Origins of Rome and Roman Republic Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which group of people in ancient Rome was primarily comprised of the wealthy elite and held significant political power?

Plebians

Vestal Virgins

Senators

Patricians (correct)

What was the primary role of the Vestal Virgins in Roman society?

Political advisors to the Senate

Military leaders during wars

Guardians of the sacred fire (correct)

Head of religious ceremonies outside of Rome

Which event marked the shift from the Roman Republic to Imperial Rome following the assassination of Julius Caesar?

The Punic Wars

The establishment of the Second Triumvirate (correct)

The Civil War

The Gallic War

What significant military strategy did Hannibal famously employ during the Second Punic War?

Crossing the Alps with elephants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups in Roman society was known for their strict adherence to the written law and often clashed with the more flexible interpretations of the Sadducees?

The Pharisees Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Edict of Milan?

It legalized the practice of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the beginning of the tension between the Empire and the Papacy?

Lay Investiture Signup and view all the answers

Who was a prominent figure during the Byzantine Empire known for his ambitious building projects?

Justinian Signup and view all the answers

What is Arianism primarily concerned with?

The nature of Christ and his relationship to God. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Council of Nicaea?

To address the Arian controversy and formulate the Nicene Creed. Signup and view all the answers

Which battle is often marked as a turning point in the struggle against Muslim expansion in the West?

The Battle of Tours Signup and view all the answers

Which empire is characterized by its relationship with the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor?

The Carolingian Empire Signup and view all the answers

What led to the spread of the Black Death throughout Europe?

Trade routes and the Mongol Empire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 7.2: The Origins of Rome

Etruscans: General overview of the Etruscans
Etruscan Art: Characteristics and examples of Etruscan art
Etruscan Funerals/Necropolises: Details on Etruscan burial practices and sites
Etruscan Women: Information about Etruscan women's roles and lives
Roman Origins Mythology: Details on the mythical founding of Rome (Aeneas, Romulus, Remus)
Roman Monarchy's End: Events leading to the fall of the Roman monarchy
Patricians: Information about the Patrician class in ancient Rome
Plebians: Information about the Plebian class in ancient Rome
The Senate: The structure and role of the Roman Senate
The Vestal Virgins: Role and responsibilities of the Vestal Virgins

Week 8.1: The Roman Republic and the Punic Wars

The Consuls: Information concerning the Consuls
Dictator: Information on the role of the Dictator
Celtic Invasion: Details on the invasion of the Celts
Incorporation of Allies: Information on Rome's incorporation of allies.
King Pyrrhus: Facts and background on King Pyrrhus
Carthage: Information on the city-state of Carthage
The Punic Wars: General overview of the Punic Wars
Second Punic War: Details on the Second Punic War
Hannibal: Information about Hannibal and his role in the Punic Wars
Cannae: Details on the Battle of Cannae

Week 8.2: The End of the Republic

Marius: Information on the Roman general Marius
Sulla: Information on the Roman general Sulla
Roman "Slavocracy": Description of the "Slavocracy" period
Spartacus: Information on the slave revolt leader Spartacus
First Triumvirate: Description of the First Triumvirate
Crassus: Information on the Roman general Crassus
Pompey: Information on the Roman general Pompey
Julius Caesar: Highlights of Julius Caesar's career
The Gallic War: Details on Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars
The Civil War: The Roman Civil War
Caesar as Dictator: Caesar's rise to power as dictator

Week 9.1: Imperial Rome

Assassination of Caesar: Events surrounding Caesar's death
Octavian/Augustus: Facts and significance of Octavian/Augustus
Second Triumvirate: Details on the Second Triumvirate
Mark Antony and Cleopatra: Role and relationship of Mark Antony and Cleopatra
Suetonius and the Twelve Caesars: Information from Suetonius about the Caesars
Caligula: Facts regarding the emperor Caligula
Nero: Facts concerning the emperor Nero

Week 9.2: The Beginnings of Christianity / The Rise of Christianity

Second Temple Judaism: Overview of Second Temple Judaism
Roman Judea: Info on Roman Judea
Messianic Expectations: Details on the messianic expectations
Essenes: Information about the Essenes

