Unit 2

19. What reforms highlighted Augustus Caesar's reign? (there are six)

- Securing Rome's borders - redeployed army to borders - Reorganizing / downsizing Roman army - could not be used for one man's purposes - Tightening requirements for citizenship - Public Works / Building Projects - "From a city of brick to a city of marble" - Strengthened Roman Senate, limited his authority - on the surface. Appeased the Patricians. - Encouraged and sponsored Games bacpsg bags pc

21. What were the primary reasons for Rome's decline and eventual fall?

1. Decline in Morals and Values ("Bread and Circuses") (Citizens became lazy / lost pride in their empire) ("Bread and Circuses" became a phrase meaning that the people only wanted to be entertained and fed) 2. Political Corruption (Political office was beginning to be seen as a burden, rather than a privilege) (Politicians took bribes to run for or stay in office) (Roman citizens lost interest in politics) (Acts of politicians and dictators went unchecked / abuse of power ) 3. Public Health (By 400s CE, empire was so large and had such a large population that disease spread rapidly) (Many poisoned by lead pipes) 4. Unemployment (Rich politicians and aristocrats kept all of the wealth for themselves) (Hired cheap foreign labor and so the lower classes were out of work) (Lower classes, impoverished and angry, lost faith in empire) 5. Low numbers in the Roman Army (not enough to deal with unhappy population) 6. Restlessness of Germanic Tribes (Area north and west of the Roman Empire = Germania) (Inhabited by a number of different tribes) (Enemies of the empire for centuries) (As Rome weakened, tribes got bolder) 7. Christianity (Created a rival to the power of the Roman emperor) (As God became supreme emperor, the Empire lost power) MPHUAGC - CHAMP UG 1. Invasions by Barbarian tribes 2. Economic troubles and overreliance on slave labor 3. The rise of the Eastern Empire 4. Overexpansion and military overspending 5. Government corruption and political instability 6. The arrival of the Huns and the migration of the Barbarian tribes 7. Christianity and the loss of traditional values 8. Weakening of the Roman legions Antagonism between the Senate and the Emperor ** Decline in Morals *** Political Corruption and the Praetorian Guard *** Fast expansion of the Empire *** Constant Wars and Heavy Military Spending *** Barbarian Knowledge of Roman Military Tactics *** Failing Economy *** Unemployment of the Working Classes (The Plebs) *** The 'Mob' and the cost of the 'Games' *** Decline in Ethics and Values *** Slave Labor *** Natural Disasters *** Christianity *** Barbarian Invasion ***

the First Triumvirate- Crassus, Pompey, Caesar

60 BCE, unofficial coalition between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus

Republic

A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting

10. What are the Twelve Tables and why are they important? Why were they written? What sorts of issues did they address?

A group of laws written down by leaders of the Republic and organized into 12 sections. They addressed property, crime, family, theft, marriage, and inheritance. They were engraved on metal tables and put it on display in the forum so everyone could see. Each law applied to every Roman citizen, rich or poor.

Pax Romana

A period of peace and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 B.C. to A.D. 180.

Rubicon

A river in northern Italy that Julius Caesar crossed with his army, in violation of the orders of the leaders in Rome, who feared his power. A civil war followed, in which Caesar emerged ruler of Rome. It is also an expression for taking a dangerous step.

the Punic Wars

A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage (264-146 B.C.); resulted in the destruction of Carthage and Rome's dominance over the western Mediterranean.

checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

2. Who is Aeneas? What is the Aeneid? Why is Aeneas considered the father of the Roman people?

Aeneas was the Trojan prince who fled Troy after the war. He went to Italy and founded a city named Alba Longa along the Tiber river. This story was told in "The Aeneid" by the Roman poet "Virgil." The descendants of Aeneas were the rulers of Alba Longa, ultimately leading to the whole ordeal with Romulus and Remus.

The Aeneid

An epic poem by Virgil chronicling the adventures of the Trojan prince Aeneas that portrayed the Roman ideals of duty, piety and faithfulness; Aeneas was the ancestor of Romulus

14. Explain Caesar's statement as he cross the Rubicon: "Alea iacta est!"

As his term of governorship ended, the Roman Senate ordered Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome (he faced charges). He was ordered not to bring his army across the Rubicon river, but Caesar brought his army across the river, which the Roman government considered insurrection, treason, and a declaration of war on the Roman Senate. He said "alea iacta est"—the die is cast— (like the phrase "the point of no return") as his army marched through the shallow river. This started a five-year Roman civil war. At the war's end, Julius Caesar was declared dictator for life. As dictator, Caesar presided over the end of the Roman Republic and the start of the Roman Empire.

