Ancient Rome Quiz 1 (Copy)

Polybius

An Ancient Greek Historian who largely worked for the Romans. Born in Megalopolis, Greece, he was taken as a hostage to Rome in 167 BCE, where he was held as a private guest/tutor. His work also hails Roman government, due to its combination of 3 forms of good government, which, in his opinion, when expressed individually, lead to tyranny in different forms.

Quaestor

One of the first positions on the Cursus Honorum, which had a minimum age of 30. Eventually, there would be 20 of these per year, who were responsible for being treasurers and financial officers. They administered the treasury, or the aerarium saturnalis.

Aedile

One of the first positions on the Cursus Honorum, which served as an alternative to Quaestor. This position was responsible for maintenance (especially in aqueducts), grain harvests, and the execution of the Roman Games. To obtain this job, you must be at least 36, and there were four of these per year.

Senatus Consultum Ultimum

The final decree of the Senate which basically replaced dictatorship and said, "Let the Senate see that there is no harm."

Tarquinius Priscus

The legendary fifth King of Rome, who was preceded by Ancus Marcius and followed by Servius Tullius. He is known for being an Etruscan, was the grandson of Numa Pompilius, and developed Rome as a city. He built the Cloaca Maxima and the Circus Maximus, established the Roman Games, and brought in the Roman triumph. He was assassinated by the sons of Ancus Marcius, because they thought the throne should be theirs. Ruled from 616-579 BCE.

Ancus Marcius

The legendary fourth king of Rome, who was preceded by Tullus Hostilius and followed by Tarquinius Priscus. Supposedly, his name, "Ancus," came from the crooked shape of his arm. He created the Plebeian class, founded the city of Ostia, and built the first bridge across the Tiber. Not really warmongering, but certainly not a pacifist. (Waged war with Latins). Could be described as a mix of those Numa and Tullus. Ruled from 642-617 BCE.

Ascanius

The legendary king of Alba Longe, who is the son of Aeneas. He is one of the founders of the Roman race and is also an ancestor to Romulus.

Numa Pompilius

The legendary second King of Rome, who succeeded Romulus and was followed by Tullus Hostilius. He was a Sabine, a philosopher-king, and was renowned for establishing many Roman religious practices and reforming some systems. Ruled from 715-674 BCE.

Servius Tullius

The legendary sixth King of Rome, who was preceded by Tarquinius Priscus and followed by Tarquinius Superbus. He was made king after the assassination of Tarquinius, and is significant for the reforms that he made. Servius Tullius instituted the Servian Reforms, which expanded voter franchise. He also expanded Rome, and founded the census. He may have been an analog for social mobility, because he was the son of a slave, and may have been one himself. He also was the second Etruscan King. Ruled from 578-535 BCE.

Tullus Hostilius

The legendary third king of Rome, who was preceded by Numa Pompilius and followed by Ancus Marcius. He was war-bearing, expansionist, and died because Jupiter hated him, striking him with a bolt of lightning. Ruled from 673-642 BCE.

Flavian Amphitheater

The massive arena commissioned by Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. Later, it was opened by Titus and featured great fights between gladiators, animals, or both.

Comitia Curiata

The oldest assembly, which conferred imperium. Made up of mostly wealthy individuals who voted for a consul. Made up of 30 curiae.

Commercium

The second fundamental right guaranteed by the members of the Latin League. This allowed tribes to make contracts and conduct commerce between each other.

Baths of Caracalla

The second largest bathhouse in Ancient Rome, which was located within Rome itself.

Tarquinius Superbus

The seventh and final King of Rome, who was the last Etruscan and was preceded by Servius Tullius. He was the grandson of Priscus, was paranoid, and would not bury Servius. He was even Machiavellian, often killing senators and having killed himself just to be King. The results of his insanity was his exile after Lucretia, a Roman, was raped. Ruled from 535-509 BCE.

Masada

The siege in which the Romans built a bridge up to the fortifications established by King Herod in Israel. Resulted in a mass suicide of roughly 1000 Jewish citizens and a Roman military victory.

