Ancient Rome History Quiz

A significant battle in 9 CE where Germanic tribes led by Arminius (also known as Herman the German) decisively defeated three Roman legions (XVII, XVIII, & XIX) in the Teutoburg Forest over three days. This battle marked a turning point in Roman expansion, halting further northward expansion into Germany and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Danube as the Empire's northern frontier.

The practice of employing Germanic tribesmen within the Roman military, a trend that arose due to manpower shortages and the decline of Roman citizen recruitment. It led to the gradual integration of Germanic soldiers and commanders into the Roman army, eventually contributing to the transformation of the army's character and even the fall of Rome.

Emperor Caracalla's decree in 212 CE granting Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire. The intention was likely to expand the tax base, but it had the unintended effect of diminishing the incentive for non-Romans to serve in the army as a path to citizenship, ultimately contributing to manpower problems within the Roman military.

The period of widespread migration of Germanic tribes across Europe. This period saw tribes like the Goths, Vandals, and Franks moving westward and southward, impacting the borders and stability of the Roman Empire and playing a key role in the eventual decline and fall of Rome.

A term referring to large-scale movements of peoples, especially Germanic tribes, during the late Roman Empire. These movements were often driven by factors such as pressure from nomadic groups, climate change, and the desire to exploit more fertile lands. They significantly impacted the political and cultural landscape of Europe, eventually leading to the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of new Germanic kingdoms.

The fall of Rome in 476 CE, when the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was overthrown by Odoacer, a German warrior. This event marked the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the 'Dark Ages'.

A legal code compiled by Emperor Theodosius II in 438 CE. It included all imperial laws since the time of Constantine I that were still in effect, creating a comprehensive legal framework for the Eastern Roman Empire.

A collection of Roman laws compiled by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century CE. This code, also known as the 'Corpus Juris Civilis,' aimed to systematize and organize Roman law, making it easier for judges to apply and interpret.

The first part of Justinian's Code, containing the statutory laws of all Roman emperors that were still in effect at the time.

The second part of Justinian's Code, containing legal decisions and interpretations made by great Roman jurists from the 1st to 4th centuries. This provided historical context and precedent for legal rulings.

The third part of Justinian's Code, serving as an introductory textbook for law students. Based on earlier works, it provided a basic understanding of Roman legal concepts and systems

The fourth part of Justinian's Code, containing all the 'new' laws passed by Justinian himself during his reign.

The term used to describe the period of European history after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This period is often characterized by a decline in literacy, trade, and urban life.

If a crime committed in a church is witnessed by someone, the perpetrator has to pay an additional 120 shillings to the church (mundbyrd price), 50 shillings to the king (his mundbyrd), and is banned from claiming sanctuary in the future.

This law suggests that the severity of punishment should be determined by the severity of the crime. A severe crime requires a severe punishment.

This law promotes a more humane approach to punishment, urging to show mercy and not sell Christians into slavery to non-Christians.

This law aimed to eradicate pagan practices, including magic, sorcery, and idol worship.

This law outlines specific crimes that are so serious that they cannot be atoned for by paying a fine. These offenses include assaults on homes (husbryce), arson, theft, murder (not homicide), and betrayal of your lord. The guilty party must pay a fine and be put to death.

This law emphasizes the personal nature of justice, placing the responsibility for vengeance on the deceased's relatives.

This law punishes those who abandon their military duties during wartime, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and duty.

This law describes the consequences of breaking an oath, requiring a 40-day period of penance at a royal manor.

A man who kills a pregnant woman is deemed guilty not only of her death but also of the unborn child's, requiring the payment of both their wergeld.

This law indicates that a fetus is considered a valuable life, deserving compensation, although at half the value of a fully born child.

A legal system evolved from Germanic morality and Roman legal concepts, which later became the basis for modern Western law.

The Anglo-Saxons, Franks, and Lombards are three legal systems that influenced modern Western law.

A legal system largely based on Germanic tribal practices, with limited Roman influences.

An individual's group of close relations, including family and extended relatives. It played a significant role in Anglo-Saxon society and law.

The practice of paying compensation to a person's family or kindred for their death or injury. This is often referred to as 'blood money'.

The process of a trial in which the accused swears an oath, usually with oath-helpers as witnesses, to assert their innocence, with the assumption that 'denial is always stronger than accusation.'

These were trials involving physical tests designed to determine guilt or innocence, with the belief that God would intervene on behalf of the innocent.

The highest court in Anglo-Saxon England, which could hear appeals or try more serious cases.

The King and The Witan, or sometimes the Witan alone, were responsible for creating and updating legal codes in Anglo-Saxon England.

The Anglo-Saxon system had no formal police force, and victims had to rely on family and friends to pursue criminals. The system relied heavily on fines, mutilation, and death as punishments.

A fine paid to compensate a lord for the killing of a man under his authority.

A type of land granted to someone in a will, meaning it was passed down through inheritance.

A gift of land and wealth given to a new bride by her groom the morning after their wedding night, as a gift for her virginity.

A legal right to protection that varied depending on the status of the individual.

A crime considered worse than simple theft, involving larger number of individuals and indicating conspiracy. The punishment was more severe with a greater number of oath-helpers required for the accused.