1. Who were the Etruscans? How did the Etruscan culture differ from their Roman conquerors? How were they similar?

Between 8th and 3rd centuries BCE Rich mineral resources (copper and iron) / major Mediterranean trading power Independent city-states linked by common religion, language, and culture Polytheistic augury - read omens from birds and weather phenomena haruspicy - examined the entrails of sacrificed animals to divine future events (esp. the liver) (WERE VERY SUPERSTITIOUS) Had central deities and the Etrusca disciplina - religious texts that dictated when certain ceremonies should be performed and the meaning of signs and omens Blood sacrifices, music, dancing similarities: Divination Rituals for establishing new towns and dividing territories Architecture (Tuscan column, arched gate, private villas, tombs with niches for multiple funerary urns, large-scale temples on raised stepped platforms) Victory procession Etruscan robe with white, red, or purple border (Roman toga) Words / alphabet (adapted from Greek) different (Rome): Professional army Greater organizational skills Superior manpower and resources Political unity (vs. Etruscan's lack of unity)

17. What actions did Julius Caesar take that threatened the power of the Senate and led to his assassination?

Caesar had been recently named "dictator in perpetuity" of the Roman Republic. Ongoing tensions between Caesar and the Senate, amid fears that he also planned to claim the title of king, overthrow the Senate and rule as a tyrant, were the principal motives for his assassination.

alea iacta est

Caesar, as he was about to cross the Rubicon - (the die is cast) - the point of no return

Virgil

Classical Roman poet, author of Aenied

Ptolemy XII

Cleopatra's father Egyptian monarch who showed shocking inhospitality to Pompey

8. Identify the following parts of the Roman Republic and the rights or responsibilities of each group: consuls, dictator, senate, assembly, patricians, plebeians

Consuls: two officials from the patrician class were appointed each year of the Roman Republic to supervise the government and command the armies Dictator: could declare an emergency dictator for no more than six months to "restore order." Senate: 300 people, originally only noble patricians. They advised consuls, passed decrees and budgets (but no laws), and dealt with foreign affairs and financial issues. Assembly: made up of all Roman citizens and represented the rights of the Plebeians, or working class. People can vote, but they had no real power. Patricians: wealthy landowners who were a small part of the citizen population. Represented in the Senate. Plebeians: working-class Romans represented in the assembly, but had no real voice in government at the beginning.

Constantine

Emperor of the Roman Empire who moved the capital to Constantinople. He eventually converted to Christianity as well.

Office of Tribune

Group of 10 men within Assembly (Plebeian) class who could veto Senate laws

3. Retell the story of Romulus and Remus' birth and upbringing. Who was their mother? Who was their father? Who raised them and how did they respond to the truth about their family?

In 800 B.C.E., King Numitor rules. He has a greedy brother name Amulius who dethrones Numitor and kills his sons. He forced Numitor's daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a vestal virgin. (So she couldn't have children) But, she becomes pregnant by Mars, God of war, and the twins, Romulus and Remus, are floated down the river to save them from Amulius. They were rescued by a she-wolf and raised by Shepard named Faustus. They found out about their linkage, killed Amulius, and restored Numitor's throne when they grew up.

dictator perpetuus

Latin term used to describe a lifetime or perpetual appointment to dictator or absolute ruler in Ancient Rome. Julius Caesar was named dictator perpetuus.

7. What is a "republic"?

Literally "public affairs" A government in which supreme power resigns in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officials and representatives responsible to them governing according to law. Essentially, it's a representative democracy versus directly "the people."

Julius Caesar

Made dictator for life in 45 BCE, after conquering Gaul, assassinated in 44 BCE by the Senate because they were afraid of his power

the Ides of March

March 15, 44 BC the day Caesar was murdered

13. What was the First Triumvirate? Who were its members and what did each member contribute to the alliance?

Marcus Licinius Crassus: Richest man in Rome Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey): most successful General of the time Julius Caesar: up-and-coming, popular The First Triumvirate was a political alliance between three powerful men in the Roman Republic: Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Gnaeus Pompey. Julius Caesar worked his way up the ladder as a military man and politician. Crassus was one of the wealthiest men in the history of Rome. He was a general and a politician and had helped defeat the slave revolt led by Spartacus. Pompey was a tremendously successful military leader who earned the title Magnus, which means 'the Great,' at a young age.

Plebians

Members of the lower class of Ancient Rome including farmers, merchants, artisans and traders

5. How does the story of the Sabine women reflect on the culture of the Romans?

Men of Rome go to neighboring Sabine and rape all unwed women of the civilization. In this period, a raped woman lost her honor and would not be wanted by other men (outcasts), so Romans kept the Sabine women, and they became the mothers of Rome. This kind of put women under men from the very start, and is reflective of Roman women's limited role in public life.

the Second Triumvirate - Marc Antony, Octavian,

Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus

9. What was the Struggle of the Orders? Explain the rights and privileges the Plebeians won as a result.

Plebeians were tired of having no power in Rome, threatening to leave and start their own country. Accordingly, compromise and assimilation were made. The office of Tribune was created which could veto measures passed by the Senate and consuls, having the most power of any office. Intermarriage between Patrician and Plebeian classes was also allowed (so people could move up classes). One consul had to be plebeian. Plebeians could be senators. Restrictions on how much land one man could own (separation of wealth).

