Topics 7-11 Study Guide
Topic 7:
Roman Military
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Wedge- forms a triangle and split the sides apart. This military strategy stops a big line.
The Tortoise- protective shell that covers all of them except their legs from arrows. This
military strategy stops a big line with arrows.
Repel Cavalry-men kneel on one leg in front, holding shields and arrows. The other side
cannot do anything. This military strategy is used for horses.
The Orb-circular formation where everyone is facing outward to protect each other, or
they had someone in the center they were protecting. This was used as a last resort.
Topic 8
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1st Punic War – Fought over Sicily dispute, won with corvus- a bridge that attaches to a
boat so Romans could cross over and reach the Carthaginians, Rome wins Sicily and
other nearby islands; Carthage leader Hamilcar
2nd Punic War – Hannibal travels through Southern Europe & Alps with war elephants,
destroys crops, Rome gets Hannibal to leave by attacking Carthage; Rome wins Spain
and other Carthaginian territory; Hannibal had motivation for war since father lost the
1st Punic War
3rd Punic War – Carthage has no army, but Rome scared of threat, strengthening the
economy of Carthage; Rome destroys Carthage and salts the fields
Topic 9
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Rome extremely powerful from Carthage destruction, but also way too confident
Rich/poor gap widens, as tribunes are killed and the rich rebuild the land that Hannibal
destroys
Some generals begin getting too powerful (Sulla, etc.) and seem to be ignoring the
republic system a little more.
Internal struggle-everyone wants more money and power, generals have too much
wealth and power.
Too many slaves to control, and Rome underestimates – Spartacus revolt is put down by
Roman army (Crassus) after almost destroying Rome
Slaves-poor conditions, treated awfully by Patricians. Training was intense, difficult, and
nonstop. Leads to slave revolt.
In the movie, Spartacus was crucified in real life he died in battle. Most other men were
crucified based off of Roman religion.
Topic 10
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General power strengthens – Rome agrees to have three powerful generals lead Rome;
this leads to the 1st Triumvirate- 3 powerful leaders (Crassus, Pompey, Julius Caesar)
Crassus extremely wealthy gives Julius Caesar money
Crassus dies conquering; Julius Caesar chases Pompey – killed in Egypt (is beheaded,
men who do this are killed=disrespect for Roman general)
Julius Caesar makes alliance with Cleopatra, Egypt ruler; returns to Rome and declares
dictator for life (dictator usually would only take place for 6 months – and in case of
extreme emergency)
Julius Caesar is well –liked by plebeians. He held gladiatorial games, great military
leader, had a lot of money, began as a tribune and lost money.
Know how Julius Caesar was killed; reasons why senators Brutus, Cassius planned
attack-Senators did not like that he was not following the Roman Republic and declared
himself dictator for life. Thought they needed to help protect Rome, hard decision
because so many people like Julius Caesar.
Topic 11
After Julius Caesar killed, his three close advisors take down Cassius/ Brutus. They form
the 2nd Triumvirate.
2nd Triumvirate (Octavian – Adopted Son; Mark Antony – Leading General; Lepidus –
General) runs Rome. Lepidus discounted early – weak. Antony chased down in Egypt ,
where he was ignoring leadership and hanging out with Cleopatra
Octavian gives power to the Senate, who in turn gives him power as Emperor. Rome
now an Empire. His new name is Augustus, which means “revered one.”
Augustus rational leader, focused on leadership. He begins the Pax Romana-period of
Roman peace, a 200 year period of relative peace in Rome.
Know what the role of the Senate is when Emperors existed
Augustus- revered one