Questions - Ancient Rome Flashcards
Unit 1
How did Rome’s geography affect the people who lived there?
The Mediterranean Sea provided the Romans access to trade routes, and the hills increased the difficulty of an invasion
At its peak, Ancient Rome consisted of which early ancient civilizations?
Ancient Rome once included Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia
How did the Greeks influence ancient Roman mythology?
The Romans adopted and modified Greek religion after learning it from Greek colonies established in Italy
Why was the story of Romulus and Remus important to the Romans?
The story explained the foundings of Rome
Why did Judea and Rome fight during the Roman-Jewish Wars?
The Jews were upset that the Romans actively disrespected their religion, and corrupt leaders heavily overtaxed Judea
What were the consequences of the Roman-Jewish Wars?
The Romans destroyed the Second Temple and forced all Jews to move away from Jerusalem
Jesus of Nazareth’s teachings of Judaism evolved into what other world religion?
Christianity
Jesus of Nazareth wrote the New Testament of the Bible to share his life, teachings, and instructions to the first churches.
The Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The epistles were mostly written by Paul
According to the Bible, why did some people believe Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah?
He performed several miracles, such as instantly healing people’s illnesses.
According to the Bible, what method did the Romans use to execute Jesus of Nazareth?
Crucifixion
According to Christianity, why did Jesus of Nazareth sacrifice his life?
His sacrifice was repayment for the wrongdoings of his followers and would help them enter Heaven
Which apostle contributed to the spread of Christianity by establishing several churches throughout the Roman provinces, writing most of the epistles in the New Testament, and sharing the religion with non-Jews?
Paul
Why is Constantine considered an important figure in world history?
He recognized Christianity as a religion and organized a convention to establish consistent teachings among churches. He was also a Roman Emperor and moved the capital of Rome to Constantinople
What did the Romans build across their empire for 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers) to improve the travel of armies and trade goods?
Roads
Why do some historians consider the Roman replicas of ancient Greek sculptures, despite being copies, a significant achievement?
Many of the original Greek sculptures are lost, but the Roman versions still allow us to appreciate their artwork today
What language was spoken in ancient Rome and is the source of many English words today?
Latin
Why did the Romans establish a tripartite government during the Republic?
The Romans believed in checks and balances to keep any group from becoming too powerful
Why did the Romans repeatedly expand the size of their territory?
The Romans wanted to increase their population to boost their tax revenue and the number of soldiers
What were the consequences of the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage?
The Romans conquered Gual and rose to power due to his popularity and victory in a civil war
Why is Julius Caesar considered an important figure in world history?
He was a general who conquered Gaul and rose to power due to his popularity and victory in a civil war
Why did several Roman senators murder Julius Caesar?
Caesar became a lifetime dictator of the Roman Republic, and some senators feared he would declared himself a king
Why did Marc Antony and Octavian start a civil war in Rome after Julius Caesar’s death and fight against each other at the Battle of Actium?
Octavian was upset that Antony broke their political alliance by divorcing Octavian’s sister and marrying Queen Cleopatra of Egypt instead
What event do historians consider the start of the Roman Empire?
Octavian was named Augustus by the Roman Senate and became the first citizen of the Roman government
How did the Imperial Crisis contribute to the decline of the Roman Empire?
There was inconsistent leadership with over twenty different emperors in fifty years
How did Diocletian attempt to save the Roman Empire?
He split the Roman Empire into two halves and appointed a co-emperor to rule alongside him
What was the most significant part of the Roman economy?
Agriculture
Why did Rome’s economy depend on the colonization of new territories?
The Romans gained access to new sources of labor and resources
How did using standard currency help support trade in ancient Rome?
The silver and gold used in coins were valuable to everyone and simplified trade
What were the three main economic problems that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire?
- Colonization and enslavement increased the gap between the wealthiest and the poorest Romans
- The empire was not able to conquer more territoy, which meant that there was no new tax revenue to support government spending
- The value of money decreased after several emperors lowered the amount of precious metals to make coins
What role did enslaved people play in the economy of the Roman Empire?
They provided labor on farms, mines, homes, and building projects that led to the economic success of the Roman Empire
Why was the Roman military a powerful and effective fighting force?
The soldiers were organized into larger and smaller groups so they could quickly adapt their battle strategy
What site was home to government buildings, religious temples, and a marketplace in ancient Rome and served as a spot for socializing and public speeches?
Forum
List the eras of ancient Roman history in chronological order: (Roman Empire, Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic).
Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, Roman Empire
Why did the plebeians protest against the Roman government and form their own council?
The plebeians could not hold political offices or participate in government
Which branch of the Roman Republic included different officials who commanded the military, judged court cases, organized festivals, and kept track of money?
Magistrates
What were the powers of the Senate in the Roman Republic?
The Senate debated policy and proposed potential laws to other officials
What were the assemblies and what were their powers?
The assemblies were voters who elected government officials, passed or rejected law proposals, served as a court of appeal for criminal cases, and declared war or peace with other civilizations
How were the dictators from the Early Roman Republic, such as Cincinnatus, perceived by the public?
The Romans did not see dictators as cruel or harmful rulers. Instead, they found them helpful during times of crisis to bring peace back to Rome
What was the name of Rome’s first written law code, which was displayed in the Roman Forum?
Twelve Tables
Why did Julius Caesar align himself with Pompey and Crassus to form the First Triumvirate?
Caesar wished to overrule the Senate and take control of the government
How did Augustus successfully establish himself as the first emperor of Rome?
He prevented civil wars, increased soldiers’ pay, expanded trade, and expanded the network of roads and aqueducts
Why was the rediscovery of Pompeii under layers of volcanic ash an important find for archeologists and historians?
Pompeii offers clues about life in an ancient Roman town and what happened during the volcanic eruption
How did the Romans use the Colosseum during ancient history?
They used it for gladiator fights and battle reenactments
Why did emperors and other government officials offer free entry and free food to the public at the Colosseum?
The events attracted good publicity and distracted people fromt heir difficult lives
How did the Huns’ invasion of the Goths’ territory affect the Roman Empire?
The Goths retreated from their land into Roman territory and eventually destroyed the city of Rome
