Ancient Rome Study Guide

What were the Romans?

Polytheistic.

Why did the Romans allow many religions to practice?

In fear of offending any good.

In their sacred writings, Jewish prophets wrote that one day God would send a savior to do what?

Be a savior to restore the glorious kingdom of David.

This leader or savior was called what?

The Messiah.

The gospels were written down from oral and written sources 30 to 70 years after Jesus died. They tell of many incidents in the life of Jesus. They describe him doing what?

Working miracles, healing the sick, and befriending the poor.

Who copied the gods and goddesses of Greek culture?

The Romans.

Jesus based his teachings on traditional Jewish beliefs. But the gospels say he put special emphasis on love and mercy. What were 2 Jewish laws that were most important?

You shall love your god with all your heart and all your soul. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Why was Jesus killed?

To make sure that he doesn’t lead a revolt.

According to the Christian Bible, who killed Jesus and how did he die?

Pontius Pilate killed Jesus on a cross.

Latin was the foundation of what languages that are used today?

Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian.

The phrase "bread and circuses" was used to describe what?

The use of free food and entertainment to distract the Roman people from issues plaguing the Empire.

What were the two biggest parts of the "bread and circuses"?

Chariot races, and gladiator games.

The invention of concrete led to the rapid development of Roman infrastructure with concrete being used in what?

Cisterns, roads, public buildings, and harbors.

As dictator, Julius Caesar introduced many reforms.  What were some examples?

Started projects to make new roads, staged gladiator contests for free, adopted a new calendar.

As ruler of Rome, Augustus encouraged what?

Education, art, literature.

What did Augustus complete and how many temples did he repair.

He completed grand construction projects and repaired more than 80 temples.

What did Augustus give Romes its first?

Police force, firefighters, and library.

This vast empire needed a strong economy. The Romans improved trade routes by building what?

Harbors, canals, and roads.

What did the Romans make to make trade easier?

They made coins which provided a single system of currency.

Why did emperors add so much land to the empire? 

One of these reasons was to control hostile neighbors. To keep these countries from attacking the empire or its citizens, the Romans conquered them. Some were conquered for economic reasons. Many of these territories had vast supplies of gold, good farmlands, or other resources the Romans wanted. Other areas were conquered for another reason: some emperors liked a good fight.