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The Second Triumvirate was an informal pact between three powerful Roman generals, lacking any legal basis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Second Triumvirate was not an informal pact but an official magistracy and extraordinary commission formally constituted by law, granting its members significant powers.
The Second Triumvirate was formally constituted in 44 BC, immediately following Julius Caesar's assassination.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Second Triumvirate was formally constituted by law in November 43 BC, not immediately following Caesar's assassination in 44 BC.
The primary objective of the Second Triumvirate was to restore the Roman Republic to its pre-Caesar state.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary objective of the Second Triumvirate was to reassert Caesarian control and wage war against Caesar's assassins (*liberatores*), not to restore the Republic to its pre-Caesar state.
The *lex Titia* granted the triumvirs the power to make or repeal legislation and issue judicial punishments without due process.
Answer: True
Explanation: The *lex Titia* conferred extensive authority upon the triumvirs, empowering them to legislate, enact judicial punishments without the necessity of due process or appeal, and appoint magistrates.
Mark Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian were the three members of the Second Triumvirate.
Answer: True
Explanation: The triumvirate officially comprised Mark Antony, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Gaius Octavius (Octavian).
The name 'Second Triumvirate' was commonly used by contemporaries to describe the alliance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The appellation 'Second Triumvirate' is a modern scholarly term; contemporaries did not use this nomenclature to describe the alliance.
Following Caesar's assassination, an initial settlement confirmed an amnesty for the assassins and abolished the dictatorship.
Answer: True
Explanation: An initial settlement after Caesar's assassination included an amnesty for the assassins and the abolition of the dictatorship, though this arrangement proved temporary.
The *lex Titia* granted the triumvirs powers similar to those of ordinary consuls.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *lex Titia* granted powers far exceeding those of ordinary consuls, including the ability to act without appeal (*sine provocatione*) and to issue judicial punishments without due process.
The triumvirate's legal term expired in 38 BC and was never renewed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The triumvirate's initial five-year term expired at the end of 38 BC but was renewed by law in 37 BC for another five years.
The legal term of the Second Triumvirate expired on December 31, 33 BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The renewed legal term of the Second Triumvirate concluded on December 31, 33 BC.
The triumvirs held *imperium maius*, allowing them to overrule provincial governors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The triumvirs possessed *imperium maius*, a superior form of authority that enabled them to override provincial governors and claim military victories.
The Second Triumvirate was established by the *lex Titia*, which was modeled on earlier laws granting extraordinary powers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The *lex Titia*, which established the Second Triumvirate, drew upon precedents set by earlier laws, such as the *lex Valeria* that granted Sulla extraordinary powers.
What was the primary legal instrument that formally established the Second Triumvirate?
Answer: The Lex Titia
Explanation: The Second Triumvirate was formally constituted by law through the *lex Titia*, an official magistracy and extraordinary commission.
Who were the three individuals appointed as members of the Second Triumvirate?
Answer: Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian
Explanation: The triumvirate officially comprised Mark Antony, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Gaius Octavius (Octavian).
What was the initial term granted to the members of the Second Triumvirate by law?
Answer: Five years
Explanation: The Second Triumvirate was formally constituted by law with an initial term of five years.
What was the main objective for which the Second Triumvirate was created?
Answer: To wage war against Caesar's assassins (*liberatores*)
Explanation: The primary objective of the Second Triumvirate was to reassert Caesarian control and wage war against the *liberatores*, the individuals responsible for Julius Caesar's assassination.
The name 'Second Triumvirate' is considered a modern misnomer because:
Answer: The term was not used during the historical period.
Explanation: The appellation 'Second Triumvirate' is a scholarly construct; contemporaries did not use this term to describe the alliance, rendering it a modern misnomer.
What was a key provision of the *lex Titia* regarding the triumvirs' judicial powers?
Answer: They could issue judicial punishments without due process or appeal.
Explanation: The *lex Titia* granted the triumvirs the authority to issue judicial punishments without the necessity of due process or appeal.
Which of the following was NOT a power granted to the triumvirs by the *lex Titia*?
Answer: Authority to declare war on foreign nations
Explanation: While the *lex Titia* granted powers such as legislating and appointing magistrates, the authority to declare war on foreign nations was typically reserved for the Senate and the people.
Following their formation, the triumvirs divided the eastern Roman world among themselves.
Answer: False
Explanation: The triumvirs divided the western Roman world into provinces; Antony primarily controlled the East after the Battle of Philippi, while Octavian managed the West.
Lepidus was forced out of the triumvirate by Octavian in 36 BC and confined to Africa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following his challenge to Octavian's authority after the defeat of Sextus Pompey, Lepidus was stripped of his powers and confined to Africa in 36 BC.