Hospitium Publicum

This refers to the public hospitality displayed by the Etruscans in the city of Caere when Rome was sacked by the Gauls in 390 BCE.

Quintus Fabius Pictor

the earliest Roman historiographer and is considered the first of the annalists. (~200 BCE) He was a member of the Senate and a member of the gens Fabia.

Praetor Peregrinus

Can be defined as the praetor responsible for law in the countryside of Rome.

Praetor Urbanis

Can be simply defined as the praetor of the city of Rome.

Cursus Honorum

Latin for Course of honors, this is the ladder to become consul in Ancient Rome. It means that you must serve as either a quaestor or aedile, then as a tribune of the plebs or praetor. From which, you can become consul. Its main determinant in success could be narrowed down to wealth.

Spolia Opima

Latin for, "Rich Spoils," this refers to the armor, arms, and anything else that a Roman general would have stripped from the leader of an enemy in battle. Occurred only 3 times in Roman History.

Lucius Junius Brutus

Oftentimes defined as one of the founder's of the Roman Republic, he is the son of Tarquinius Priscus's daughter, and thus, was related to the monarch he overthrew. He was also a consul during the period after the coup. (509 BCE)

Aequi

One of the tribes that suffered from population pressures during the 5th century, which forced them to expand. As a result, they became a pressure to Rome, who waged several wars with them.

Rome's Economic Implications of War

Rome's Economic Implications of War meant that they profited greatly from the spoils of battle. This enriched the lives of individuals and the community, and as a result, there was a greater amount of land purchased and a larger investment in government.

Remus

The brother to Romulus, who was born of Rhea Silvia and raised by a wolf. He was killed because he jumped over his brother's wall. NO ONE JUMPS OVER ROMULUS'S WALL!

Pont du Gard

The highest elevated aqueduct from Ancient Rome. Located in Southern France, it delivered water to the town of Nimes.

Rape of the Sabine Women

The incident in Ancient Roman history where Romulus, after unsuccessfully negotiating with the Sabines, "rapit" or "captured" the Sabine women, in order to allow for his society to exist for more than just a generation. Supposedly, none of the Women were raped, as stated by Livy, and each was granted rights.

Pantheon

The temple in the city of Rome that was dedicated to all of the Gods. Its most impressive feature, arguably, is the large dome and its oculus, which lets natural light shine through.

Ius Migrationis

The third fundamental right of the Latin League, which guaranteed that every member would be able to travel to and from other tribes safely.

The Second Phase of Roman Expansion

This second decade of Roman expansion efforts was a little different. For some reason, the Romans forced the Latin League to renew their alliance, despite breaking it some years earlier. The tribes who didn't, the Tibur and Praeneste, were absolutely destroyed and burnt to serve as an example that you do not cross the Romans. The reason for this sudden alliance was the very real possibility of another invasion from the Gauls, who nearly destroyed Rome some 30 years earlier. There is also a second treaty with Carthage here.

Other Important Dates

486 - Treaty with the Hernici 477 - The Fabii at the Cremera (tragedy of gens Fabia) 474 - Truse with Veii 437 - Renewed War with Veii 406- 396 Conclusion of Wat with Veii 389- 377 War and Expansion against Etruscans 381 - Capture of Tusculum 377 - 362 More expansion on Italian mainland 354 - Alliance with the Samnites

Ab Urbe Condita (History of Rome)

A 142 book volume of Roman history written by Livy, which spanned from the mythical arrival of Aeneas to the death of Drusus. Currently, we only have the first 1-10. 21-45, and part of book 91. Books 46-142 are lost.

A. Cornelius Cossus

A Roman general and politician in the late 5th century BCE, who became one of the only three people in Ancient Roman history to receive the spolia opima, for killing the enemy leader in combat. Due to his efforts in the Second Veientine War, he was later elected Consul.

Coriolanus (493 BCE)

A Roman general in the 5th Century BCE who was largely known for his success in war versus the Volsci. However, he was later exiled, and defected to the Volsci, leading them to hold a siege against Rome not too long after. The Ancient Romans, including Livy, believe he was a real figure, but modern historians are not so certain.

