Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Ancient History > Chapter 2- Augustan Age > Flashcards

Chapter 2- Augustan Age Flashcards

0
Q

Describe Caesar’s death

A

He was killed on the 15th of March 44BC in the Roman Forum by Republican Senators

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

When was Caesar grooming Octavian?

A 
47-44BC
He put him into the College of Pontifices as well as let him join in on his African Campaign triumph. Similarly, he allowed Octavian to join him on his Spanish campaign. He then adopted him into the patrician class and sent him to Macedonia for military training.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What was the impact of Caesar’s death?

A

Octavian becomes heir through his will
There is a power vacuum, triggering the civil war
Octavian outlines his goals: vengeance, secure future, honour the will

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What were the main aspects of the settlement of 27BC?

A

Octavian wanted legitimate power, so he gave it ‘back to the people’ who then returned it to him- RES GESTAE
No one wanted Civil War
He claimed Egypt as his own- funded his plans
He gained Consulship- military power in Rome
He gained Proconsular Imperium- controlled most legions
With his military might, he was able to dictate majority of admin
Received Augustus title and became Princeps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What were the main aspects of the Settlement of 23BC?

A

Augustus needed a successor, Senate was restless, there had been attempted coups, no one wants civil war.
He gained Maius Imperium Proconsulare- ultimate military power
He gained Tribunician Potestas- veto laws, choose successor, man of the people, personal inviolability, began his reign?- SCULLARD, RG
Resigned consulship to appease Senate, stop monopoly
Also got censorial powers and consular imperium anyway.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What titles/honours did Augustus receive?

A 
Imperator- 30BC
Augustus- 27BC
Princess Senatus- 28BC
Princeps- 27BC
Pontifex Maximus- 12BC
Pater Patriae- 2BC
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What were the effects of Caesar’s will?

A

Octavian would become heir- RG
He was disliked by Antony- JONES
He earned the legions’ loyalty

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What alliances did Octavian form in his early career? How were they useful?

A

Alliance with Republicans: Octavian given Propraetor Imperium- CICERO. Octavian and two consuls fought Antony, but the consuls died- SUETONIUS
Alliance with Marc Antony: kept the legions and marched on Rome with 400 centurions demanding a consulship and outlawed Brutus and Cassius.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What was involved in the Prosciptions?

A

Hit list by the Triumvirate
Killed 2000 equestrians and 300 Senators, seizing property/assists to fun their campaigns
Republic was severely weakened- ECK

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What was useful about the new Egyptian Province Octavian conquered?

A

It was a major source of grain
It provided future equestrian advancement
Provided a lot of wealth for paying clientele/legions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How did Octavian settle his Eastern Affairs after the Civil War?

A

Removed the ‘Donations of Alexandria’

Reinstated the old client kingdoms/provinces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What celebrations were involved with the end of the 100 year Civil War?

A

The Triple Triumph of 29BC
Closing the Temple of Janus- JONES
Earning popularity as the Saviour of Rome- SCULLARD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What was Octavian’s political position in 27BC?

A

Nobody wanted Civil War
Octavian wanted legalised power- give it back to the people?- RG
Wanted the guidance of the Senate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What were the main aspects of the Settlement of 27BC

A 
Named Princeps and Augustus
He gained Egypt as a province
Received Proconsular Imperium
Received Consulship
Secured most of the power- could influence other matters
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What was the impact of having Proconsular Imperium for Octavian?

A

It was not a radical move by the Senate- nothing new
He gained control of Gaul, Spain and Syria where most of the legions were- MILITARY POWER
He was able to then influence the Senate and the other provincial matters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What were the main aspects of the Settlement of 23BC.

A

He received Maius Imperium Proconsulare
He became a Tribune
He resigned his Consulship
Received Consular Imperium anyway, and censorial powers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What was the impact having Maius Imperium Proconsulare for Augustus?

