ANCIENT ROME STUDY GUIDE

 Rome’s first government was under the rule of the Etruscan kings. By 509 BCE, the Romans rebelled and created a _____

republic

Under the new republic, Rome was split into two social classes. The wealthy, upper class were the ______________ and the common, lower class were the _______________. 

patricians and plebeians

The Roman republic was divided into two positions. The first was a group of 300 men called the _______________. This group made laws and served for life. The other position was held by two people at a time, elected by the senate, and served for two years at a time. This position was called _____________.

senate and consul

Overtime, the plebeians grew tired of not having a say in the government, and rebelled against the patricians. This revolt led to major changes in the Roman government. The patricians agreed to let the plebeians elect officials which were called ______________.  These people spoke for the plebs and would later gain the power to, _____________, which means to overrule the government's proposals. 

tribune and veto

With the rise of _______________, like Julius Caesar, Rome’s government took a drastic turn from a republic to an ______________.

dictators and empire

The Roman empire was plagued by _____________. Emperors were often assassinated and fought for power among other generals. 

civil wars

What document lists the set of basic laws? 

constitution

1. A general from Carthage who is most famous for marching elephants across the Alps to attack Rome.

Hannibal

1. Julius Caesar's grandnephew and adopted son, formally called Octavian; Rome's first emperor.

Ceasar Augustus

A cunning stateswoman who used her relationship with Caesar and Antony to gain control of Egypt.

Cleopatra

A Roman emperor who divided the empire into two halves and declared Christianity as the main religion.

Constantine

1. A Roman general who ended the Roman Republic when he seized power and became dictator for life.

Julius Caesar

1. A Roman general who fought Julius Caesar for control of Rome.

Pompey

A slave who led a massive rebellion against the Roman republic.

Sparticus

1. A Roman general who fought Caesar Augustus for control of Rome.

Mark Antony

Who were Romulus and Remus?

The Romans have a myth about the founding of their city.  Long ago, the story explains, a princess gave birth to twin sons, Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves. Twins fight, Remus dies and Romulus founds Rome.

Identify and explain two ways the Romans were influenced by the Etruscans/Greeks

Answers will vary (ex. Greco-Roman art, religion, cuniculus, gladiator fights, engineering and architecture)

Initially, who did the Romans conquer to take the Italian peninsula?

Etruscans

Which is the correct order of events: Roman Republic begins, Rome becomes an empire, plebeians rebel, Romans write down laws Romans write down laws, Roman republic begins, Rome becomes an empire, plebeians rebel Roman Republic begins, plebeians rebel, Romans write down laws, Rome becomes an empire  Plebeians rebel, Roman republic begins, Romans write down laws, Rome becomes an empire

Number three

Why did the plebeians want the laws to be written down?

So they would know what the laws were, and the patricians couldn’t manipulate them to benefit themselves  During the Punic Wars, Rome fought Carthage for control of?

 During the Punic Wars, Rome fought Carthage for control of?

The Mediterranean Sea (trade routes)

How did Hannibal surprise Roman forces during the 2nd Punic Wars?

Marching his troops and elephants through the Alps into Italy

What was the result of the 3rd Punic war?

Carthage burned to the ground, its people enslaved, and Rome dominated the Mediterranean

 Rome’s 3rd period of expansion is known for a rapid change in government. What type of government did Rome become?

Empire

What signaled the beginning of the fourth period of expansion?

Octavian is named the first emperor of Rome and becomes Caesar Augustus

Describe the time period known as the       

           Pax Romana

200 years of peace

The legacy of Ancient Rome can be seen in: schools, government buildings, and libraries, highways cafeterias, churches, and roundabouts stadiums, gardens, and skyscrapers parking garages, and supermarkets

Number 1

Emperor Constantintine is known for two major changes to the Roman Empire.  These changes were:

1.The Roman Empire is Divided (New Capital Rome—>Constantinople—Istanbul 2.  Adopted Christianity

The eastern Roman Empire that continued for over a 1,000 years is commonly called the:

Byzantine Empire1. How did the Roman Republic evolve into the Roman Empire?

1. How did the Roman Republic evolve into the Roman Empire? 

• Roman Republic was established after the patricians overthrew the Etruscan kings

  • This initial republic really only included the patricians (Senate and consuls)

• Then, after the Conflict of Orders, plebeians were given more rights and say in the government.

  • Creation of Assembly, and eventually more say 

• Then, Julius Caesar eventually fights for control of Rome and is named dictator for life 

  • He is assassinated in a attempt to save the republic, but instead civil war insue

• Caesar Augustus fights for control and is named the first emperor of Rome, ushering in the Roman Empire and Pax-Romana 

2. Identify and explain two lasting legacies of ancient Rome in the modern world. 

• Roman domes & arches —U.S. Capital Building

• Julius Caesar and the western calendar 

4. Identify and explain at least two reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire 

• Political instability  ( no plan for succession)

• Size of the Roman  empire  ( massive territory around the Mediterranean Sea)

Ceate a Venn Diagram identifying three specific examples of life for the rich in Rome, three specific examples of life for the poor in Rome, and three examples that they had in common.

Rich:

Lived in huge houses with lots of space

Had servants

Neighborhoods were patrolled

Poor:

Had cramped living

Worked for the rich (they were slaves)

Neighborhoods were NOT patrolled

Both:

Religion was important

Could accuse someone else of crime

Listened to music