Week 10.1/10.2: A Christian Empire

Roman Attitudes Towards Christians: Roman views on Christianity
Nero and the Great Fire: Events relating to Nero and the Great Fire
Agrippina: Facts about Agrippina
St. Perpetua: Info relating to the saint St. Perpetua
A Christian Empire Continued: Further details on the expansion of Christianity
The Pax Romana: Details on the Roman Peace
Commodus: Information about the emperor Commodus
Crisis of the Third Century: Details of the Crisis of the Third Century
Diocletian: Details about the Roman emperor Diocletian
The Tetrarchy: Information on the Tetrarchy
Diocletian's Persecution of Christians: Diocletian's persecution of Christians
Constantine: Details on Constantine the Great
Helena: Info relating to Helena
Battle of Milvian Bridge: Details on the Battle of Milvian Bridge
Edict of 313 (AKA Edict of Milan): Details on the Edict of Milan

Week 11.1: A Christian Empire Part II and Gladiators

Arius and Arianism: Discussion of Arius and Arianism
Council of Nicaea/Nicene Creed: Facts about the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed
The Circus Maximus: Information on the Circus Maximus
The Colosseum: Details on the Colosseum
Wild Animal Slaughters: Facts on wild animal slaughters
Edict of Thessalonica: Details on the Edict of Thessalonica

Week 11.1: The End of Antiquity and Byzantium

The Goths: Information about the Goths
The Vandals: Information about the Vandals
Odoacer and Theoderic: Information on Odoacer and Theoderic
Barbarian Kingdoms in the West: Details on the Barbarian Kingdoms
The Byzantine Empire: Description of the Byzantine Empire
Prokopios/Procopius and the Secret History: Info on Prokopios/Procopius
Justinian: Facts concerning the emperor Justinian
Theodora: Information relating to Theodora

Week 12: The Rise of Islam, Charlemagne, and New Roman Empires

Muhammad: Information on the prophet Muhammad
Prophets and Messengers (in Islam): Information on Islamic prophets
The Qur'an/The Koran: Details on the holy book of Islam
The Kaaba and the Black Stone: Information about the Kaaba and Black Stone
Mecca: Information on the city of Mecca
Medina: Information on the city of Medina
The Covenant of Umar: Details on the Covenant of Umar

Week 13.1: Empire vs Papacy

The Medieval Church (hierarchy): Information on the Medieval Church hierarchy
Bishops: Information on the role of Bishops
Priests: Information on the role of Priests
The Laity: Information on the laity
Apostolic Succession: Discussion of Apostolic Succession
The Papacy/The Pope: Details on the Papacy
Rise of the Papacy: Details on the rise of the Papacy
Pope Leo the Great: Info on Pope Leo the Great
Decline of the Papacy: Details on the decline of the Papacy
Pope Leo III: Information about Pope Leo III.
Lay Investiture: Discussion on lay investiture.
Pope Gregory VII: Info concerning Pope Gregory VII, and his role.
Emperor Henry IV (Holy Roman Emperor): Info concerning Emperor Henry IV
Concordat of Worms: Details on the Concordat of Worms

Week 13.2: The Black Death

The Mongol Empire: Information concerning the Mongol Empire
Siege of Caffa: Details on the Siege of Caffa
The Black Death (in general): General information about the Black Death

Week 13.2: The Medieval Church at Its Height and Inferno

Pope Innocent III: Information on Pope Innocent III
The Medieval Catholic Afterlife (Hell and Purgatory): Details on the Medieval Catholic Afterlife
The Sacrament of Confession: Details on the sacrament of confession
Dante and the Inferno: Information relating to Dante and the Inferno
Pope Boniface VIII: Info concerning Pope Boniface VIII

Week 15.1: The Italian Renaissance and the Decameron

Petrarch: Info relating to Petrarch
The Letter to Posterity: Details relating to Petrarch's Letter to Posterity
The Ascent of Mt. Ventoux: Info on the ascent of Mt. Ventoux
Leonardo da Vinci: Info concerning Leonardo da Vinci
Raphael (and The School of Athens): Info on Raphael and The School of Athens
Michelangelo (and David, the Pieta, the Sistine Chapel): Info on Michelangelo and his works
Boccaccio and The Decameron: Info relating to Boccaccio and the Decameron

Week 15.2: Christine de Pizan and the Treasure of the City of Ladies

Christine de Pizan and the Treasure of the City of Ladies: Info relating to Christine de Pizan and her work.
Machiavelli and the Prince: Info about Machiavelli's work "The Prince"

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Description

Explore the fascinating origins of Rome, including the Etruscans, their art, and funeral practices. Learn about the mythical founding of Rome and the roles of Patricians, Plebians, and the Senate. Dive into the transition from monarchy to republic and the impact of the Punic Wars on Roman society.