romans

Roman Empire Peak

The Roman Empire reached its peak around 117 AD under Emperor Trajan, stretching across most of Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

Patricians

Wealthy upper-class families in Rome who held most government and religious positions.

Plebeians

Common people in Rome, including farmers, workers, and merchants.

Pax Romana

Period of about 200 years of peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

Bread and Circuses

Roman strategy to keep citizens entertained and prevent unrest through free food and entertainment.

Colosseum

An arena in Rome where gladiator battles and public shows took place.

Circus Maximus

A large venue in Rome for chariot races.

Causes of Roman Expansion

The Roman Empire expanded due to a powerful army, excellent roads, strong leadership, discipline and training, and the ability to adapt and include conquered peoples.

Constantine's Role in Christianity

Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, ended the persecution of Christians, and supported Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Reasons for Rome's Fall

Weak emperors, political corruption, economic problems, invasions by Germanic tribes, and difficulty managing a large empire.

Justinian

Byzantine emperor who sought to restore the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Justinian Code

A collection of Roman laws organized into one comprehensive legal code, influencing many modern legal systems.

New Rome (Constantinople)

The capital of the Byzantine Empire, valued for Christianity, trade, education, and art.

Factors in Byzantine Empire's Decline

Constant attacks, loss of territory, weakening economy, and the impact of the Crusades.

Ottoman Conquest of Constantinople

The Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Differences Between Churches

Roman Catholic Church is led by the Pope in Rome using Latin; Eastern Orthodox Church is led by the Patriarch in Constantinople using Greek.

Great Schism

The division of the Christian church into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches due to disagreements over authority and cultural differences.

Excommunication

The act of being removed from the Church, which played a significant role in the split between the churches.

Ivan III

Known as Ivan the Great, he ended Mongol control over Russia, expanded its territory, and strengthened Moscow.

Importance of Russian Rivers

The Dnieper, Don, and Volga rivers connected cities, helped trade, and allowed transportation and communication.

Prince Vladimir's Role

He converted to Christianity and made Eastern Orthodox Christianity the official religion of Russia.

Mongol Tactics

The Mongols maintained control through fear and violence, heavy taxes, military power, and allowing local princes to rule.

Mongol Demands

They demanded tribute (payments/taxes) and loyalty and obedience from the conquered people.