ancient rome Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a Tribune?
A person who speaks for the plebians
The Tribune was an important political office in ancient Rome representing the interests of the common people.
What is a Legion?
A big group of Roman soldiers
Legions were the primary military units of the Roman army, typically consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers.
What is a Triumvirate?
Three leaders who join power
The First Triumvirate included Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
What is an Empire?
A bunch of area governed by one person
The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history, encompassing vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Who are the Plebeians?
The common people
Plebeians were the lower social classes in ancient Rome, as opposed to the Patricians.
What is a Latifundia?
A large farming estate
Latifundia were large agricultural estates worked by slaves, common in the Roman Empire.
Who are the Patricians?
The wealthy Roman ruling class
Patricians held most of the political power in Rome and were usually landowners.
What was the role of a Praetor?
Acted as a judge in Rome
Praetors were responsible for the administration of justice in Rome.
Who founded the city of Rome?
Romulus
According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC.
Possession of what island caused the Punic Wars?
Sicily
The control of Sicily was a major point of contention between Rome and Carthage.
Who took over Rome and declared himself dictator for life?
Julius Caesar
Caesar’s declaration marked a significant turning point in Roman history, leading to the end of the Republic.
What geographic feature was most important for Roman travel and trade?
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade and cultural exchange across the Roman Empire.
Which Roman scientist studied the stars and planets?
Ptolemy
Ptolemy’s work in astronomy was influential and lasted for centuries.
How many men made up the Senate?
300
The Senate was a governing body in ancient Rome and played a crucial role in political decision-making.
To which group did the men of the Senate belong?
The Patricians
The Senate was predominantly made up of Patricians, who held significant social and political influence.
What was the job of the Senate?
To decide the rules
The Senate was responsible for creating laws and guiding public policy.
Who had the right to vote in Rome?
Everyone
In theory, all male citizens had the right to vote, although practical restrictions existed.
How many consuls did the Republic usually have?
2
Consuls served as the highest elected officials in the Roman Republic.
Who won the Punic Wars?
No one
The Punic Wars resulted in significant losses for both Rome and Carthage, but ultimately led to Roman dominance.
Who introduced reform to Rome that made him popular?
Julius Caesar
Caesar’s reforms included land redistribution and debt relief, appealing to the lower classes.
Who was a person that acted as the head of the government in Rome?
Consul
Consuls were elected leaders who served for one year and held executive powers.
Who made up the First Triumvirate?
Julius Caesar
The First Triumvirate was an informal alliance of three powerful Roman politicians.
What was the time of peace in Rome called?
Pax Romana
The Pax Romana was a period of relative peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire lasting approximately 200 years.
What was it called when the Patricians fed and entertained the Plebeians to keep them happy?
Bread and circuses
This strategy was used to distract the populace from political issues.
