Augustus' Relations with the People Flashcards
(24 cards)
What does the term ‘Plebs’ refer to in ancient Rome?
The lowest class people in Rome
Define ‘Largesse’ in the context of ancient Roman politics.
Bestowing money or gifts to gain support
What is a ‘Congiarium’?
Giving out money or tokens to gain support of the people at special occasions
Who were the ‘Equestrians’ in Roman society?
The middling class in Rome, above the plebians but below the patricians
What was the ‘Consilium principis’?
A second tier legislative body created by Augustus to advise the princeps
What are ‘Annals’ in historical context?
A record of events, recorded year by year
Describe the ‘Republic’ in ancient Rome.
The form of government that came before the empire
What role did the ‘Praefectus urbi’ play in Rome?
The praetor who oversaw day to day activities in Rome
What is meant by the ‘Imperial cult’?
Worshipping the emperor as a deity
What does ‘Pax Augusta’ refer to?
Peace of Augustus
How did Augustus ensure the loyalty of the plebians?
Through entertainment and largesse
True or False: Augustus neglected the plebs in his governance.
False
What was the significance of the ‘Corn-gate’ incident in 22BC?
The people rioted for grain and demanded Augustus be appointed dictator to resolve the crisis
What did Augustus do after the grain shortages in 6-7AD?
Set up a formal management system for the grain supply
Fill in the blank: Augustus gave __________ in his own name.
3 gladitorial games
How many beast hunts did Augustus produce?
26 times, killing 3,500 animals
What was the purpose of the games and shows produced by Augustus?
To gain favor with the people and bolster his popularity
How did Augustus promote the equestrian class?
By creating exclusively equestrian political roles, such as governor of Egypt
What was the new role of the Senate during Augustus’ reign?
It became a bureaucratic rubber stamp for policies
What did Augustus do to placate the Senate?
Gave money to individual senators and expanded lower ranks of the cursus honorum
True or False: Augustus banned senators from the province of Egypt.
True
What was one way Augustus reinforced his supremacy over the Senate?
Imposed a 5% inheritance tax on senators in AD 6
Fill in the blank: Augustus initially declined __________ powers.
autocratic
How did Augustus humiliate the Senate?
By making them beg for powers that rendered them ineffective