A

He got power for protection of himself/Rome
Military power- more than the Senate and Proconsuls
He was able to control the admin of the provinces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What was the impact of becoming a Tribune for Augustus?

A

RG and SCULLARD
He was able to pass this power on, establishing a successor
He became a man of the people- as it was usually held by plebs
He and his family had personal inviolability
He could summon the Senate and legislate Assemblies
He could veto or propose laws
He would protect individuals against the magistrates
This began his reign

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why did Augustus reign his Consulship?

A

He feared he was monopolising the power too much, causing resentment in the Senate
As he was getting sick, the workload was too much
He wanted the Senate to run the administration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What were the various titles he received after the Civil War?

A 
Imperator (30BC)- RG
Augustus (27BC)- RG
Princeps Senatus (28BC)
Princeps (27BC)- Southern
Pontifex Maximus (12BC)- Southern
Pater Patriae (2BC)- RG
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What other honours did Augustus receive after the war?

A

RG:
Door posts with bay leaves, Civic Crown, Golden Shield
2 Ovations, 3 curule triumphs, thanksgiving to the Gods
Regular prayers to Augustus’ health, Games

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Why was Imagery of the Princeps important?

A

He needed to turn from Tyrant to Pater Patriae- RG
Used images as most people were illiterate
Provided focus for provincial loyalty- AWH
Art and architecture reflected the society- ZANKAR
Augustus was citizen who took government burden

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What kind of statues of Augustus were presented?

A

Him in a toga- as a politican/philosopher
Him in battle dress- as a military general
Him in a garb- as a religious figure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What was Augustus’ relationship with the Senate generally?

