Roman Republic Overview

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Questions and Answers

What significant action did Caesar take that directly defied the senate's authority?

He appointed himself governor of Gaul.

He abolished the position of consul.

He declared war on Pompey.

He took his army across the Rubicon River. (correct)

What was one of the major reforms that Caesar implemented during his rule?

He granted Roman citizenship to many in the provinces. (correct)

He disbanded the legions.

He reinstated traditional Roman values.

He reduced the power of the senate.

Which of the following battles did Caesar NOT participate in after crossing the Rubicon?

The battle of Greece

The battle of Egypt

The battle of Spain

The battle of Gaul (correct)

What led to Caesar's assassination in 44 B.C.?

His ambition to become king. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase did Caesar reportedly utter before his assassination?

Et tu, Brute? Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the reforms proposed by Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus?

They were met with violent opposition leading to their deaths. Signup and view all the answers

How did the military dynamics change during the period of upheaval in the Roman republic?

Soldiers became more loyal to their commanders than to the republic. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted many small farmers to sell their lands and become homeless?

Inability to compete with large estates run by enslaved labor. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable result of the civil war that followed the deaths of the Gracchus brothers?

An increase in military leaders' power and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Julius Caesar's political alliance in 60 B.C.?

It represented the merging of wealth and military power in Rome. Signup and view all the answers

What virtue described the Roman values of discipline, strength, and loyalty?

Gravitas Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor is known for the considerable building program during his reign?

Hadrian Signup and view all the answers

What was a common aspect of the administration of Nero?

Feared treason and executed many Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor's reign marked the consolidation of earlier conquests?

Hadrian Signup and view all the answers

During the period of the Roman Empire, most people lived in which environment?

Countryside working on farms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Roman Republic

Early Romans established a republic, gaining significant power and influence.
Rome's civilization emerged from a small settlement to a vast Mediterranean empire.
Rome's origins, according to legend, date back to 753 B.C. with the founding by Romulus and Remus
The city was strategically built on seven rolling hills at the curve of the Tiber River, midway between the Alps and Italy's south, near the midpoint of the Mediterranean Sea.
Early settlers were primarily Latins.
The Etruscans heavily influenced Roman architecture.
The early republic was marked by conflict between patricians (wealthy landowners) and plebeians (common farmers, craftspeople, and merchants.)
Patricians originally held most of the power, while plebeians were citizens with voting rights but faced limitations.
Twelve Tables, a written law code, protected the rights of plebeians.

The Early Republic

The Romans rejected the monarchy, forming a republic in 509 B.C.
A republic is a form of government in which power rests with the citizens who vote for leaders.
Patricians were the wealthy landowners who held considerable power.
Plebeians were the common farmers, laborers. and merchants, constituting the majority.

Rome Spreads Its Power

Rome's power grew slowly, extending across Italy.
Roman authority extended over nearly all of Italy by 265 B.C.
Different treatment was established for various conquered territories in Italy : some became citizens of Rome, others allies.
The Roman Army was a strong force and key to spreading Rome's power.
The Punic Wars were a series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage (264 B.C. -146 B.C).
Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, led a famous invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War (218-202 B.C).
The Roman legions' military strategy and organization proved critical to Rome's successes.

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Description

Explore the foundational aspects of the Roman Republic, from its legendary origins to the establishment of a written law code with the Twelve Tables. This quiz covers key social dynamics, the influence of Etruscans, and the power struggles between patricians and plebeians. Test your knowledge on how early Romans shaped their governance and society.