Marcus Furius Camillis

A Roman soldier/statesman who, according to Livy, triumphed four times and was a dictator five times. He is honored with the title of The Second Founder of Rome for his heroics during the Sack of Rome in the year 390 BCE. According to legend, after Brennus screamed "Vae Victis" this guy responded "Non auro, sed ferro, recuperanda est patria." (Not with gold, but iron, the fatherland shall be regained) His actions forced the Gauls out.

Siege of Fidenae

A battle which occurred in the late fifth century BCE that was a decisive Roman victory. It was fought against both the Fidenae and the Veientines. Livy believes there were two separate sieges, but modern historians think that this was a mistake. Either way, it lead to the end of the Second War with Veii.

Sacred Geese of Juno

A group of geese that came to the rescue of the Romans, who, during the Sack of Rome, were all together furiously defending the Capitoline Hill. Overnight, as the story goes, the Gauls attempted a sneak attack, but accidentally awoke a flock of geese, which awoke Roman guards and disbanded the Gauls.

Pomerium

A religious boundary around the city of Rome. In legal terms, Rome existed within this, and everything outside of it was simply territory that belonged to Rome. This was added by reforms from Servius Tullius.

The Latin League

A religious communality in Latium, which was affirmed yearly by a ceremony known as the Feriae Latinae on the Alban Mount. They commonly worshiped the goddess Diana, and were generally seen as having mobility in their community. They shared various civil rights with any tribe involved in their alliance.

Lower Magistrates

Consists of those involved with: religious duties, judges, street cleaning, infrastructure, and striking coins.

Rome's Political Response to War

Expansion of citizens with a stake in government, and developments in alliances were results of Rome's Political Response to War.

Titus Livius (Livy)

From Padua, Italy, he is the Roman historian who wrote around the time of Augustus, primarily around 20 BCE. His major work is Ab Urbe Condita.

Plutarch

Greek biographer and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. He is classified as a Middle Platonist.

Diodorus Siculus

Greek historian known for writing the monumental universal history Bibliotheca historica, much of which survives. It is arranged in three parts. The first covers mythic history up to the destruction of Troy, arranged geographically, describing regions around the world from Egypt, India and Arabia to Greece and Europe. The second covers the Trojan War to the death of Alexander the Great. The third covers the period to about 60 BC. Bibliotheca, meaning 'library', acknowledges that he was drawing on the work of many other authors.

Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus

He is the husband of Lucretia, who was upset by her rape and succeeding suicide. Responsible for the exile of Tarquinius Superbus. Became one of Rome's first consuls, but was ironically exiled after holding that office. (509 BCE)

Consul

Head Roman magistrate during the Republic. There were two of them, who were elected every year. They were protected by lictor, bodyguards, who bore fasces, the symbol of imperium, power. To get this position, they must be at least 42 and pass through the cursus honorum.

Quintus Ennius

Highly influential Ancient Roman poet, who is oftentimes considered to be the father of Roman poetry. (~180 BCE)

Vae Victis

Latin for, "woe to the conquered," these words were uttered by Brennus, the Gaul who sacked Rome during 390 BCE. During the invasion, Brennus, having all of Rome except for the Capitoline under siege, demanded the Romans pay random. During the event in which the Romans were going to bribe the Gauls to leave, Brennus got angry, threw his sword on a scale, and proclaimed these words, forcing the Romans to match the weight of the sword in gold.

Aeneas

Mythical prince of Troy, who was the son of Aphrodite. He is an ancestor to Romulus and Remus, and is notable for his nickname, "pious Aeneas." Carried his father out of the burning city of Troy while using his other hand to hold onto the idols that Romans worshipped.

Marcus Portius Cato (Cato the Elder)

Renowned Ancient Roman Senator who is especially known for his conservatism and opposition to Hellenization. He was the first to write history in Latin, and also came from a plebeian family, which rose to power through military success. (150 BCE)

Roman Expansion (Post-Sack of Rome)

Roman expansion after the Sack of Rome could be broken up into two different stages. The first is from 389-377 BCE, and the second is from 362-354 BCE.

