Exam No. 1: Rome

Question 1

What is hubris and how did it play a part in the fall of the Roman Empire?

Answer 1

Hubris means, “excessive pride”, which played a part because the rulers thought too highly of themselves, therefore only benefiting the rich, causing the poor to revolt.

Question 2

What are three Roman innovations and how do they help us today?

Answer 2

Order doesn’t matter

1. The calendar because it helps us organise our plans for our future.
2. Concrete because without it, travel would be much harder, but when roads are much better paved, we can go farther and faster.
3. Roads because we can travel to farther places now. Roads connect different parts of the world to other parts, making it easier on everyone.

Question 3

What were the two basic leadership structures in Rome?

Answer 3

1. The Republic, which was comprised of 3 branches: Legislative (the Senate), Executive (Consuls), and the Assembly (Plebeians).
2. The Empire, which was comprised of on all-powerful emperor.

Question 4

What are some pros and cons of each leadership structure? (e.g. Empire, Republic)

Answer 4

Empire:
-Pros: Only one overall leader; easier to make decisions.
-Cons: Hubris, citizens don’t get a voice.
Republic:
-Pros: Two leaders, louder voice for the people, Senate.
-Cons: Leaders may veto each other; Senate are only rich and powerful people.