After Philippi, Antony took control of the western provinces, while Octavian managed the East.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the Battle of Philippi, Antony gained control of the East and Transalpine Gaul, while Octavian managed the western provinces.
Antony's affair with Cleopatra was primarily a political alliance with no personal involvement.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the relationship had political benefits for Cleopatra, ancient sources suggest Antony's involvement with Cleopatra was personal as well as political.
Antony marrying Octavia, Octavian's sister, was a move to solidify the alliance between the two triumvirs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marriage of Antony to Octavia, Octavian's sister, was a significant political gesture intended to solidify the alliance between the two triumvirs following the Treaty of Brundisium.
The Pact of Misenum in 39 BC involved peace with Sextus Pompey, granting him consulship in exchange for suppressing piracy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Pact of Misenum established a temporary peace with Sextus Pompey, granting him territories and a consulship in return for suppressing piracy and ensuring grain supplies.
After the defeat of Sextus Pompey, Lepidus was elevated to a more powerful position within the triumvirate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Instead of elevation, Lepidus was stripped of his triumviral powers and exiled by Octavian after attempting to challenge his authority following the defeat of Sextus Pompey.
Antony's divorce of Octavia was seen as a positive political move that strengthened his alliance with Octavian.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antony's divorce of Octavia alienated Italian public opinion and fueled Octavian's propaganda, thus weakening rather than strengthening his alliance with Octavian.
Gaius Maecenas was an opponent of Octavian who supported Antony's cultural initiatives.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gaius Maecenas was a prominent ally and supporter of Octavian, known for his patronage of arts and literature, not an opponent supporting Antony.
Which of the following provinces was assigned to Octavian after the triumvirs divided the Roman world?
Answer: Africa, Sardinia, and Sicily
Explanation: Following their formation, the triumvirs divided the western Roman world, with Octavian receiving Africa, Sardinia, and Sicily.
What happened to Lepidus after the Battle of Philippi and his subsequent challenge to Octavian?
Answer: He was stripped of his powers and forced into exile.
Explanation: After challenging Octavian's authority, Lepidus was stripped of his triumviral powers and provincial commands and forced into exile.
Who controlled Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia, posing a significant opposition to the triumvirs after Philippi?
Answer: Sextus Pompey
Explanation: Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great, controlled Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia, representing the last significant opposition to the triumvirs following the defeat of Brutus and Cassius.
How did Antony's position change after the Battle of Philippi?
Answer: He gained control of the East and Transalpine Gaul.
Explanation: Following the Battle of Philippi, Antony consolidated his power by reorganizing the eastern provinces and retaining control of Transalpine Gaul, significantly enhancing his position within the triumvirate.
Which treaty in 40 BC solidified the division of Roman territories between Antony and Octavian and included a marriage alliance?
Answer: Treaty of Brundisium
Explanation: The Treaty of Brundisium in 40 BC formalized the division of Roman territories between Antony and Octavian and included Antony's marriage to Octavian's sister, Octavia.
What was the significance of Antony marrying Octavia, Octavian's sister?
Answer: It was a political move to solidify the alliance between the two triumvirs.
Explanation: Antony's marriage to Octavia, Octavian's sister, served as a crucial political maneuver to reinforce the alliance between the two triumvirs after the Treaty of Brundisium.
The Pact of Misenum in 39 BC aimed to establish peace with Sextus Pompey by:
Answer: Granting him territories and a consulship in exchange for suppressing piracy.
Explanation: The Pact of Misenum sought peace with Sextus Pompey by confirming his territories and granting him a consulship, contingent upon his suppression of piracy and ensuring grain shipments.
The triumvirs defeated the *liberatores* at the Battle of Cannae in 42 BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The triumvirs defeated the *liberatores* (Brutus and Cassius) at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, not Cannae.
Sextus Pompey posed the last significant opposition to the triumvirs after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius.
Answer: True
Explanation: After the defeat of the *liberatores* at Philippi, Sextus Pompey, controlling Sicily and naval forces, represented the most substantial remaining opposition to the triumvirs.
The first Battle of Philippi resulted in the suicide of Cassius.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the first Battle of Philippi, Cassius, believing his forces were defeated, committed suicide.
The second Battle of Philippi was initiated by Brutus due to fears of desertions and supply issues.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fearing potential desertions and facing supply shortages, Brutus initiated the second Battle of Philippi, which resulted in his defeat.
The Perusine War was instigated by Antony and Octavian against Sextus Pompey.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Perusine War (41-40 BC) was instigated by Antony's brother and wife against Octavian, not against Sextus Pompey.
Antony's Parthian campaign was a significant military success, bolstering his prestige.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antony's Parthian campaign was a notable failure, marked by heavy losses during a difficult retreat, which significantly diminished his military prestige.
