political and historical background to the civil war

Created by

Ruby Squires

Cards (41)

event: 264 - 146 BC - the Romans are busy with the Punic Wars (against Carthaginians and Hannibal)
264-146 BC consequence: the Punic Wars dominate Roman foreign affairs. Romans are aware of problems in the East, but not very active until about 200
Punic Wars - Aeneid references: Dido's curse  
Fabius the delayer fought Hannibal; Scipio the Elder defeated Hannibal in 202; Scipio the Younger destroyed Carthage in 146
214-146: Macedonian Wars 
they start by Rome supporting Greece against Philip of Macedon and end with Rome conquering Greece and destroying Corinth
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
tremendous wealth flows into Rome from the treasures seized in the wars and the taxes imposed on the conquered countries
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
new customs, literature and philosophy spread to Rome
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
claims that wealth and luxury are undermining traditional values
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
the gap between the rich governing classes and the poor increases, and instability among the rulers
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences
oligarchic equality acquires cracks and fissures
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
large areas of land are bought up by the rich and farmed by slaves
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
returning slaves and poor farmers move to the cities
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences
overcrowding
214-146: Macedonian Wars consequences  
weakening of patriarchal units
214-146: Macedonian Wars: Aeneid references  
the descriptions of rich possessions and decor of the Trojans and Carthaginians
214-146: Macedonian Wars - Aeneid references  
compare rich possessions with simplicity of Evander's lifestyle
214-146: Macedonian Wars - Aeneid references
Mummius sacked Corinth
133: Civil unrest in Rome
100s killed; veterans unhappy; Senate wants more wars and more money, not concerned with welfare of state
133: Civil unrest in Rome - consequences  
Tiberius Gracchus attempt reforms but are defeated
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
After the reforms: some increase in small farms, but still problems with land
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
tribunes (officials who support the interests of the people) have more power to protect the poor
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
public assemblies have power
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
Senate less powerful
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
overseas colonies set up to alleviate crowded conditions
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
corn dole set up for citizens
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
equites have more power
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms consequences  
attempts to extend citizenship to Latin allies, and Latin status to Italian allies, fail
123: Gaius Gracchus' reforms - Aeneid references  
'who would be without the Gracchi?' (book 6) - they are mentioned because they promised the role of the tribune, the supporter of the people, a role that Augustus was pleased to hold
119-78 Civil War between Marius and Sulla - consequences  
they establish that a man with an army behind him can march on Rome and intimidate the Senate
63: events  
Catiline plots to overthrow Rome.
Cicero speaks against him in the Senate.
Catiline is killed
63: consequences  
Caesar becomes dictator for life
63: consequences  
some politicians want a return to the Republic
63: consequences  
others realise that a new system is need to rule an empire
63: Catiline - Aeneid references  
Catiline on shield
63: Aeneid references  
JC and Pompey in pageant in book 6
63: Aeneid references 
JC is Augustus' great uncle and adoptive father
60: events 
JC, Pompey and Crassus rule together
53: events 
Crassus dies
49: events 
JC declared war on Pompey; Pompey defeated
44 BC: events  
JC is assassinated by conspirators, including Brutus
44: Aeneid references  
Brutus (ancestor), Octavian in Pageant