A

He worked with them- he respected tradition- SCULLARD
He removed their military power, but needed their admin help- TACITUS
His influences:
political astuteness, conservatism, imperial needs and JC’s mistakes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
How did he restore the Senate?
He edited the Senatorial lists He made the membership conditions more stringent He also regulated Senatorial behaviour
25
How did he alter the Senatorial lists?
JONES, SUETONIUS He cut Senate numbers 4 times From 1000 members to 800, then down to 600 He removed political rivals By cutting the numbers, he made it a more prestigious class
26
How did he alter the membership conditions?
Previously, Senate membership was granted by birth Now you had to have 1 million sesterces, military service, integrity He financially aided some older families as a form of patronage
27
How did Augustus fix Senatorial behaviour?
Fines for non-attendance You had to have permission to leave Italy The Senate meeting would open with religious rites- SUETONIUS He would pick random speaker to improve attention- SUETONIUS He established required numbers for different quorums
28
How did Augustus work with the Senate?
He used his powers/autocritas to pass laws and bills He also created the Consilium Principis- drafting committee This turned the Senate into a formality- SCULLARD He showed the Senate respect/gave them admin responsibility
29
Consequently, what were the Senate's powers?
Judicial- Senatorial court, had some independence Admin- ran aqueducts, corn supply, roads, public buildings Legislation- advisory body Financial- they controlled the treasuries Foreign affairs- little involvement Provincial admin- controlled Senatorial provinces
30
Who were the Equestrians?
They were originally knight, became the commercial class- SALMON They took up civil service activities Senators couldn't partake in commercial activity, but equestrians didn't have political influence- rivalry
31
What were Augustus' aims with the Equestrians?
He wished to use them administratively, but keep republican traditions Limit class rivalry- Concordium Ordinum Use their admin skills- SCULLARD, SHOTTER Increase his own power through patronage- SHOTTER
32
What were the results of Augustus' reforms to the Equestrian order?
He had created a civil service/less corruption/efficient admin- SCULLARD Provincial unrest declined- SHOTTER He attracted ambitious men and ended class rivalry- SALMON a
33
What were Augustus' reforms to the Freedmen class?
Lex Iunia 17BC- general restrictions, kids are Roman citizens Lex Fulia Caninia 2BC- limited no. slaves freed by a master Lex Aelia Sentia 4AD- limited freeing of Slaven with age limits
34
Which of Augustus' Reforms worked and didn't work?
``` Political worked Social didn't work Legal worked Religious worked Admin worked ```
35
What were his main political reforms?
MIP and Tribunician Potestas He was a non-dictator Reforms to the Senate Reforms to the Equestrians
36
What were the Julian Laws?
SHOTTER Adultery law- penalised adultery, restricted divorce Marriage law- restricted interclass marriages Family Law- rewarded having children, being married Pappia Poppaea- revised previous, reward marriage/children Sumptuary Laws- restricted inheritance, wealth, assets
37
How did Augustus reform the Legal system?
In Rome, he introduced more jurymen, more trial sitting days Improved provincial trials- 5 man jury, 30 day verdict, Citizen court Quaetiones court- Praetor run, serious, for citizens, right of appeal New Courts- Adultery, Princeps, Senate Augustus also sometimes acted as a judge- Suetonius
38
What were Augustus' main administrative reforms?
``` Freedmen and Equestrians aided admin, Imperial/Senatorial Provinces Aerarium, Aerarium Militaire, Fisci Princeps controlled gold/silver coinage Senate controlled copper/bronze coinage Fixed up Rome ```
39
Who opposed Augustus?
``` Aemilius Lepidus the Younger Cornelius Gallus Marcus Primus Fannius Caepio and Varro Murena G. Cornelius Cinna Magnus M. Egnatius Rufus Julia I Julia II ```
40
Why did Augustus start the building program?
To show his patronage/autocritas and promote his family/Rome Provide employment and improve public safety Display piety, loyalty to family and start spiritual revival SUETONIUS QUOTE
41
What was attached to the Augustum Forum?
The Temple of Mars, displaying statues of Mars, Venus and the Divine Julius
42
Why did Augustus wish to employ literary figures?
For their propaganda value. They influence society and promote Augustus' role- AWH They could spread his ideals, act as publicists Now he didn't have to coerce the public- SHOTTER
43
What did Virgil write?
Eclogues, Georgics- countryside, farming | Aeneid- story of Aeneas, Julians, Augustus
44
What did Horace write?
The Satires/Epistles- presented the faults in Rome, promoted Augustus' values The Odes- presented virtues of Rome, promoted Augustus' values Carium Seculare- Song at Secular Games, honours Augustus Also Epodes, Ars Poetica
45
What did Livy write?
Ab Urbe Conditi Libri- the history of Rome | Taught Augustan values
46
What did Ovid write?
Epistulae Herodium Fasti- first 6 months of year, celebrating festivals of Augustus Are Amatoria- may have offended Augustus
47
What was Maecenas' relationship with Augustus?
