Early Greece
What geographic features led to the formation of independent Greek city-states?
Mountains, islands, and limited farmland)
What event sparked the Greco-Persian Wars?
The Ionian Revolt
Who were the Etruscans, and why were they successful farmers?
An early people in Italy whose land was fertile and required little effort
What two political factions emerged in the late Republic?
Optimates and Populares
What name did Octavian take as emperor?
Augustus
What tribe is often mistaken for Greek but actually predated Greek civilization?
Minoans
What was the role of the Magi in early Persian culture?
Religious priests before Zoroastrianism became dominant
What mythological figure was said to have founded Rome after escaping Troy?
Aeneas
What was a major reform of Marius’s that affected Roman loyalty?
He allowed landless men to join the army, making soldiers loyal to generals
What was the significance of the Battle of Actium?
Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra, becoming sole ruler
What was the purpose of the Agoge in Sparta?
To train boys into disciplined soldiers loyal to the state)
What was Darius's key administrative reform?
Dividing the empire into provinces with satraps
What made the Roman Republic balanced in power?
It had two consuls and roles like dictator in emergencies
How did Crassus die?
He was killed in the failed Parthian campaign by drinking GOLD
What was the Principate?
A political system where Augustus kept the appearance of a Republic but held real power
What geographic advantage made Corinth wealthy?
Its location between two ports allowed it to charge portage fees and profit from trade
What was the Delian League and why did it cause conflict?
An alliance led by Athens that turned into an Athenian empire, angering Sparta
What was the Tribune’s purpose?
To represent the plebeians and protect their rights
What event symbolized Caesar's decision to go to war with Pompey?
Crossing the Rubicon
What was the Praetorian Guard?
The emperor’s personal bodyguard
How did power shift in Athens over time?
Took all the money from the Delian League and enforced an Athenian Empire on local city states
What happened at the Battle of Salamis?
Greek navy defeated Persian fleet, preserving Greek independence
Why was Sicily important in the First Punic War?
It was a key trade island and strategically located between Rome and Carthage
Who were the Diodochi?
Alexander’s generals who fought over his empire after his death
Why are Egyptian obelisks in Rome?
They were taken as symbols of Roman dominance after Augustus annexed Egypt