Vocabulary
Ladders of Roman office
What is the cursus honorum?
Queen of Egypt. Had a relationship with Julius Caesar resulting in their son, Caesarion.
Who is Cleopatra VII?
Where JC declared his family's connections to Venus and the kings of Rome.
What happened at JC's Aunt's funeral?
JC's assassination (date, month and year)
What was 15th March, 44BCE?
Spending 10 years in Gaul.
- increased his wealth
- built his rep as a successful military commander
- gained the loyalty of the army
Way of the ancestors.
What is mos maiorum?
Senator and successful lawyer. Good at rhetoric. A conservative and optimate. Prolific written and valuable source on the breakdown of the Republic.
Who is Cicero?
These meant that JC would be persecuted for treason when he returned to Rome from Gaul.
What was Pompey’s new law about consulship and pro-consulship?
58 - 50 BCE
When were the Gallic Wars?
The Cataline Conspiracy
- showed himself opposed to the Optimates in the Senate.
An emergency decree of the senate; usually interpreted as authorising the consuls to use every means to save the state.
What is Senatus consultum ultimum (SCU)?
Enemy of Marius. Optimate, who wanted to restore the republic. Killed some of JC's family during his prescriptions.
Who is Sulla?
This has come to mean 'no turning back'
What is 'to cross the Rubicon'?
Crossed the Rubicon
What was 49 BCE?
Putting his face on coins
- allied himself with gods and kings
- anti republican
- against mos maiorum
JC's political title while in Gaul
Conservative. Served as consul with JC in 59 BCE. Was assaulted up by JC supporters and withdrew from public life for the rest of the year.
Who is Bibulus?
Broke the alliance between Pompey and JC.
What happened after the death of Julia?
Formation of the 1st Triumvirate
What happened in 60 BCE?
Forming the Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus
- illegal
- opposed the conservative senators/optimates
- took power from the Senate
- against mos maiorum
An intangible prestige that was that was both earned through actions and inherited through social and political connections.
What is auctoritas?
Politician and soldier best known for instigating a Conspiracy, a failed attempt to seize control of the Roman state in 63 BC. He was killed by republican forces. JC tried to defend him.
Who is Cataline?
Gallic king who united the tribes in a failed revolt against the Romans. Surrendered to JC. Was imprisoned for 6 years then executed.
Who was Vercingetorix?
59 BCE
When was JC's first consulship?
Taking the title 'Dictator for Life'
- too king like
- against mos maiorum
- only meant to be a 6 month office
- removed power from the senate
- resulted in his death