Ancient Rome: Part 1 - Founding Myths & Origins

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage (Phoenicians) from 264 to 146 BC.

The most famous military leader of Carthage, known for his daring crossing of the Alps with war elephants.

A period of instability in the Roman Republic, lasting from 133 to 27 BC, marked by social and political unrest.

The brothers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi attempted to redistribute land occupied by aristocrats to the poor and veterans. They aimed to alleviate social inequalities but were assassinated.

Gaius Marius, a Roman general, reformed the Roman armies to increase their strength and dependence on the state rather than individual commanders.

A secret alliance formed between Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar to control Rome. They used their influence to advance their ambitions.

A Roman statesman, general, and author who rose to prominence during the late Roman Republic. He conquered Gaul, led a civil war against Pompey, and introduced reforms.

The murder of Caesar by Roman senators on March 15th, 44 BC, due to their fear of his increasing power and the reforms he enacted.

A period of time in ancient Rome when common people (plebeians) fought to gain political rights and equality with wealthy nobles (patricians).

A group of powerful and influential people in Ancient Roman society, often landowning and holding traditional authority. They held most political power.

A group of ordinary citizens in ancient Rome, including farmers, artisans, and merchants. They lacked the rights and privileges enjoyed by the Patricians.

A key political office in ancient Rome, created by the Plebeians to protect their interests. They had the power to veto laws passed by the Patricians.

The first formal written laws of Ancient Rome, established to protect the rights of all citizens and prevent abuse by the elite. It helped ensure fairness for all.

The main governing body in ancient Rome. Members were elected by the citizens and served for one year. They held the power to lead the government and the army.

The advisory council of Ancient Rome, composed of senior senators. They advised the Consuls and other government officials.

The assemblies of Roman citizens. They held legislative, electoral, and judicial powers. These were groups where citizens could gather to make laws, choose officials, and judge cases.

A symbol of authority and jurisdiction held by Roman officials. It usually consisted of a bundle of rods bound around an axe.

The Romans expanded their territory through a series of conflicts with neighboring city-states, kingdoms, and empires, but they didn't force everyone to become Roman.

Rather than imposing their culture, the Romans, for the most part, allowed conquered communities to maintain their own cultural traditions and political institutions.

Conquered peoples were typically offered some form of Roman citizenship, which often included voting rights. However, voting required physical presence in Rome, so it didn't drastically change the political landscape.

To manage their expanding territories, the Romans created formal provinces and appointed officials to govern them. These provincial governors had considerable power and flexibility in addressing local issues.

The Romans aimed for a balance to ensure effective control. They gave governors enough authority over their regions to effectively address local concerns without overstepping their bounds.

A war between Romans and the Etruscans, ending with the complete conquest of all Etruscan city-states by 265 BC.

A series of wars between the Romans and Greeks that led to the loss of Greek colonies, culminating with the fall of Tarentum in 272 BC. This conflict is also known for its Pyrrhic victory, a victory achieved at a great loss.

The city of Rome, founded in 753 BC according to tradition, is named after its capital, Rome. This date and the story of Romulus and Remus founding the city are based on a myth.

This legend tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who escaped the fall of Troy and eventually settled in Italy, becoming the ancestor of the Romans. It's considered a mythological narrative that connects the Romans to the Trojan War and Greek mythology.

Rome's location on the Tiber River, near seven hills and fertile farming fields, made it a strategic trading center. This geographical advantage facilitated trade and the exchange of ideas with neighboring peoples, eventually leading to its growth and development.

The Etruscans, known for their craftsmanship and artistry, were a powerful people with a well-developed civilization in ancient Italy. They ruled over Rome and other parts of central Italy in city-states governed by kings.

The Latins were one of the major Italic groups who inhabited the central Italian peninsula. They are known for their strong cultural influence and their role in the founding and governance of ancient Rome.

The Greek presence in Southern Italy, specifically in regions like Apulia, brought with them their culture, language, and philosophies to the Italian peninsula. This created a complex mix of cultures and influenced the development of Roman civilization.

The Kingdom of Rome lasted from 753 BC to 509 BC. It was ruled by seven Etruscan kings, who established important institutions and expanded Roman territory. The last king, Tarquin the Proud, was overthrown in 509 BC, marking the end of the kingdom and the beginning of the Roman Republic.

The Roman Republic, lasting from 509 BC to 27 BC, brought significant political, social, and military changes. It started with the expulsion of the Etruscan king and established a system of elected officials and representative government. Early Rome was a time of internal consolidation and expansion, while the later Republic was marked by political instability and civil wars.