Founding of Rome Overview

The Sabine women, kidnapped by Romulus to populate Rome, intervened to stop fighting between their husbands and Roman men. This signified peace between the Romans and Sabines, showcasing their integration into Roman society.

A period of great political and societal change in Rome, lasting from 753 BC to 509 BC.

A time in Rome's history after the monarchy, characterized by elected officials with a focus on diffused power and checks and balances.

The most important advisory body in the Roman Republic, consisting of seasoned statesmen. They advised magistrates and were responsible for making major decisions.

Elected officials in the Roman Republic who held ultimate power. They led armies, oversaw the Senate, and served one-year terms.

The assemblies in the Roman Republic played crucial roles in electing officials, passing laws, and handling foreign affairs. Some were controlled by the elite.

The Roman government's philosophy after the monarchy, aiming to prevent the return of kingship by distributing power, using checks and balances, and maintaining a balance between different social groups.

The struggle in the Roman Republic between the patrician class and the plebeian class, each striving for political power and social rights.

The upper class of Roman citizens, who held most of the political and social power.

The common people of Rome, who made up the majority of the population but had limited political rights.

The first written laws of the Roman Republic, inscribed on 12 bronze tablets, covering aspects of personal rights, property, and legal procedures.

A social and political system in ancient Rome where wealthy and powerful individuals (patrons) provided support and protection to commoners (clients) in exchange for loyalty and services.

A long series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage, a powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa, fought for control of the Mediterranean Sea.

The founder of Rome according to Roman mythology, twin brother of Remus, and said to have been a descendant of the war god Mars. His name means 'strong'.

Twin brother of Romulus, also considered a founder of Rome in Roman mythology, helped his brother build the city walls.

A group of people who migrated to Rome from different parts of Italy. They built the city and society we know today.

A bundle of rods tied together with an axe, symbolizing the power of magistrates to enforce the law, including the right to execute.

The Etruscans were a powerful civilization in Etruria (modern-day Tuscany) who greatly influenced early Rome. They lived from around 1000-509 BCE and were neighbors to the Latins.

The Etruscans had gods who were human-like and were central to their religious practices, a belief adopted by the Romans.

A massive drainage system built by the Etruscans, which became an essential part of Roman infrastructure.

The Etruscan alphabet heavily influenced the development of the Roman alphabet.

The Roman Monarchy ended in 509 BCE due to the tyranny of the last king, Tarquin the Proud. His son, Sextus Tarquinius, raped Lucretia, leading to her suicide and a revolt against the monarchy.

The 'course of honors' or the sequence of political offices a Roman politician had to hold to eventually become consul.

Two magistrates elected annually to lead the government and military. They had executive powers and could veto each other.

A large public space in ancient Rome that served as the center of political, social, and commercial life. It hosted the People's Assembly, the Senate chamber, and the Rostra, as well as serving as a meeting place, marketplace, law court, and political arena.

A set of elected officials representing the interests of the Plebeians. They were created as a concession to the Plebs during the struggle for greater political representation. These officials held significant power and had the right to veto governmental decisions. You needed to be a Plebeian to be elected as a Tribune.

A wealthy social class in Republican Rome that consisted of businesspeople. They were often associated with the cavalry and held a prominent position in society, but initially did not participate in government. They were distinguished from Senators by a thin purple stripe on their toga.

A six-month position in the Roman government that was only appointed during times of crisis. These individuals held supreme power during their term, overseeing all aspects of government.

A form of assembly in ancient Rome that elected certain officials, including the Consuls. It was organized based on military units, giving greater power to the wealthy who could afford to equip themselves for military service.

A powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa renowned for its navy and trade. It became Rome's major rival in the Mediterranean.

Payments made by a defeated nation to the victor as compensation for war damages. Think of it as reparations plus more, covering losses beyond just physical damage.

A Carthaginian general known for his brilliant military strategy, famous for crossing the Alps with elephants to lead a surprise attack on Rome.

A decisive victory for Hannibal over Rome in 216 BC, considered one of the greatest tactical feats in military history. It significantly weakened Rome during the Second Punic War.

The traditional political career path in the Roman Republic. It was a structured path leading to the highest offices, offering specific positions at different stages.

The authority granted to high-ranking Roman officials. It included the power to command armies, administer justice, and govern provinces.

The highest elected office in the Roman Republic, with two consuls sharing executive power and commanding armies. They had one-year terms.

The son of Aphrodite/Venus, Aeneas fled Troy after its fall and settled in Latium, Italy. According to Roman belief, he founded Rome, making him a vital figure in their origins story.

The Roman historian Livy wrote about the founding of Rome, focusing on Romulus and Remus, twins raised by a she-wolf. They eventually established Rome after a conflict where Romulus killed his brother.

Virgil, a Roman poet, told the story of Aeneas in his epic poem 'Aeneid'. This poem plays a crucial role in shaping Rome's identity and origin myth.

The Etruscans were a powerful civilization in Etruria (modern Tuscany) who influenced early Rome. They were a neighboring civilization that exerted significant cultural influence on the Romans.

Fasces, a symbol of political authority, were introduced by the Etruscans. It consisted of a bundle of rods tied with thongs and often included an axe. The axe signified a magistrate's power to inflict capital punishment.

The Etruscans believed in anthropomorphic gods, gods that resembled humans. This belief system was later adopted by the Romans, becoming central to their religious practices.

While the Romans had their own deities, many of them were adopted from Etruscan mythology, showcasing the Etruscan cultural impact on Roman society. This cultural exchange was significant for Roman religion and beliefs.