HI 207 Final Early rome 17

Question 1

Regal Period (c. 753-509)
a) Roman Social Structure

Answer 1

During Rome’s Regal Period (c. 753-509 BCE), Roman society was primarily structured around the family, with a hierarchical system based on gender, citizenship, ancestry, and wealth. The society was largely patriarchal, with the paterfamilias (male head of the household) holding significant authority over his family. Patricians and Plebeians:
The social hierarchy primarily consisted of two main groups: the patricians, who were the wealthy, landowning elite and held political power, and the plebeians, who were the common citizens, often artisans or farmers. Patriarchal System:
The Roman family was the foundation of society, with the paterfamilias having absolute authority over his wife, children, and slaves. Citizenship:
Citizenship was a privilege, granting rights such as voting, holding office, and participating in the legal system.

Question 2

Regal Period (c. 753-509)
b) Royal Government

Answer 2

The Regal Period (c. 753-509 BCE) in Rome was the initial phase of its history, marked by a succession of seven kings. These monarchs held the highest authority, serving as both civil and military leaders, as well as high priests. The kings were chosen through a process involving the Senate, the Assembly, and the divine will, as indicated by the auspices. Monarchical Authority:
The king held supreme power, encompassing civil, military, and religious authority. The Senate would nominate a candidate, who would then be proposed to the Assembly for their approval. Imperium:
The Assembly would formally grant the king the necessary power (imperium) through a law proposed by the king himself. While the Assembly theoretically elected the king, the Senate held significant influence in the process.

Question 3

Romulus

Answer 3

Romulus was primarily known as the legendary founder of Rome and its first king. According to tradition, Romulus and his twin brother, Remus, were raised by a she-wolf and later founded Rome on the Palatine Hill in 753 BC. Credited with establishing the early political, military, and social institutions of the city.

Question 4

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (r. 535-
509)

Answer 4

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was the legendary seventh and final king of Rome, reigning from 535 BC until the popular uprising in 509 BC that led to the establishment of the Roman Republic. He is commonly known as Tarquin the Proud, from his cognomen Superbus. He is said to have seized the throne from Servius Tullius through force and manipulation. His reign ended with his expulsion in 509 BCE, following the rape of Lucretia by his son, Sextus Tarquinius, and the subsequent uprising led by Brutus.

Question 5

Lucius Junius Brutus (cos. 509 BC)

Answer 5

Lucius Junius Brutus, a semi-legendary figure, is credited with founding the Roman Republic in 509 BC by ousting the tyrannical king Tarquinius Superbus. He is also believed to have been one of the first consuls of Rome and to have condemned his own sons to death for conspiring to restore the monarchy. Brutus is said to have led the revolt against the Tarquins after the rape and subsequent suicide of Lucretia, a noblewoman, by the king’s son, Sextus Tarquinius. Brutus is credited with establishing the fundamental institutions of the Republic, including the consulship, the senate, and a system of liberty and limited government, although the extent of his direct influence is debated.