Know the climate and geography of Rome/Italy.
Rome was located on a peninsula in southern Europe. North are the Alp's, Europe highest mountains. Apennines runs the length of the Peninsula. Not flat. Mountainous or hills. Cities built near rivers. Warm dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Allows varie
Aeneas
Great Trojan hero. Greeks destroyed Troys, Aeneas fled. After long journey, (called Aeneid) he finally settled in Italy. When he reached Italy, he found several groups of people living there. He formed an alliance with on of the groups (Latins). After def
Romulus and Remus
The Romans believed that the twins Romulus and Remus were descendants of Aeneas. Romulus and Remus rescued and raised by wolf. Romulus later killed Remus and built city of Rome.
Romulus
First king of Rome. Taking throne in 753 BC.
Etruscans
Last three kings of the seven listed kings who ruled the city were Etruscans. People who lived north of Rome. Influenced by Greek colonies. Made great contributions, built temples and Rome's first sewer. Learned alphabet and numbers from them.
dictators
rulers with almost absolute power
republic
people elect leaders to govern them.
cincinnatus
one of Rome's famous dictators. Gained power in 458 BC. He was a farmer but romans chose him to defend the city against a powerful enemy that had defeated a large Roman army. He quickly defeated his enemies then resigned as dictator and returned to his fa
plebeians
common people (peasants, crafts-people,traders, other workers) ,majority of population, gained right to participate in government.
patricians
powerful nobles (rich people). Not allowed to trade or commerce after 218BC. Once controlled all aspects of gov. Represented small population.
Three parts of the Roman government
Magistrates, Senate, and the (Assemblies and Tribunes)
magistrates
elected officials. Each was elected for one year and had his own duties and powers. Some were judges. Others managed Rome's finances or organized games and festivals.
consuls
two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls. Consuls elected each year to run city + lead army. Two consuls so that no one person would be too powerful.
aeneid
an epic poem written by a poet named Virgil around 20 BC. The story of Aeneas's trip to Italy.
Roman Senate
council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city's leaders. held office for life. 300 members. Most partricians. Became very powerful and took control of the city's finances eventually. By 200 BC had great influence in Rome's government.
Assemblies
primary job was to elect the magistrates who ran the city of Rome.
tribunes
they had the ability to veto actions by other officials. Made tribunes very powerful.Term is one year.
latin
the roman's language.
checks and balances
limiting terms of office. Giving government officials the ability to restrict the powers of other officials. One consul can block action of other. Laws proposed by Senate had to be approved by magistrates and ratified by assemblies. Methods to balance pow
veto
prohibit
forum
rome's public meeting place.Kept the Law of the Twelve Tables. Heart of the City of Rome. Center of life in ancient Rome. Most important temples + gov. buildings there. talked about issues of the day.
Law of the Twelve Tables
Many people did not want to be punished for breaking laws they didn't even know existed. They called for Rome's laws to be written down and made accessible to everybody. First written law code. shop, chat, and gossip. Government and religion activities to
Palatine Hill
Rome's richest people lived.
Capitoline Hill
Rome's grandest temples stood.
legions
groups of up to 6,000 soldiers (Roman army)
Punic Wars
Series of wars against Carthage, city in northern Africa.
1.) Carthage sent armies to Sicily. In response Romans sent an army to the island.
2.) Carthage tried to attack Rome itself. Romans sent an army to attack Carthage. So Hannibal retreated to defend
Hannibal
brilliant general from Carthage.
Gauls
The Gauls attacked Rome and took over the city. Romans had to give the Gauls a huge amount of gold to leave the city.
What was the main reason for the growth of Roman territory in the 300s BCE?
Roman territory grew mainly in response to outside threats. People called Gauls attacked Rome and Rome had to pay them a lot of gold to leave the city. Inspired by the Guals' victory, others also tried to attack Rome. However, Rome's attackers were defeat
Gaius Marius
encouraged poor people to join the army. (consul, Roman army desperately needed more troops). Before only people who owned property had been allowed to join. Good general, troops were more loyal to him than they were to Rome. Army's support gave him great
Lucius Cornelius Sulla
became consul in 88BC. Came into conflict with Marius. Led to a civil war. In the end Sulla defeated Marius and named himself dictator and used his power to punish his enemies.
Spartacus
Thousands of slaves led by a former gladiator, Spartacus, rose up and demanded freedom. Spartacus and his followers defeated an army sent to stop them and took over much of Southern Italy. Eventually, Spartacus was killed in battle. Without him, revolt fe
Gracchus Brothers
Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. Both served as tribunes. Tiberius wanted to create farms for poor Romans. He thought these farms would keep poor citizens happy and prevent rebellions. Wealthy citizens opposed it, led riots in the city. Tiberius killed. Gaius
Tripartite
government with three parts.