Octavian defeated Sextus Pompey at the Battle of Naulochus in 36 BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: Octavian's naval forces, led by Agrippa, achieved a decisive victory over Sextus Pompey at the Battle of Naulochus in 36 BC.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was a key general for Octavian, notably winning the Battle of Naulochus.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa served as a crucial general for Octavian, playing a pivotal role in securing victory at the Battle of Naulochus against Sextus Pompey.
The triumvirs achieved a significant victory against which group at the Battle of Philippi?
Answer: The *liberatores* (Brutus and Cassius)
Explanation: The triumvirs defeated the *liberatores*, led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.
What was the outcome of the first Battle of Philippi concerning Cassius?
Answer: He committed suicide, believing his side had lost.
Explanation: In the first Battle of Philippi, Cassius, under the mistaken belief that his forces had been defeated, committed suicide.
The Perusine War (41-40 BC) involved conflicts between forces led by Antony's brother and wife against:
Answer: Octavian
Explanation: The Perusine War was a conflict instigated by Lucius Antonius (Antony's brother) and Fulvia (Antony's wife) against Octavian.
How did Octavian finally defeat Sextus Pompey's naval power?
Answer: By building *portus Julius* and winning a naval campaign.
Explanation: Octavian, through extensive preparation including the construction of *portus Julius*, launched a successful naval campaign culminating in Agrippa's victory at the Battle of Naulochus.
What was the outcome of Antony's Parthian campaign?
Answer: A complete failure with significant retreat losses.
Explanation: Antony's Parthian campaign was unsuccessful, characterized by the destruction of siege engines, abandonment by allies, and substantial losses during a difficult retreat.
What was the outcome of the naval battles near Cumae and Messina in 38 BC?
Answer: Significant victories for Sextus Pompey.
Explanation: The naval engagements near Cumae and Messina in 38 BC resulted in significant victories for Sextus Pompey, although he did not fully capitalize on these successes.
Mark Antony illegally assigned himself the province of Africa in 44 BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Antony, as consul in 44 BC, illegally assigned himself the provinces of Cisalpine and Transalpine Gaul, not Africa.
Octavian marched on Rome after the Battle of Mutina to secure the consulship and gained the Senate's support against Antony.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Battle of Mutina, Octavian marched on Rome to secure the consulship, thereby gaining senatorial backing to oppose Mark Antony.
The proscriptions enacted by the triumvirs targeted only senators, resulting in the death of approximately 300 individuals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The proscriptions targeted both senators and equites, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300 senators and 2,000 equites, with their properties confiscated.
Cicero was killed because he supported Mark Antony during the proscriptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cicero, an eloquent ex-consul, was killed because he had politically opposed Mark Antony; he was targeted due to his activism against Antony.
Octavian's propaganda in 34 BC portrayed Antony as a strong and virtuous Roman leader.
Answer: False
Explanation: Octavian's propaganda in 34 BC depicted Antony as decadent and influenced by Cleopatra, rather than as a strong and virtuous Roman leader.
The triumvirs strictly avoided any traditional legal procedures, operating entirely outside republican norms.
Answer: False
Explanation: While wielding absolute power, the triumvirs generally maintained the facade of republican legality by passing legislation through assemblies and consulting the senate.
The 'donations of Alexandria' were seen as a positive diplomatic achievement by the Roman Senate.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'donations of Alexandria,' where Antony crowned his children with Cleopatra as monarchs, was perceived negatively in Rome and used by Octavian's propaganda to portray Antony as decadent.
The 'civil oath' organized by Octavian in 32 BC was a declaration of loyalty from Antony's soldiers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'civil oath' organized by Octavian in 32 BC was a declaration of loyalty from the Italian populace to Octavian himself, solidifying his support base.
Antony's public identification with Dionysus was an attempt to gain support in the western provinces.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antony's identification with Dionysus occurred during his reorganization of the eastern provinces and was likely an effort to bolster his image and support in the East, not the West.
The triumvirs' need for money led them to implement harsh measures like proscriptions and property confiscations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The triumvirs' severe financial requirements drove them to implement harsh measures, including proscriptions and property confiscations, to raise funds.
The proscriptions enacted by the triumvirs were primarily implemented due to:
Answer: A desperate need for funds.
Explanation: The triumvirs' severe financial requirements were the primary impetus for implementing the proscriptions, which involved confiscating properties to raise funds.
Who was Cicero, and why was he targeted during the proscriptions?
Answer: An ex-consul who opposed Antony; killed due to his activism.
Explanation: Cicero, an eloquent ex-consul, was targeted during the proscriptions because of his political opposition to Mark Antony and his activism against him.
The 'donations of Alexandria' ceremony, where Antony crowned his children with Cleopatra, was perceived in Rome as:
Answer: Decadent and influenced by Cleopatra.
