Rome Study guide Flashcards
(26 cards)
Define Tribune
Government officials who represented the voice of plebeians
Tribunes had the power to veto decisions that were harmful to the plebeians.
Define Legion
Groups of Roman soldiers
A legion typically consisted of about 4,000 to 6,000 soldiers.
Define Triumvirate
A group of three leaders
The First Triumvirate included Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
Define Empire
A group of territories governed by one ruler
The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history.
Define Plebeian
Ordinary or normal people
Plebian status was in contrast to the wealthy patricians.
Define Latifundia
A large farming estate
Latifundia were often worked by slaves and contributed to the economy of Rome.
Define Patrician
Wealthy people
Patricians held most of the political power in early Rome.
Define Praetor
Governments who acted as judges
Praetors had the authority to interpret laws and oversee legal proceedings.
Who founded the city of Rome?
Romulus
Romulus is a legendary figure in Roman history.
Possession of what island caused the Punic wars?
Sicily
Control of Sicily was a major point of contention between Rome and Carthage.
Who took over Rome and declared himself dictator for life?
Julius Caesar
Caesar’s rise to power led to significant changes in the Roman government.
What geographic feature was most important for Roman travel and trade?
Mediterranean sea
The Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade routes and military expeditions.
Which Roman scientist studied the stars and planets?
Ptolemy
Ptolemy’s work influenced astronomy for many centuries.
How many men made up the senate?
300 men
The Senate was a key political institution in ancient Rome.
To which group did the men of the senate belong?
Patrician
Senators were typically from the patrician class, though some plebeians later gained entry.
What was the job of the senate?
Proposed laws and analyzed foreign politics
The Senate played a crucial role in Roman governance.
Who had the right to vote in Rome?
Both plebeian and patrician men
Voting rights evolved over time, especially during the Republic.
How many consuls did the Republic usually have?
Two
Consuls were elected to serve for one year and shared power.
Who won the Punic Wars?
Rome
The victory in the Punic Wars established Rome as a major power in the Mediterranean.
Who introduced reform to Rome that made him popular?
Julius Caesar
Caesar’s reforms included land redistribution and calendar changes.
Who was a person that acted as the head of the government in Rome?
Consul
Consuls were the highest elected political office in the Roman Republic.
Who made up the First Triumvirate?
Julius, Pompey, and Crassus
The First Triumvirate was an informal political alliance.
What was the time of peace in Rome?
Pax Romana
The Pax Romana lasted for about 200 years, bringing stability to the empire.
What was it called when the patricians fed and entertained the plebeians to keep them happy?
Bread and circuses
This strategy was used to prevent civil unrest among the lower classes.
