Foundations of Ancient Rome: Origins, Society, and Governance

The Origins of Rome and Early Italian Peoples

• When was the city of Rome founded? 8th Century BC
• Which groups of people inhabited the Italian Peninsula and the islands around it when Rome was founded? The Latins, Etruscans, and Greeks.
• Which group was settled in the area of Rome when it was founded? The Latins.
• In which area was there a significant number of Greek colonies? Southern modern-day Italy and the island of Sicily.
• What was the name of this area (Ancient Greece)? Magna Graecia (Greater Greece).
• When was it colonized? In the Archaic Period.
• What political system did Rome originally have? A Monarchy.

Key Concepts in Roman Governance and Society

True or False Statements: Early Roman History

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

• The Etruscans conquered Latium and organized the territory into city-states. [True/False]
• The patricians were a minority group in the Senate who controlled the land. They had citizen rights. [True/False]
• The plebeians had political power. [True/False]
• Comitia were assemblies formed by citizens in which magistrates were chosen, laws passed, and decisions about going to war taken. [True/False]
• A consul was a representative of the Senate who led the Roman government. There were two who served for one year. [True/False]
• The tribunes of the plebeians defended the interests of plebeians against abuses of power. [True/False]
• Princeps was a title given to the emperor which meant the first citizen of the state. [True/False]
• The legates were the representatives of the emperor in the imperial provinces. [True/False]
• The period of peace under the rule of Augustus (1st and 2nd centuries AD) is called the Pax Romana. [True/False]

True or False Statements: Roman Republic and Empire

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

• Rome became a Republic in 509 BC. [True/False]
• The rights and obligations of the plebeians were established in the Law of the Twelve Tables. [True/False]
• The Senate was made up of consuls. [True/False]
• In situations of emergency, a single senator held all powers. [True/False]
• Tribunes of the plebeians could veto decisions made by consuls. [True/False]

Comparing the Roman Republic and Empire