He was an old friend of Augustus, at his wedding with Scribonia They worked on the Treaty of Brundisium together He helped run Rome He helped capture Marcus Aemilius Lepidus the Younger He was Augustus' PR specialist
48
What was the significance of the a imperial family and succession?
Augustus need a successor of Julian blood to avoid conflict and Civil War- SALMON Political power now relied upon one's relationship with the Princeps
49
How was Marcellus groomed for succession?
He was appointed aedile
50
How was Augustus's grandson Gaius groomed as a successor?
He was promoted with propaganda, given the toga virile, a consulship at 19, Proconsular Imperium in the East
51
Who was Tiberius? What was his relationship with Augustus?
He was born in 42BC, the son of Livia, a Claudian. He was a gifted general, fought with his brother in Germany- TACITUS Augustus never favoured him- appoints him as a co-regent He divorces Vipsania to marry Julia He self-imposed exile (6BC-2AD) due to Gaius/Lucius and Julia Augustus adopts him in 4AD, Tiberius then adopts Germanicus Tiberius shares Proconsular Imperium and Tribune powers in 13AD
52
What were some of Agrippa's main political achievements?
Proconsul of Gaul 39BC- improved admin and taxation Aedile 33BC- set up public works Consul 28/27BC- censorial powers, edited senatorial role Successor 24/23- given signet ring/state documents, Concilium Principis Governor of Syria 25/17BC Co-regent 21BC- divorced wife, married Julia, produced heirs
53
What were Agrippa's main military achievements?
Civil War 40BC-30BC: Defeated Sextus Pompeius 36BC- Naval Crown coinage Built Harbours/Navy- Porticus Julius, Misenum Made new Naval technology Fought at Actium- blocked fleet and secured Greek ports Admiral of Navy/2IC of Army 27-23BC MIP 18BC- JONES
54
What happened after Augustus' death?
``` Consuls swore oath to reluctant Tiberius Will mentioned other successors- TACITUS Republic was now an Empire- SHOTTER Agrippa Postumus murdered? Trouble in Pannonia ```
55
What issues did Augustus have with the Army once he was in power?
He needed to control is source of power He needed to mollify the Senate with some military control Remove the influence of ambitious generals Secure the Empire Satisfy the veterans Reduce the Army's size
56
What were Augustus' main reforms relating to the Army?
``` Demobilisation Navy Finances Provincial Arrangements Terms of Service Praetorian Guard ```
57
What was involved the demobilisation of the Army?
60 to 28 legions (300000 to 168000 men) 2 major cuts: 30BC and 14BC Demobilised soldiers were given land Each legion would have 5500 infantry and 120 cavalry
58
What were Augustus' reforms to the Navy?
He set up 2 standing fleets as well as a River fleet | There would be 2 main naval ports: Misenum and Ravenna
59
How did Augustus alter military pay/finances?
Military funding would be handled by the Aerarium Militaire A soldier would be paid 225 denarii a year Augustus sometimes provided extra donations/bonuses Upon retirement, veterans would receive 3000 denarii and would be settled in colonies for romanisation
60
What was the Praetorian Guard?
They were essentially Imperial bodyguards. They were led by 2 equestrian prefects. They had a 16yr service and 2 denarii per day. There were 9 cohorts of 1000 men each with a cavalry squad 3 cohorts stayed in Rome
61
What were the issues surrounding the Provincial government?
Taxation was too high- it didn't have a set amount or frequency The Publicani were often corrupt Provincial government was terrible Provincials were often subjugated by corrupt officials
62
What were the main reforms Augustus introduced to Provincial government?
Taxation Governorship Performance/efficiency Community involvement
64
How many Imperial and Senatorial provinces were there?
ECK: 13 Imperial 10 Senatorial
65
What were Augustus' aims with the frontier policy?
Use army in securing outer provinces- SHOTTER 1. Consolidating Roman territory 2. Stopping unsystematic expansion 3. Setting up defensible frontiers 4. Avoiding eastern conflicts
66
What were the 4 main frontier areas?
Central Europe Western Europe North Africa Middle East and Asia Minor
67
What was his frontier policy in Central Europe?
He wanted to secure the Danube and Elba rivers as borders He set up 3 provinces + Thrace as client Kingdom Veterans were placed on Swiss border for defence/romanisation Rebellions in Pannonia
68
What was pathetic frontier policy in Western Europe?
Augustus wanted to subdue Spain and maintain influence over Britain and France. Spain was entirely conquered by 19AD and split into 3 provinces Southern Gaul was secured/Romanised with Lyon as capital Britain and Northern France were dealt with diplomatically
69
What was the frontier policy in the East and Asia Minor?
Augustus wanted to recover the standards from Parthia, control Armenia, and establish a non-aggressive policy to avoid conflict He used diplomacy to bring peace with Parthia and set up a client Armenian King. There were 5 client kingdoms + Syria which was an Imperial province
70
How was taxation improved in the provinces?
Augustus established indirect and direct tax There would be a regular census to develop fairer taxation Imperial: direct tax collected by Procurator, indirect text collected by Publicani Senatorial: Publicani would collect all taxes under Quaestor supervision

Ancient History (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions