First Constitutional Settlement Flashcards
(26 cards)
What does Auctoritas mean?
Influence
A key concept in Roman political authority.
What is the meaning of Potestas?
Legal authority
Indicates the formal power held by officials.
What is a Curia?
The building where the senate was held
Central to the legislative process in ancient Rome.
What was the role of the Praetorian Guard?
Escorts for high-ranking political officials and bodyguards for senior officers
Important for the protection of leaders.
What is a Denarius?
The standard Roman silver coin
Used widely in trade and commerce.
What is an Aureus?
A gold coin of ancient Rome originally valued at 25 pure silver denarii
Represents wealth and economic power.
What does Pax Augusta refer to?
Peace of Augustus
A period of relative peace established by Augustus.
What title did Roman emperors hold in the Empire?
Princeps
Meaning ‘first citizen’ or ‘leading citizen.’
What is a Republic?
A form of government where people can choose their leader
Key political structure before the Empire.
What is the Senate?
A form of assembly
Played a crucial role in governance and decision-making.
What does Imperium proconsulare maius mean?
The greatest power
Refers to a high level of authority granted to governors.
What is Imperium?
A form of authority held by a citizen to control a military or governmental entity
Essential for military command.
What is Pomerium?
A religious boundary around the city of Rome and cities controlled by Rome
Symbolizes the sacred nature of the city.
What is Tribunicia Potestas?
The rights granted to Rome’s tribuni plebis
Important for protecting the interests of the plebeians.
Fill in the blank: Augustus ensured the senate offered him ________ powers.
[autocratic]
This was part of the First Constitutional Settlement.
What was Augustus’ strategy regarding power?
Feigning rejection of powers, then accepting them on the Senate’s insistence
Aimed at maintaining the facade of republicanism.
What did Augustus claim about his leadership?
He was shouldering the burden of guiding the Roman state at the request of both Senate and People
This helped legitimize his rule.
What did the Senate do in response to Augustus’ rejection of power?
Pleaded for monarchical government
Highlighted their desire for strong leadership.
What does the title ‘Augustus’ signify?
Revered one
Reflects Augustus’ elevated status and authority.
What did the Doorposts decorated with laurel represent?
Victory
A symbol of triumph in Roman culture.
What is the Civic crown?
A military decoration given to Romans who saved the lives of fellow citizens
Signifies honor and valor.
What does the Shield of Virtue represent?
Augustus’ moral qualities
A symbol of his virtuous leadership.
What was Augustus’ control over provinces characterized by?
Redistribution of the provinces
Aimed to consolidate power and manage military presence.
What was Augustus’ justification for controlling key provinces?
Claimed they needed pacification and wished to reduce the workload of the Senate
Shows his strategic governance.
