Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Augustus

Augustus Caesar (Octavian) 



Background 

  • Born in Rome, Italy On September 23, 63 BC
  • Reigned in Rome from 27 BC- 14 AD
  • Became leader at the age of 18 after his uncle was assassinated
  • Gave up all his military power in 27 BC
  • Parents were Gaius Octavius and Atia Balba Caesonia
  • Had 3 wives; Clodia Pulchra (42 BC- 40 BC), Scribonia (40 BC- 38 BC), and Livia (37 BC- 14 AD)
  • Had one biological child (With Scribonia) named Julia, and four adopted children named Tiberius, Gaius, Agrippa, and Lucius
  • Died on August 19, 14 AD of illness


Achievements


  • 44 BC: Octavian is named as the heir of Rome (First Roman Emperor)
  • Defeated Cleopatra and Antony at the battle of Actium in 31 BC
  • Appointed Senator and propraetor
  • Revised the membership of the Senate
  • Elected Consul at the age of 19
  • Formed the second Triumvirate
  • Expanded the borders of the Empire
  • Rebuilt Rome into a city of marble





Cause of Death

  • Augustus died as a result of old age and failing health


Historical Significance



Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Spartacus

WHO was Spartacus? 

A gladiator, a barbarian and a slave. He's from Thrace (N. of Greece), Born around 100 BC, 

WHAT did he do?

He broke out of the Gladiatorial grounds (Spartacus and 70+ others), they then took refuge on Mt. Vesuvius. Spartacus attacks the camp from behind (he won). He changed slaves into soldiers (Metapontum). They went into war with the Romans, and defeated them. They got all the Romans weapons and wealth. Spartacus wanted to march to Sicily, where a large amount of grain was found. Pirates were going to help them out by bringing them across the river, but they never showed up. 6,000-10,000 of Spartacus' men died. He ran out of options and decided he could either fight or die. Spartacus was now outnumbered by the Romans, and Spartacus was captive to their wishes. The Romans defeated Spartacus and his soldiers, and took back all their weapons. 

WHY did he do it?

Spartacus wants freedom, so he marched form the south to the north (to Sicily) to try and leave, but then began traveling back south with his soldiers after the pirates that were going to help them, never showed up. 

WHEN did it happen?

Big revolt (73-71 BC) 


WHERE did it happen?

All over Italy

HOW did it end?

Spartacus continued to fight after his army fled, but was defeated by the Romans. 

WAS HE A HERO OR A VILLAIN?
He was a hero to his army, but a villain to the Romans. I think he was a hero for helping slaves escape from the school and training them to become soldiers all by himself. 




Friday, November 8, 2013

Roman Culture

FOOD
The most basic items that the Romans had in their meals consisted of barley, olive oil, and wine. The poor people often ate this, or porridge made out of grains. Porridge between the poor and rich was different. Fresh cheese, honey, eggs, barley, and barley wheat or oats made up the rich peoples porridge while the poor just had plain porridge made out of wheat, water, and milk. Rich people were luckier and had more options, one of them being meat. They had beef, pork, poultry, fowl, lamb, and fish. Although they had all this delicious food, they didn't even care what it tasted like. The more exotic the food was, the better. Rome was influenced by other cultures, and only had three meals a day. The first one, ientaculum, was followed by a light lunch (prandium), and finally a light supper (vasperna) and dinner (Coena- main course). During dinner, there are three courses. Gusatio, the first course, was very elaborate and usually consisted of eggs as an appetizer. Primae Minsae, the main course, included meat. Birds were a lovely choice, especially peacock because of how expensive it was. Sauces were included in most, if not all of their dishes. Last but certainly not least, dessert (secundae mensae). Fresh fruit, nuts and baked goods were served. Cheesecake and tarts were popular. 


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Early Conquests of the Roman Republic


  1. Who was Rome's enemy? (Describe the group of people and important leaders) 
  2. Why did it start? Rome wants to expand their territory. First Samnite War: In Capua, the Campani people gave Rome their land rather than have it fall into the hands of invaders (Samnites). Rome had already negotiated a peace treaty with the Samnites, so the Romans sent emissaries to tell the Samnites that Capua was under Romes protection. This caused war to break out. Rome won after two years of fighting. Latin War: The Latins were threatened by Romes growing power. 
  3. Where and when did the wars take place?In Capua; First Samnite war (343-341 BCE), Latin War (340-338 BCE), second Samnite war (326-304 BCE), Third Samnite war (298- 290 BCE), The Pyrrhic war (280-275 BCE),
  4. How was geography a factor?
  5. What key events took place? (2-3) Treaty of Cassius
  6. How was technology a factor?
  7. What tactics or strategies were used?
  8. How did the end result impact both sides?