Unit 2 Classical Greece and Rome Questions

What were the effects of the Fall of Rome on Western Europe? (What caused Rome to fall and what did that lead to?)

• Western Roman Empire lasted until 476 CE when Rome fell to invading Germanic tribes

• Impacts of the fall of Rome on Western Europe include:

  • Disunity and fragmentation with the empire

  • Lack of a strong, central government

  • Disruption and decline of trade

  • Population became more rural as cities declined

  • Created an economic, social, and political vacuum in Europe which led to a period often called the Dark Ages

What reasons did Athens develop democracy? 

The inequality (growing gap between rich and poor) & lack of representation

What is the significance of the Pax Romana? What was this time period known for? 

• Roman peace

• Lasted 200 years – 27 B.C.E. – 180 C.E.

• Occurred under Augustus Caesar and lasted until death of Marcus Aurelius

• Period of unprecedented economic prosperity; considered a golden age

• Many scientific and technological innovations, such as:

  • Advanced road networks, bridges, and aqueducts

  • Concrete

  • Arches, baths, Colosseum

  • Construction of the Pantheon (one of the largest freestanding domes)

How did Rome make an impact on democracy? (Did they change anything? Create something, etc?) 

• Fundamental ideas and institutions of Western civilizations that originated in Rome were the: Roman Republic & Representative democracy

• Rome’s legal code was established in the Twelve Tables which is a written law code that affirmed the concept of equality tinder the law for all free male citizens and governed judicial proceedings which was significant in the development of the Roman Republic

What did Rome’s government look like? Who was involved? What was their job? 

Government led by:

• Two consuls: (magistrates) led the military and are the supreme masters of the government. They bring matters requiring debate before the Senate

• Senate: proposes laws and has the control of the treasury, handles crimes requiring investigation, send diplomats to a foreign country to make peace/proclaim war

• Council of assemblies:(the people), grant office to those running in elections, final say in passing or repealing laws, and final decision on peace and war