Roman empire IDS

Nero and Caligula

Two early first-century emperors considered among the worst in Roman history. Caligula began as a good ruler but became corrupt and was assassinated by the imperial guard. Nero was considered even worse—viewed as unstable and responsible for killing his generals and his own mother.

Significance of Nero and Caligula

They became symbols of the dangers of monarchy and are remembered as two of the worst emperors of the Roman Empire.

Five Good Emperors

Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius—emperors who ruled during the Pax Romana and oversaw peace, stability, and prosperity.

Significance of the Five Good Emperors

They represent the peak of Roman power, stability, and prosperity.

Pax Romana

A period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire from 27 BCE to 180 CE with little internal conflict.

Significance of the Pax Romana

Led to major cultural, engineering, and economic advancements.

Aqueducts

Roman engineering structures—large stone channels and bridges that transported water into cities.

Significance of Aqueducts

Demonstrated Roman engineering skill and were essential for urban life.

Virgil/The Aeneid

Virgil was a Roman poet from the first century BCE. His epic, The Aeneid, tells the story of a Trojan who fled Troy and became the legendary founder of Rome, meant to inspire unity.

Significance of Virgil/The Aeneid

Virgil is considered one of Rome’s greatest poets; his work shaped Roman identity and culture.

Martyr

A person who dies for their faith or beliefs.

St. Paul

A major early Christian figure who spread Christianity across Greece, Asia Minor, and the Middle East, especially to Gentiles. Wrote letters explaining Jesus’ teachings.

Significance of St. Paul

Played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman world.

Edict of Milan

A law issued by Constantine in 313 CE that ended the persecution of Christians and legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Significance of the Edict of Milan

A turning point in the rise of Christianity, ending widespread Christian persecution.

Diocletian

Roman emperor from 284–305 CE who divided the empire into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires to make governing easier.

Significance of Diocletian

His division shaped the future paths of both the Western and Eastern empires.

Constantine

Emperor who legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. Won the Battle of the Milvian Bridge after seeing a vision of a cross.

Significance of Constantine

Helped spread Christianity and made it the dominant religion of the empire.

Mercenary

A hired soldier who fights for a country not their own.

Constantinople

The new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire; highly urbanized, wealthy, and heavily fortified.

Significance of Constantinople

Became the most important city of the Byzantine Empire.

Barbarians

Non-Roman tribes who invaded Roman territory and contributed to the fall of both halves of the empire.

Significance of Barbarians

A major factor in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

Inflation

A general increase in prices that reduces the value of money.

Jesus

Central figure of Christianity; believed by Christians to be the Son of God. Born in Bethlehem and known for teachings and miracles.

Significance of Jesus

His teachings shaped Christianity and influenced the Roman Empire and the modern world.

Fall of Rome

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire due to military invasions, economic troubles, political instability, and social decline.

Significance of the Fall of Rome

Marked the end of a 1,000-year civilization and reshaped European history.