Sulla

Powerful commander -- earned his men's loyalty; general who used his army for his political advantage -- started a civil war in Rome; killed his enemies; reduced power of tribunes, more power to patricians PRESCRIPTIONS Rival of Marius, He marches on rome and takes control of the senate, he kills all who oppose him. Tries to reestablish senate as roman body of control. Is friends with pompey

Patricians

Powerful landowners who controlled Roman government and society

16. What kind of improvements did Caesar make to further expand and flourish the Roman Empire?

Relieved debt Used wealth to encourage building and entertainment in Rome Took land from his enemies and gave it to his army's veterans Extended Roman citizenship to people in the conquered provinces dblc Caesar's rule helped turn Rome from a republic into an empire - was an emperor in all but name. Octavian, his great nephew, was to become Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. Caesar expanded Rome's territories - Gaul was a huge and valuable asset for the Empire. By stabilising the territories under imperial control and giving rights to new Romans he set the conditions for later expansion that would make Rome one of history's great empires. Emperors were to become god-like figures - he was divine He introduced Britain to the world and to history - Recorded British history is reckoned to start with the successful Roman takeover in 43 AD, something Caesar set the grounds for. Caesar's historical influence is greatly increased by his own writings - he wrote so well about his own life

Nero

Roman Emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64) but the Empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68) First Roman emperor to persecute Christians

Diocletian

Roman emperor of 284 C.E. Attempted to deal with fall of Roman Empire by splitting the empire into two regions run by co-emperors. Also brought armies back under imperial control, and attempted to deal with the economic problems by strengthening the imperial currency, forcing a budget on the government, and capping prices to deal with inflation. Civil war erupted upon his retirement.

11. What happens to Rome after the Punic Wars? What were some of the problems facing Rome's leadership? How did the armies and their generals take control?

Rome had conquered Carthage's empire, completely destroyed the city, and became the most powerful state of the Western Mediterranean. Many veterans from farming families preferred settling in cities, especially Rome, rather than return to the countryside. Cities in Italy became overcrowded, and Rome became the most populous city in Europe and West Asia. The land was now cheap, accordingly, and many small farmers found themselves unable to compete with the larger farms and their more numerous slaves. Effects: Rome becomes a super-power in the Mediterranean (Territory extended from Spain to Greece (Wealth, slaves (Large estates (small farmers couldn't compete - poverty and unemployment increase) Roman magistrates become corrupt Gap increases between rich and poor (Anger and tension grew between classes The republic was facing serious problems during this time. Many Roman politicians took bribes. Because soldiers returning home from the wars were unable to find employment due to the wealthy landlords utilizing slaves (Latifundia) to get work done instead of hiring Romans, Many of the Romans wanted a strong leader to take them to glory; therefore, the way was paved for Julius Caesar. During this period of time, the republic was part of several civil wars as well.

12. Explain the rise of Julius Caesar. What kind of environment in countries tends to lend itself to the rise of dictators? Why, in your opinion, does that happen?

Rome was in extreme situations, both economically and politically, making the rise of a dictator very appealing. The republic was corrupt, and many Romans just wanted a strong leader to take them to glory; therefore, the way was paved for Julius Caesar. Dictators offered a haven. Many people were seeking economic stability, a surplus of food, a strong leader to help them, just was dictators were able to promise. Born to not-so-well off patrician family in 100 BCE in a plebian neighborhood 18 - Joined the army, served for 4 years 30 - Elected senator 34 - put in charge of entertainment / won great popularity (gladiators, animals) 39, military governor of Spain - earned reputation as general Elected Consul at 41 years old. after 8 years in Gaul, is ordered to surrender his armies and return to Rome to stand trial Caesar invades Italy with his Legions Pompey flees (more on him in a second)

the Twelve Tables

Rome's first code of laws; adopted in 450 B.C.

SPQR

Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Senate and the People of Rome)

Lucretia

She represented Roman honor, virtue and everything good about Roman women. She was raped by Tarquin's son, and he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. She killed herself as a result, causing the Romans to rebel against the Etruscans, freeing themselves from their Etruscan overlords.

Tarquinius Superbus

The Last King of Rome who usurped the throne.

20. Why did Constantine move Rome's capital to Byzantium?

The eastern part of the Roman Empire was becoming more important (trade) than the west. Allowed for easy access to vast territories via the sea and Danube river. City of Romme was also seen as being corrupt. He adopted christianity.