Explanation: The 'donations of Alexandria,' where Antony crowned his children with Cleopatra as monarchs, was perceived negatively in Rome and used by Octavian's propaganda to portray Antony as decadent and influenced by Cleopatra.
What was the purpose of the 'civil oath' organized by Octavian in 32 BC?
Answer: To solidify support from the Italian populace.
Explanation: The 'civil oath' organized by Octavian in 32 BC was a declaration of loyalty from the Italian populace to Octavian himself, solidifying his support base as Antony's forces moved west.
How did the triumvirs attempt to maintain the appearance of republican legality despite their absolute powers?
Answer: By moving legislation through the senate and assemblies.
Explanation: While wielding absolute power, the triumvirs generally maintained the facade of republican legality by moving legislation through the senate and assemblies and making promises to eventually relinquish their powers.
What was the significance of Antony's divorce of Octavia in the propaganda war against Octavian?
Answer: It alienated Italian public opinion and fueled Octavian's propaganda.
Explanation: Antony's divorce of Octavia, his Roman wife, alienated Italian public opinion and provided Octavian with potent material for his propaganda campaign against Antony.
The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was a decisive victory for Antony and Cleopatra.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Actium in 31 BC resulted in a decisive victory for Octavian, marking the end of Antony and Cleopatra's power.
Antony and Cleopatra died by suicide in Rome after the Battle of Actium.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antony and Cleopatra died by suicide in Alexandria, Egypt, in 30 BC, after the Battle of Actium and Octavian's subsequent invasion of Egypt.
Caesarion, Julius Caesar's son by Cleopatra, was spared by Octavian and lived to old age.
Answer: False
Explanation: Caesarion, Julius Caesar's son by Cleopatra, was executed by Octavian in Alexandria in 30 BC, shortly after the city's capture.
The decisive naval engagement that effectively ended the conflict between Octavian and Antony was the:
Answer: Battle of Actium
Explanation: The Battle of Actium on September 2, 31 BC, was the decisive naval engagement where Octavian's forces defeated Antony and Cleopatra, effectively concluding their conflict.
What was the fate of Caesarion, Julius Caesar's son by Cleopatra, after the fall of Egypt?
Answer: He was executed by Octavian.
Explanation: Caesarion, Julius Caesar's son by Cleopatra, was executed by Octavian in Alexandria in 30 BC, shortly after the city's capture.
What was the military strength of Antony and Cleopatra at the start of the campaign leading to the War of Actium?
Answer: Approximately 100,000 men and 800 ships.
Explanation: At the commencement of the campaign that led to the Battle of Actium, Antony and Cleopatra commanded a substantial force comprising approximately 100,000 men and 800 ships.
The Second Triumvirate's period of absolute rule paved the way for the establishment of the Roman Empire.
Answer: True
Explanation: The triumvirate's consolidation of power and Octavian's subsequent reforms laid the groundwork for the Principate, effectively transitioning Rome from a Republic to an Empire.
According to Tacitus, the Roman Republic effectively ended with Octavian's victory at Actium.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Tacitus, the Roman Republic effectively ended with the triumviral victory at the Battle of Philippi, which left the republic disarmed.
The power of the triumvirs to appoint provincial governors set a precedent for the division of provinces under Augustus.
Answer: True
Explanation: The triumvirs' authority to appoint provincial governors established a precedent that influenced Augustus' later administrative reforms, including the division of provinces into military and civic categories.
Erich Gruen attributes the collapse of the Roman Republic primarily to economic mismanagement by the Senate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Erich Gruen attributes the collapse of the Roman Republic primarily to the prolonged and brutal conflicts following Caesar's assassination, rather than economic mismanagement by the Senate.
According to Tacitus, when did the Roman Republic effectively end?
Answer: Following the triumviral victory at the Battle of Philippi.
Explanation: The historian Tacitus posited that the Roman Republic effectively concluded with the triumviral victory at the Battle of Philippi, an event that rendered the republic defenseless.
What did the triumvirs' power to appoint provincial governors foreshadow for the future Roman government?
Answer: A precedent for the division of provinces into military and civic categories.
Explanation: The triumvirs' authority to appoint provincial governors established a precedent that influenced Augustus' later administrative reforms, including the division of provinces into military and civic categories.
Erich Gruen's view on the collapse of the Roman Republic emphasizes the role of:
Answer: Prolonged and brutal conflicts after Caesar's assassination.
Explanation: Erich Gruen posits that the collapse of the Roman Republic was primarily driven by the protracted and violent conflicts that ensued after Julius Caesar's assassination.
How did the triumvirs' actions impact traditional republican institutions like the Senate?
Answer: They undermined the Senate's authority while maintaining its facade.
Explanation: Although the triumvirs maintained the outward appearance of republican institutions, their actions and absolute powers significantly undermined the Senate's actual authority and functioning.