Topic 13 Questions

What civilization declined as Rome rose to power?

The city of Greece.

Who founded Rome according to legend?

Romulus and Remus.

How did Romulus and Remus establish the city of Rome?

They chose the land in largely fertile soil.

Describe the geography of Rome.

Rome was built on seven rolling hills on the Tiber River, midway between the Alps and Italy’s southern tip.

What early settlement did the Etruscans contribute to on the Italian peninsula?

Skilled metal workers and engineers.

What early settlement did the Greeks establish on the Italian peninsula?

Established colonies along Italy and Sicily.

What early settlement did the Romans contribute to on the Italian peninsula?

The foundation of Rome and its expansion.

How did the Etruscans influence the Romans?

They influenced the Romans through the alphabet and architecture.

Who was Tarquin the Proud?

The last king of Rome, known as a harsh tyrant.

What is a republic?

A form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders.

Who made up the voting Roman citizen population?

This reminds of Athens.

Who were the Roman plebeians?

The common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up the majority of the population.

Who were the Roman patricians?

The wealthy landowners who held most of the power.

What were Roman tribunes?

They protected the rights of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials.

What were the Twelve Tables?

A written law code that established the idea that all free citizens had a right to the protection of the law.

What are the major similarities between the governments of Rome and the USA?

Both have different branches of government.

What are the major differences between the governments of Rome and the USA?

Rome had more branches of government.

What was the role of a Roman consul?

They commanded the army and directed the government with limited power.

Describe the Roman senate.

The aristocratic branch of Rome’s government with both legislative and administrative functions.

What role did the Tribal Assembly play in Roman politics?

They elected the tribunes and made laws for the common people and later for the republic.

When might Rome appoint a dictator?

In times of crisis.

Describe the Roman army.

All citizens who owned land were required to serve.

When did Rome conquer Italy?

By the fourth century B.C.

How did the Romans treat the people they conquered?

They treated them with leniency.

Who did Rome fight in the Punic Wars?

Carthage.

What was the key point of the First Punic War? (264–241 B.C.)

It was fought for control of Sicily and the western Mediterranean, and Carthage was defeated.

What was the key point of the Second Punic War? (218-202 B.C.)

Led by the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who was a brilliant military strategist. The Romans eventually defeated him.

What was the key point of the Third Punic War? (149–146 B.C.)

Rome laid siege to Carthage, set the city on fire, and sold its inhabitants into slavery.

What were the major results of the Punic Wars?

Roman victories gave them dominance over the western Mediterranean and led to their expansion into the eastern half.