Decemvirate and Roman Law

The video explores the evolution of Roman law from the time of kings, focusing on the patrician control over legal texts and the eventual push for transparency led by the tribunes. The Decemvirate was established to codify Roman laws into the Twelve Tables, but their rule led to social strife and their eventual downfall. The plebeians continued to fight for equality, leading to significant reforms and the eventual integration of plebeian rights into Roman governance.

Who were the only ones allowed to read and examine Roman laws before they were written down?

• Tribunes

• Patricians

• Senators

• Plebeians

What was the main task of the Decemvirs?

• To run the country

• To condense all Roman laws into a single uniform code

• To collect taxes

• To wage wars

How many tables of law were initially written by the Decemvirs?

• Ten

• Fourteen

• Eight

• Twelve

What was the fate of Verginia during her trial?

• She was declared free

• She was declared a slave

• She escaped

• She was imprisoned

What action did Verginia's father take to 'set her free'?

• He bribed the judge

• He killed her with a butcher’s knife

• He helped her escape

• He appealed to the Senate

What was the result of the second Secession of the plebs?

• The plebs were defeated

• The Senate was dissolved

• The Decemvirs laid down their power

• The Decemvirs retained power

Which law reaffirmed the sacrosanctity of the tribunes?

• The first law enacted by Horatius and Valerius

• The fourth law enacted by Horatius and Valerius

• The second law enacted by Horatius and Valerius

• The third law enacted by Horatius and Valerius

What was the most important law enacted by Horatius and Valerius?

• Allowed plebeians to marry patricians

• Stated that laws passed in the plebeian council would be applicable to the whole population

• Reaffirmed the sacrosanctity of the tribunes

• Prohibited election of magistrates with no right of appeal

What is a possible reason for the Decemvirate being given total authority over the state?

• To establish a permanent new system of government

• To run the country more efficiently

• To wage wars more effectively

• To collect taxes more efficiently

What was the purpose of consular tribunes introduced in 444 BCE?

• To prevent plebeians from becoming consuls

• To collect taxes

• To wage wars

• To run the country