JC History Ancient Rome

Which two brothers in legend are supposed to have founded Rome?

Romulus and Remus who were reared by a she-wolf and later decided to build a city at the spot where they were found

Who was the first Emperor of Rome?

Augustus who ruled from 27BC to 14AD

In the Roman army, how many men made up a Century?

Eighty soldiers and it was led by a centurion who was the most experienced soldier

What were some of the main weapons used by Roman soldiers?

Sword, dagger, spear, shield made of hard wood

Who built the roads of the Empire and why were they so important?

The Roman soldiers built the great roads which extended to the very border of the Empire and they were of great importance both for trade and for moving the army quickly

Why is the city of Pompeii of such importance?

It was destroyed by a volcano from Mount Vesuvius in AD79 and archaeologists have carried out excavations there which has revealed a huge amount of information about life in Roman times

Why was the Forum such an important part of Ancient Rome?

The Forum was a large market-place where people met and where important temples and government buildings such as the Senate were located

In a Roman house, what was the atrium?

This was an open courtyard in the centre of the house which usually had a pool in the middle

What was the house of a rich person called?

In cities they were called a domus and large houses in the countryside were called villas

Where did the poor people live?

The majority of people lived in apartment blocks which were a few storeys high and the rented rooms were called insulae

Where did Roman children receive their education?

A wealthy family could send their children to school or could hire a private tutor

What was the most common form of clothing worn by the Romans?

Both men and women wore tunics Wealthy men wore a toga which was like a large sheet draped around the body over and women wore a stola

How did the Romans get their slaves?

Slaves were captured as a result of wars with the enemies of the Romans

What type of work did the slaves do?

Slaves worked as servants in the homes of the wealthy but also as road builders, street cleaners etc

Who led a famous slave revolt in Ancient Rome and what happened as a result?

A slave called Spartacus who led a huge army of slaves The Roman army eventually defeated them and the leaders were all crucified along the main road leading into Rome

What was an aqueduct?

A massive system of channels built to carry water to the towns and cities in the Roman Empire Many were underground but some were also huge arches which are still standing today

What was the most famous amphitheatre in Rome and why was it so important?

An amphitheatre was a large circular arena and the Colosseum was the most famous Gladiator fights took place there which lasted until one of the men was killed or badly injured

What took place at the Circus Maxima?

This arena could hold up to 250,000 people, great chariot races were held there There were sharp turns and many spectacular crashes in which competitors and their horses were often killed

Who was the King of all the Roman Gods?

Jupiter

Who was the God of war?

Mars A soldier going off to battle might make a sacrifice to this God

What did the very first Christians do in order to avoid arrest?

They led a secret life and used special underground tunnels called the catacombs to hold their religious ceremonies

What was the language of the Romans?

Latin

What two months of the year are named after Roman Emperors?

August (in honour of Augustus) and July (after Julius)

What was an Insulae

apartment blocks where poor romans lived

Who were Plebians

Members of the lower class of Ancient Rome including farmers, merchants, artisans and traders

What were the loose, outer garments worn in public by citizens of ancient Rome

Togas

What was the Colosseum

A large arena in Rome where gladiator contests and other games and sporting events were held.

Who were Gladiators

trained fighters, usually slaves, who fought in arenas as entertainment

Who were Patricians

the wealthy class in Roman society; landowners

What food would the Patricians eat?

Fruit, wine, breads, birds, dormice, fish