Cicero

Roman politician and lawyer, who served as consul in the year 63 BC. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.

Rome's Physical Response to War

Rome's Physical Response to War was the addition of many structures, such as forts and walls. There also was an aggregation (clustering) of settlements.

Rome's Relationship with the Latin League

Rome's Relationship with the Latin League was primarily for military purposes. Rome itself was not a member of the Latin League, but any military activities were jointly undertaken, at least for some time.

Democracy in Rome

So was Rome really democratic? Sources say not really. Wealth was the determining factor in who would hold office, and family influence certainly followed as well. For instance, in the comitia centuriata, of the 193 centuries, 70 were for senatorial classes, 18 were for equestrians (who were also rich), whereas the poorest people only held one century, together.

Laurentum

The Ancient Roman city where Aeneas first arrived, which is also a settling place for the Latins.

The Conflict with the Veii

The Conflict with the Veii can be largely broken up into three pieces, from 483-474 BCE, 437-435 BCE, and 406-396 BCE.

The Differences between the Etruscans and the Latin League

The Differences between the Etruscans and the Latin League mostly consisted of how they were bound together. The Etruscans were largely individualistic, and seldom helped other Etruscans or the Romans, such as Veii, in war. Usually, they were neutral. The Latin League, however, was bound together mostly in war, whether it was with or against the Romans.

Lars Porsena

The Etruscan King who is known for his war with Rome shortly after the Year of Brutus and Collatinus. Accounts vary on whether it was successful, but it is known that Superbus was not re-established as King.

Cincinattus (458 BCE)

The Roman dictator who served for 16 days in the 5th century BCE, who came to save Rome in a time of desperate need when the Aequi invaded from the East. After he besieged and defeated the Aequi, he retired back to his farm.

The Senate

The aristocratic body composed of roughly 300 ex-Magistrates, who had experience in being in a position of power before. This was an advisory body, not a legislature, but discussed legislation before it went to the assemblies. It also reserved the right to decide which candidates ran for office, and had the power of the purse. In terms of managing provinces and foreign affairs, this body had absolute power.

Carthage

The civilization that rivaled Rome for roughly three centuries. Living on the coast of Northern Africa in Tunisia, they were the closest thing to Rome, politically, economically, religiously, etc. It is thought that they are descendent from the Ancient Phoenicians. Rome has two treaties with them, and during the time that we have studied, we know that they have dabbled with colonizing Sicily.

Anacyclosis

The cyclical form of history developed by Polybius which, in summation, states that: with monarchy's devolution comes tyranny, which leads to aristocracy, which devolves into oligarchy, which leads to democracy, but falls with ochlocracy. This cycle restarts, then, with monarchy. Rome is able to avoid this path because it has aspects of all three.r

Hadrian's Wall

The defensive structure in Britannia built and developed by the Emperor Hadrian in order to keep "wily Scots" out.

Paideia

The defined Ancient Roman sets of educational and cultural principles that make man a good human being.

The Assemblies

The democratic component of the Roman form of government.

Conubium

The first right guaranteed by all members of the Latin League, this was the ability to intermarry with someone from another tribe.

Romulus

The founder and first King of Rome. Raised by a she-wolf and born of Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin, and the god of war, Mars, he was impulsive and violent, but notably significant. Established the Senate and the Patricians, and provided the "framework." Ruled from 753-716 BCE.

Rome

The largest city in Latium by the 6th Century BCE, with a population of around 25,000-40,000. By this time, it also had a rural territory of 315 Square Miles.

Dictator

The last resort leader of the Roman Republic, who would be given unlimited power, but only for the time of the crisis or six months, whichever was shorter.

Alba Longe

The legendary city founded by Ascanius after Lavinium was overcrowded. Later, was invaded by Tullius Hostilius in what was described as a "Civil War." Tullius then destroyed the city and made its residents become citizens of Ancient Rome.

Volsci

The other tribes that was adjacent to the Latium and faced population pressures during the 5th century BCE. Rome also waged a long series of war with them.

