CLAS 150: Week Ten

Key Terms, Dates, Individuals

Tiberius Gracchus        Gaius Gracchus        senatus consultum ultimum        Gaius Marius

Social War 90-88 BC        L. Cornelius Sulla        Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey)        Marcus Licinius Crassus

Gaius Julius Caesar        animism        Janus            Jupiter        Mars        Venus

Sibylline books        auspices, augury        Penates        Lares        Lupercalia

Issues, Questions to Consider

• From the beginning to the middle of the second century, Rome was open to a number of  important economic, social and political pressures (what your textbook labels "The Transformation", p.316).   What were some of the problems Rome was facing during this time?
• Tiberius Gracchus became tribune of the plebs in 133 BC.   What were some of the policies he implemented?
• What sorts of opposition did he face?   Was he successful in accomplishing his goals?
• What were some of the policies Gaius Gracchus introduced as tribune of the plebs?   Did he have any more success than his brother?
• What can the experiences of the Gracchi tell us about the problems afflicting Roman society in the late second century?
• Who was Gaius Marius?   How can we understand Gaius Marius within the context of Roman society in the late second century?
• What led to the Social War?
• Who was Sulla?  Describe his rise to power in Rome.
• What were the basics of the "Sullan constitution?"    What problems was he trying to eliminate?
• How did Pompey rise to primacy in Roman politics?  
• What were Crassus' claims to influence?
• Describe the early career of Julius Caesar.
• Define animism.  Can you give some examples of animistic deities?
• Compare and contrast some of the basic, underlying principles of Greek and Roman religion.
• Discuss the relationship between Greek and Roman gods.
• Were Romans tolerant of foreign gods and religions?  Examples?
• Discuss some of the basic forms of Roman religious practice.
• What was the Lupercalia?   Why is it important?