Topics 7-9 Test

Dawn of the Republic

509 BCE

Roman citizens were able to appoint a Centuriate Assembly to represent them in government and decision-making. The Assembly would then elect two leaders to take charge of the Republic- these two men were called the consuls. This was the beginning of the republican government system that would eventually lead to the fall of the Republic due to internal weaknesses and class struggles.

Etruscan Influence

500 BCE

There was no proper evidence of the Etruscan people ruling Rome, yet can be seen throughout ancient Roman legends. The Etruscans created new forms of military organizations and tactics, and led to the Romans thinking of themselves in individualistic ways. The great pride of the Romans was instilled through the details contained in these legends. Romans eventually overthrew the Etruscan king, and formed their own Republic.

Republic Expansion

338 BCE

The Republic began to expand its territory, and did so rather successfully. The Latin League communities that were conquered by Rome were offered a branch of citizenship, and were not punished. Those who accepted the citizenship must have sworn to support the Republic and offer their loyalty in times of battle. This movement was shown to favor the Republic greatly, as the new power that was acquired from conquered territories strengthened Rome's power greatly.

Pax Romana: the Roman Peace

Period: 1 CE to 200

Following the fall of the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire took root. During this time period, Romans were able to enjoy more stability in their lives, as they were protected from banditries. The Empire was also very wealthy, powerful, and idealized over most other civilizations. Augustus gained vast power, yet it was not questioned due to the effectiveness in the Roman reform.

End of the Republic

14

Octavian's death marked the end of the Republic. Earlier, however, it can be noted that all Roman leaders of the Republic were unsure of its direction, and led to a very unstable force of power. Tension also arose between the Romans and Egypt, as Octavian strived to defeat Cleopatra and her ally Mark Antony.

Citizenship to the Free

212

In order to make tax collection easier across Rome, Caracalla extended the branch of freedom to all free men and women of Rome. This act allowed for the Roman law to extend to nearly everyone contained within the Empire. Some principles that were established during this new grasp of law are still prevalent today, such as as moral interpretation compared to strict interpretations.

Walls to Crumble

270

Roman Empire leadership began to decrease, and a loss of territory and power began to strike the once-powerful Rome. The Empire not only faced external threats, but internal ones as well. The emperor himself was supposed to oversee all major finances, campaigns, and military power, but was limited to horseback messenger due to the massive size of the Empire.

Diocletian's Rule

284

Diocletian divided the power of the empire between four, therefore creating a Tetrarchy. By allowing for the spread of power, the Empire was pulled back from the edge of collapse. The wish of Diocletian with his Tetrarchy would be to one, aid in maintaining the large empire, but two, reducing the common pattern of assassinations.

Constantinople

324

Constantinople emerged from Constantine's wishes as Empire. This capital city acted as the bridge between the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire, where trade flourished. This city became the melting pot of wealth and prosperity for the Empire. Following emperors after Constantine created great fortifications for the Empire, which prevented enemy invasion for over 1,000 years to come.

The Fall of Rome

476

The Roman Empire was overtaken by a multitude of issues, both internal and external. There was no direct cause to the fall of the Empire, and is up for debate by many today. The Roman military was also severely underfunded and vulnerable due to a lack of organized funding. An unstable government also caused this once great empire to fall to its knees, as the weak economy caused a massive gap between the rich and the poor.