently stationed on the outskirts and borders of Rome, deterring invasions and barbarian attacks.  Rome was also the most powerful Empire of its time, and other civilizations feared challenging it because they knew they couldn’t defend themselves against its highly trained and well-organized military. Past wars, such as those against Carthage in the Punic Wars and Gaul, had shown how effective and devastating Rome’s military could be, discouraging any major oppositions. The empire also had a vast network of roads and transportation systems, which allowed for a quick military response to any potential or uprising threats. 

What were the main ways in which the peace that Augustus and later emperors established impacted the lives of the people of Rome?

 It increased the safety and stability of Roman citizens, there was significant economic growth from tax revenues, and protection from pirates and robbers, and trade expanded across the empire, contributing to the economic growth and bringing in exotic goods from distant provinces. Emperors invested in roads, aqueducts, public buildings and tunnels, helping beautify Rome and make transportation more efficient and reliable, especially for the military. The peace allowed time and resources to be spent on education, art, literature and commerce, and there were also major developments in the legal system, helping protect the rights of all people under the Roman Empire. 

What are the advantages of Rome’s location?

Rome was extremely close to the Tiber River and Apennine Mountains, the advantages of this included, the river provided water for washing and growing crops, since it was near the river, but not actually located by it, meant that it was protected from pirate attacks, but could still easily sail to surrounding lands for trade.  Being so close to the sea, also meant it was easy to attack and occupy nearby lands, the mountains and river also deposited nutrients onto the plains and valleys below, providing fertile soil to produce food to feed a growing population. The mountains protected Rome from land attacks. Rome was also built on seven hills, meaning they could easily see when an enemy was approaching, giving Romans enough time to prepare to defend themselves, the hills also meant that they were removed from the unhealthy swamp lands near the river, where malaria carrying mosquitoes bred. Rome’s location also allowed it a Mediterranean climate, which is not too hot and not too cold.

What are some disadvantages of Rome’s location?

The fact that Rome was surrounded by mountains and hills meant that it took some effort to travel to other regions in Italy, and the water from the River Tiber was safe enough for washing and growing crops but not safe enough for drinking, which meant drinking water had to be brought in along aqueducts from the mountains.  

What are exotic goods Rome gained?

Wheat was imported from Egypt and Africa, olive oil came from Spain, and wine and honey came from Greece. Textiles included linen from Egypt and wool from Gaul and Britain, and imported metals like like copper from Cyprus, and tin and lead from Britain.

Who were legionaires?

Legionaires were elite, professional soldiers of the Roman soldiers, that often stood at the front of the Roman army, and served for 25 years. They were well-trained, heavily armed and helped protect and expand Rome through war and built projects.

How did the Roman Empire end?

The resources needed to keep the empire united, protected and powerful became far too large and complex that the government was unable to keep it together. This phenomenon is referred to by historians as “imperial overstretch”. In 284 AD, Emperor Diocletian tried to overcome this problem by dividing the empire in half: the Western Roman Empire, with Rome as its capital, and the Eastern Roman Empire, with Constantinople as its capital. This seemed to solve the difficulties for the Eastern half but the Western half continued to decline. The Roman Empire officialy ended in 476 AD.

What were the reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire?

-The Roman economy became increasingly dependent on plunder; resources and riches taken from lands and peoples conquered by Rome’s great armies. However, when there were no longer lands to conquer and no more resources to exploit, they had to increase taxes on their own population. The farmers became impoverished and less food was produced. This shortage of food forced small merchants and tradespeople in the cities to move to the countryside to begin subsistence farming, further weakening Rome's ability to make money. 

-The armies of Rome were once able to strike fear into all its enemies and easily defeat any invaders or uprisings. However as the money began to dry up the government could no longer afford to fund its highly trained and drilled legionaries. The government was forced to hire mercenaries (soldiers-for-hire) to support them. This reduced the quality and morale of the legions, weakening the borders and frontiers of the empire.

-As the Western Roman Empire declined and instability grew, it began to be seen by its traditional enemies as weak and vulnerable to attack. These enemies, viewed by Rome as barbarian tribes, included the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Huns and Vandals. They originated from modern day Germany and Eastern Europe and from the 300s AD they launched many waves of invasion, war and conquest against Western Europe, controlled by Rome. The Roman armies suffered many defeats culminating with the sack of the city of Rome itself. Living standards fell drastically due to the disruption to trade.