Roman Republic
What is a republic?
A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
Who could become a citizen in the Roman Republic?
All males over 15 descended from the original tribes of Rome.
Who was Julius Caesar?
A military general and key figure in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire.
What were the two highest positions in the Republic?
Consuls.
What event marked the end of the Roman Republic?
The assassination of Julius Caesar.
What year was the Roman Republic established?
509 BC
What was the significance of the toga?
The toga was a garment that distinguished Roman citizens from noncitizens and slaves.
Who is known as the "first citizen"?
Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
How did the Senate's power change?
The Senate's power diminished under the emperors as they assumed more control over governance.
Describe the Punic Wars.
A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage, critical for control over trade and territory.
Who were the patricians?
The aristocratic class in ancient Rome who held the highest positions in government.
How did citizenship evolve over time?
Citizenship expanded to include non-Roman allies and eventually all free people of the Empire by 212 A.D.
Who was Cincinnatus?
Answer: Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
What is the significance of the Twelve Tables?
They were the first written set of Roman laws, ensuring rights such as equal treatment under the law.
What was the Battle of Zama?
The decisive battle in 202 B.C. that ended the Second Punic War, resulting in the defeat of Hannibal.
What is the role of the Senate?
The Senate was responsible for electing consuls and advising on legislation.
What rights did full citizens have?
Full citizens could vote, marry freeborn persons, and practice commerce.
Who was Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus?
A Roman general regarded as one of the greatest military strategists, particularly in the Second Punic War.
What role did consuls play?
Consuls were the chief executives of the Republic, leading both government and military operations.
What was the significance of the assassination of Julius Caesar?
It led to the end of the Republic and the rise of Augustus.
Describe the transition to the Empire.
Following a series of civil wars, the Republic transformed into an Empire with the rise of Augustus as the first emperor in 27 A.D.
Following a series of civil wars, the Republic transformed into an Empire with the rise of Augustus as the first emperor in 27 A.D.
What was the Edict of Caracalla?
A decree issued in 212 A.D. granting citizenship to all free men in the Roman Empire.
Who led the Romans during the Punic Wars?
Notable leaders included Scipio Africanus and Hannibal of Carthage.
How did plebeians gain power?
Plebeians eventually elected tribunes, gaining representation and rights.
Describe the fall of the Roman Empire.
The Empire declined due to internal strife, economic troubles, and invasions, officially ending in 476 A.D.