HIS Roman Republic

Question 1

New Political System in Roman Republic

Answer 1

Power divided into 3 parts: Legislative, Executive, Controlling/Advisory

Legislative (partially controlling): Held by popular assemblies (e.g., Centuriate Assembly, dominant in the early Republic).
Executive: Divided among annually elected magistrates (magistratus), with collegiality (≥2 officials).
Controlling/Advisory: Held by Senate

Question 2

Offices in Roman Republic

Answer 2

1. Consuls
2. Praetors
   Lower Offices:
3. Aediles
4. Quaestores
5. Censores
   Special Office = Dictator

Question 3

Consul

Answer 3

Highest office; held political, administrative, military, religious, and legal power.

Question 4

Praetor

Answer 4

Assisted consuls, especially in legal matters (e.g., urbanus, peregrinus, imperium).

Question 5

Lower Offices and Special Office

Answer 5

Lower officers:
Aediles: City maintenance.
Quaestores: Financial matters.
Censores: Property control.

Dictator = Appointed for 6 months during crises, wielding absolute power.

Question 6

Contrast between Plebeians and Patricians

Answer 6

Patricians were descendants of original inhabitants, Plebeians were newcomers to Rome

Question 7

Political exclusion of Plebeians

Answer 7

Patricians held all offices, they were the wealthiest people and had all the political rights.

Plebeians on the other hand, could not hold offices due to their property status

Question 8

Secession and consequences

Answer 8

Plebeians threatened to leave Rome and found a new city.

Tribune of the People was created

367 BCE -> a law, by which at least one consul had to be Plebeian

Question 9

Tribune of the People

Answer 9

Represented plebeians; had sacro sanctitas (personal inviolability) and veto power (any decision that could threat the interests of plebeans).

Question 10

How were Twelve Tables created, why and why is it significant?

Answer 10

Created due to plebeian demands for written, accessible laws.

Enabled plebeians to defend themselves in court. Tables were publicly displayed.

Formed the foundation of Roman law for the Republic and beyond.

Question 11

How did Rome dominate Italy after 510 BCE?

Answer 11

After expelling the Tarquins, Rome fought 200-year wars against Etruscans, conquering their cities.

Rome defeated Latins and Sabines, securing central Italy.

Established supremacy via a “web of alliances”.

Question 12

Describe the Celtic invasion’s impact.

Answer 12

Celts arrived in Northern Italy (early 4th century BCE), founded Mediolanum (Milan).

Defeated Rome in 390/387 BCE and sacked the city (except the Capitol fortress, saved by “Guardian Geese”).

Rome responded by building thick defensive walls.
“Guardian Geese”

Question 13

How did Rome conquer Magna Graecia?

Answer 13

Magna Graecia: Greek cities in southern Italy.

Rome clashed with Tarentum (3rd century BCE); Tarentum enlisted Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus. Romans lost.
Pyrrhic victories: Costly wins that depleted his forces.

Rome defeated Pyrrhus at Benevento (275 BCE); Tarentum capitulated in 272 BCE, giving Rome control of Southern Italy.