Augustus Caesar

The first emperor of Rome, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, help Rome come into Pax Romana, or the Age of Roman Peace

6. Explain the story of the Rape of Lucretia. How does this story lead to the end of the Age of Kings in Rome and the beginning of the Roman Republic?

The last King of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, along with his sons and army were battling the neighboring tribe. One night, men were talking over wine about which wife was the most virtuous. They couldn't agree, but the King's friends, Tarquinius Conlatinus demanded his wife was by far the most virtuous. They went to see her, and historian Livy records it. Tarquinius Superbus rapes her, and Lucretia kills herself. As promised, however, Brutus did eventually avenge Lucretia, chasing out the Tarquin Kings. Now, the Roman Republic is born.

18. What was the Second Triumvirate? Who were its members and what claims did they have for power in Rome? How did they end up in a civil war?

The official political alliance of Augustus Caesar (Octavian) {Caesar's nephew}, Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) {Caesar's most trusted lieutenant}, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus {powerful patrician who had been Caesar's deputy dictator}. Marc Antony - Caesar's best friend, second in command in Gaul // seen as the most logical to assume Caesar's role - loved by the people, esp. army Octavian - Caesar's adopted son (actually great-nephew) // seen as weak, a bookworm, too young Lepidus - politician allied with Caesar (mostly made powerless by other two) --Divide up Rome's empire to control - Marc Antony gets Egypt Some view this as the end of the Roman republic. It was unstable - they each believed he was the rightful heir to lead the government following Caesar's assassination. The egos of these three men would soon clash, they would eventually meet in battle and, as a result, a single emperor would emerge (Octavian) Octavian found out about Antony's affair with Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra and turned it to his advantage, publicizing the relationship and also Antony's will, which decreed that his inheritance would go to Cleopatra's children, not those of Octavia, to whom he was still married. Octavian convinced the Senate to declare war on Cleopatra, not Antony, meaning that it wasn't the kind of civil war that Caesar and Pompey had fought. The fighting began in 32 and ended with Octavian's decisive victory at the Battle of Actium, in 31 B.C. Antony and Cleopatra both took their own lives, leaving Octavian in sole command of Rome.

Lepidus

The third member of the triumvirate and the weakest, both politically and personally. Lepidus's rather desperate attempts to keep the peace between Caesar and Antony fail when Caesar imprisons him after the defeat of Pompey.

4. In the story of Romulus and Remus, what happens to Remus? How did Romulus become the founder of Rome? How does he populate his city with men? How do they populate it with women?

The twins then set out to found their own city. They settled in an area with seven Hills and began arguing about where the city should be based. Romulus killed Remus and named the city Rome (after himself). Romulus is king, and he populates the city with criminals, mercenaries, and escaped slaves, BUT NO WOMEN. They populate with women with the rape of Sabine women.

Carthage

This city has existed for nearly 3,000 years, developing from a Phoenician colony of the 1st millennium BC into the capital of the Carthaginian Empire. The expanding Roman Republic took control of many of its outposts after the two Punic Wars. a sea-trading empire that ruled with a dominant Navy

Romulus and Remus

Traditional story of how Rome began. Twins abandoned and rescued by a wolf, raised by a shepherd . Grew to build Rome. Romulus later killed Remus

Aeneas

Trojan prince who fled Troy after the war and founded a city named Alba Longa

consuls

Two officials from the patrician class were appointed each year of the Roman Republic to supervise the government and command the armies

15. Explain the relationship between Egypt and Rome during the reign of Julius Caesar.

Visiting Romans were treated well, even 'pampered and entertained' with sightseeing tours down the Nile. Cleopatra was soon to become Queen of Egypt, the richest kingdom in the Mediterranean. With Caesar already notorious for his sexual energy, the two became lovers almost immediately. Romans did not know what to make of her. Romans were horrified by having an Egyptian Queen in Rome, yet fascinated by the woman herself. Her charm clearly won them over and many members of Rome's elite visited her temporary palace in Rome (reserved for her by Caesar) and paid her homage.

Battle of Actium

final battle between the forces of Octavian and those of Cleopatra and Marc Antony; resulted in final victory for Octavian; 31 BC

Edict of Milan

issued by Constantine in 313, ended the "great persecution" and legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire

Cleopatra

last pharaoh of Egypt; had relationships with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony; Octavian's enemy

The Assembly

made up of all Roman citizens and represented the rights of the Plebeians, or working class. People can vote, but they had no real power.

Senate (Rome)

manipulated pretty easily, but in the end, they made the final decisions, composed of all Patricians, they picked the next emperor so they had a lot of power over the emperor or consul

Etrusca disciplina

religious texts that dictated when certain ceremonies should be performed and the meaning of signs and omens

Sabine women

snatched from their families at a religious festival to populate Rome; hearts and minds won over by violence followed by sweet words and childbearing

Etruscans

the group of people who ruled Rome before Romans revolted