Untitled Flashcards Set

Geography

• Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea

• The Alps serve as a natural border to the north, providing protection from invaders.

Mythical Founding

• Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the god Mars, were saved by a wolf and eventually founded the city of Rome after Romulus defeated Remus in a dispute.

Early Republic

• Initially a monarchy, Rome transitioned to a republic in 509 BCE after the overthrow of Tarquin the Proud. This republic saw a significant division between the Patricians and Plebeians, with the Patricians (wealthy landowners) holding most of the power.

The Punic Wars

• A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage from 264 BCE to 146 BCE. Rome emerged victorious, expanding its dominance across the Mediterranean.

Rise of Julius Caesar

•  Julius Caesar, initially a general, took control as consul and later dictator. His assassination in 44 BCE led to the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus.

Prominent Emperors

• Key figures include Trajan, who expanded social welfare, and Hadrian, who fortified Roman boundaries with constructions like “Hadrian's Wall”

Golden Age of Rome

• Caesar Augustus Rule marked the beginning of a 150-year peace known as the Pax Romana. This era saw the expansion of the empire, improvement in taxation systems, and construction of significant infrastructures like the aqueducts and public buildings.

Spread of Christianity

•  Jesus of Nazareth preached love and forgiveness, attracting a large following. Post his execution by the Roman authorities, Christianity continued to spread, facing severe persecution yet eventually becoming the empire's official religion under Constantine.

Reasons for Decline

• Economic troubles such as inflation and a debasement of currency, coupled with overexpansion, reliance on mercenaries, and a series of weak leaders, led to Rome's downfall in 476 CE with the sacking by Germanic tribes.