History Of Rome

Front 1

· Who was Romulus? How was his childhood unconventional?

Back 1

Romuluswas one of two twins who was supposed to be drowned in the Tiber river by orderof the king. The Tiber river hadoverflowed, so the two boys were left on the river bank under a fig tree wherea she-wolf found them and nurtured them. A herdsman, Faustulus found them andbrought them back to his wife Larentia. The boys grew up as shepherds when in reality they were of royal blood.

Front 2

· Under what circumstances was Rome founded?

Back 2

Romewas founded out of jealousy and ambition between the two brothers. Once it was discovered that they were from aroyal bloodline, a decision had to be made on who would govern. It was supposed to be decided by signs fromthe Gods, but they ended up getting into a fight and Romulus killed Remus. Therefore, the new built city was named Rome.

Front 3

· From where did Romulus and Remus originate?

Back 3

Romulusand Remus were twins born to Rhea Vilvia. Rhea was known as the Vestal Virgin and claimed that Mars was thefather. When the king found out that shewas pregnant, he put her in prison and ordered that the boys be drowned in theTiber river.

Front 4

· How would you describe or characterize therelationship between Romulus and Remus?

Back 4

Theboys grew up hunting together in the woods and they shared their stolen goodswith everyone, so I characterize their early relationship as normal between twobrothers. The jealousy and ambition didnot start until they found out that they were from a royal bloodline and thenRomulus killed his brother out of rage.

Front 5

· Ultimately, what are the Romans saying aboutthemselves?

Back 5

Romansare defined by their blood lines and royalty is considered divine while poorpeople are disregarded as having no self-worth. Ranking was critical as far as social classes were concerned.

Front 6

· How do Romulus and his actions demonstrate the Romanpsyche and Roman values?

Back 6

Romans are dedicated to their Gods and Romulus madesure to respect traditions established by the Gods. For example, the Pinarii family was late toHercules dinner feast in celebration of establishing a new altarsacrifice. Because the family was late,they were never to be served again at a sacrifice for Hercules for generationsto come until the family became extinct

Front 7

· What aspects of the story seem fictional and factbased?

Back 7

It is hard to believe that a cloud enveloped Romulusand carried his body up on high by a whirlwind, yet troops claimed his divinityand hailed him as a god. The story seemsfictional, but the fact is that his people believed their king was immortal

Front 8

· How does Livy portray Lucius Tarquinius Superbus?

Back 8

Tarquinwas a tyrant that ruled by power and fear. He enslaved his people and plundered cities for their wealth with noremorse as long as he could continue to build his empire. He demeaned bravesoldiers by robbing them of their swords and turning them into stone cuttersand sewer cleaners.

Front 9

· How are we left feeling about the last king of Rome?

Back 9

Thathe died in humility and left no legacy to his people, other than being exiledin disgrace. In the end, he got what hedeserved.

Front 10

Underwhat circumstances is the Roman Republic launched?

Back 10

Once free, the Romans established a republic, agovernment in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. Arepublic is quite different from a democracy, in which every citizen isexpected to play an active role in governing the state. Romulus proceeded to temper strength withpolicies by establishing an unified body.

Front 11

· Ultimately, what does Livy indicate Brutus was aimingfor politically by expelling Tarquin from Rome?

Back 11

Once free, the Romans established a republic, agovernment in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. Arepublic is quite different from a democracy, in which every citizen isexpected to play an active role in governing the state. Romulus proceeded to temper strength withpolicies by establishing an unified body.

Front 12

· How would you characterize the role Lucretia, and howdoes she embody the values of a Roman woman?

Back 12

oman women live by honor and respect. When that honor was taken from Lucretia byforce, she was disgraced even though her heart was innocent. She knew that it was not her fault, yet shekilled herself in order to die honorably. That one simple act changed Roman history.

Front 13

· Do you find her actions outrageous, harsh, practical,traditional, etc.?

Back 13

Ithink her actions were practical and makes sense for that time in history wherehonor is everything.

Front 14

· What aspects of the story seem fictional and factbased?

Back 14

Itseems fictional that one indecent behavior of rape changed the entire Romanhistory, yet Romans lived by the code of respect and honor. So, it does make sense that the peopledemanded that the king and his family be exile rather than killed. For a king, there is nothing worse than tolive a life of disgrace and humility.