Tribune of the Plebs

The position on the Cursus Honorum which had to be held by a plebeian. There were 10 per year, and they had certain special rights, such as the power of intercessio, or the "veto" of discussion on the Senate Floor. Harming one of these was largely frowned upon, as they were seen as sacrosanct.

Censor

The position that a consul can hold after their tenure. Seen as very honorable, this person was elected once every five years for 18 months, and was responsible for the management of the census, as well as analyzing public morals. There were two of these per term.

The Year of Brutus and Collatinus (509) BCE

The year in which both Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus held power. It was in the year after the overthrow of Tarquinius Superbus and featured chaos, with five different chief magistrates holding power during this time.

Aulus Postumius Albus

This Roman was appointed Dictator in the early 5th century BCE in order to lead Rome in the Battle of Lake Regillus against the Latin League.

Concilium Plebis

This assembly elected Tribune of the Plebs as well as plebeian aediles. It also had the rare power of legislating through plebiscita, a resolution in Roman government that was passed by plebeians. Made up of 35 tribes.

Comitia Centuriata

This assembly essentially elected senior magistrates and judged capital cases. In addition, it also maintained the right to declare war. Made up of 193 centuries

Comitia Tributa

This body elected minor magistrates and also judged minor cases. It was also here where legislation was voted on. Made up of 35 tribes.

Foedus Cassianum (493 BCE)

This early fifth century BCE treaty between Rome and the Latin league highlighted the instability of the relationship between the Romans and their neighbors. It occurred after the Battle of Lake Regillus, which was a decisive Roman victory in 497 BCE. Written in 493 BCE.

Sack of Troy

This event occurred in 1184 BCE, and is part of Homer's Illiad as well as Virgil's Aeneid. Was when the Greeks invaded Troy with a Horse and burnt the whole thing down.

The Sack of Rome (390 BCE)

This event, which occurred in the early 4th century BCE, had major psychological implications on the Romans. Perpetrated by the Gauls, who were "big, scary, and different," several calamities took place. This included the massacre of the Senate, the evacuation of the city of Rome, and other things.

The First Treaty to Carthage (507 BCE)

This famous treaty, from the sixth century BCE, identifies Rome as an influential power within the region. The main terms of the treaty were that trade was to be done in the town center and that if Roman's came to this civilization's colony in Sicily, that they would be given equal rights.

The Novus Homo

This is what "The New Man" in Senate was called. Sources largely show that Senate was somewhat hereditary, as 2/3s of its members' fathers were Senators. This specific 1/3 of Senate, however, had no prior relationship with the body. The most famous was Cicero, a Senator who was renowned for his speaking ability.

The Battle of Veii (396 BCE)

This landmark battle occurred in the last section of the Veientine War, which resulted in the capture of Veii itself. This occurred in the early 4th century BCE. The Romans won by digging a tunnel into the city.

The Tragedy of the Gens Fabia

This mass-murder of nearly an entire family occurred during the first Roman war with Veii, an Etruscan city to the north. This incident occurred when a family, the Fabia, built a fort that came under assault from the Veii, who were ruthless and killed all but one family member. The Roman response to this was the capture of a Veientine Fort, which prompted the Veii to ask for a 40-year treaty.

The First Phase of Roman Expansion

This was the term of Roman expansion which included efforts against the Etruscans, Aequi, and Volsci. Also notable was the revocation of the Foedus Cassianum, the treaty made between the Romans and the Latin League.

Praetor

To hold this position on the Cursus Honorum, you must be at least 39. Eventually, there are 8 of these per year, who are responsible for administering courts.

War in Early Rome

War in Early Rome could be described as slow, continuous, and inconclusive. Doctor Grey uses the term brigandage as a term to describe this, meaning that Ancient War meant lots of burning and plundering.

Dionysius of Halicarnassus

Writer of Roman Antiquities, which captured the history of Rome from Romulus and Remus to the first Punic War. Was also known for the practice of imitatio, which was basically plagiarization with enhancement of prior works.