Roman Senate and Its Legacy

The Roman Senate, a key political institution, evolved from an advisory council in the Regal period to a powerful body during the Republic, characterized by aristocracy and corruption. Its intertwining with religion and politics was significant, with many senators also serving as priests. The transition to the Empire saw the Senate's power diminish as emperors like Augustus reshaped it to suit their needs. Despite its decline, the Senate's structure influenced modern legislative systems, reflecting a cosmopolitan nature and a shift from religious to secular roles.

What was a key difference between the Roman Senate and modern senates?

• The Roman Senate was an aristocratic body.

• The Roman Senate was a secular institution.

• The Roman Senate was elected by the people.

• The Roman Senate had no legislative power.

How did the Roman Senate maintain its power during the Republic?

• By avoiding involvement in wars.

• By representing the will of the Plebians.

• Through corruption and self-interest.

• By enacting egalitarian policies.

What was the role of the Assemblies in the Roman Republic?

• They were a democratic body representing all citizens equally.

• They had no influence on the Senate's decisions.

• They were responsible for electing the king.

• They were dominated by the upper classes and underrepresented the Plebians.

Which priestly college was responsible for reading divinations for the Senate?

• The Fetials

• The Pontifs

• The Augurs

• The Decemviri

What was a unique feature of the Vestal Virgins in relation to the Senate?

• They were often related to Senators.

• They were drawn from the Plebian class.

• They had no connection to the Senate.

• They were male priests.

How did Augustus reshape the Senate during his rule?

• He abolished the Senate entirely.

• He increased the number of Senators to 1000.

• He introduced morality and wealth clauses for Senators.

• He made the Senate a purely religious body.

What was a consequence of the new senatorial class created by Augustus?

• It allowed Senators to come from outside Rome and Italy.

• It limited the Senate to only Patrician families.

• It made the Senate a democratic institution.

• It abolished the role of the Emperor.

What role did the Senate play in the later Byzantine Empire?

• It was responsible for military strategies.

• It was a purely religious body.

• It was an advisory body for the emperor.

• It had no influence on the emperor's decisions.

How did the Christianization of Rome affect the Senate?

• It increased the Senate's religious significance.

• It made the Senate the head of the church.

• It led to the Senate's complete dissolution.

• It stripped the Senate of its older religious role.

What is a key takeaway about the Roman Senate's legacy?

• It served as a precursor to modern legislative systems.

• It was entirely negative and had no positive aspects.

• It was a perfect model for modern democracy.

• It was identical to modern senates in every way.