romans

Romans

1. What was the extent/size of the Roman Empire at its peak?

At its peak around 117 AD under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire stretched across:

  • Most of Europe

  • Northern Africa

  • Parts of the Middle East

It surrounded the Mediterranean Sea, which Romans called “Our Sea” (Mare Nostrum).

2. Patricians vs. Plebeians

What were the differences?

  • Patricians = wealthy upper-class families

  • Plebeians = common people like farmers, workers, and merchants

What role did they have in society?

  • Patricians held most government and religious positions.

  • Plebeians worked jobs, served in the army, and produced goods.

How did they interact with each other?

Plebeians demanded more rights over time. Eventually they gained:

  • Representation in government

  • Ability to hold office

  • Protection under Roman law

3. What style of control did the Romans have? Why?

Romans used:

  • Strong military control

  • Organized government

  • Laws

  • Roads for communication

  • Local rulers in some territories

They did this to keep such a huge empire united and stable.

4. Why were the Romans successful in expansion?

Reasons:

  • Powerful army

  • Excellent roads

  • Strong leadership

  • Discipline and training

  • Ability to adapt and include conquered people

5. Bread and Circuses

Purpose?

To keep people entertained and prevent riots or rebellion by giving:

  • Free food (“bread”)

  • Entertainment like gladiator games (“circuses”)

Impact?

It helped keep citizens distracted from political and economic problems.

6. Roman Colosseum and Circus Maximus

  • Colosseum = gladiator battles and public shows

  • Circus Maximus = chariot races

Both entertained large crowds and showed Rome’s wealth and power.

7. Christianity’s impact on the empire

How and why did it spread?

  • Roman roads made travel easier.

  • Missionaries spread Christian teachings.

  • Christianity appealed to poor and oppressed people.

Constantine’s role

Emperor Constantine:

  • Converted to Christianity

  • Ended persecution of Christians

  • Supported Christianity in the empire

8. Why did Rome fall?

Main reasons:

  • Weak emperors

  • Political corruption

  • Economic problems

  • Invasions by Germanic tribes

  • Large empire was hard to manage

Western Rome fell in 476 AD.

9. Pax Romana

“Roman Peace”

  • About 200 years of peace and stability

  • Trade, roads, and culture flourished

Byzantine Empire

10. Justinian

Emperor Justinian tried to restore the Roman Empire’s greatness.

11. What territories did he regain? Why?

He regained:

  • Parts of Italy

  • North Africa

  • Some of Spain

Why?
He wanted to reunite the old Roman Empire.

12. Justinian Code

A collection of Roman laws organized into one legal code.

It influenced many modern legal systems today.

13. What was life like in New Rome (Constantinople)?

What was important/valued?

  • Christianity

  • Trade

  • Education

  • Wealth and art

Constantinople was wealthy and a major trade center.

14. What led to the Byzantine Empire falling?

Reasons:

  • Constant attacks

  • Loss of territory

  • Weakening economy

  • Crusades weakened the empire

15. Who overtook the empire? When?

The Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453.

16. Difference between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches

Roman Catholic:

  • Led by the Pope in Rome

  • Latin language

Eastern Orthodox:

  • Led by Patriarch in Constantinople

  • Greek language

17. Why did the Christian church split?

Causes:

  • Disagreements over authority

  • Cultural differences

  • Religious disputes

This split is called the Great Schism (1054).

18. What is excommunication? What role did it play?

Excommunication = being removed from the Church.

Leaders of both churches excommunicated each other during the conflict, making the split permanent.

19. Pope vs. Patriarch

  • Pope = leader of Roman Catholic Church

  • Patriarch = leader of Eastern Orthodox Church

Russian Empire

20. What was the geography like in the Russian Empire?

  • Large forests

  • Cold climate

  • Vast plains

  • Long rivers

Geography made travel difficult but rivers helped trade.

21. Why were the Dnieper, Don, and Volga rivers important?

They:

  • Connected cities

  • Helped trade

  • Allowed transportation and communication

22. Where was the capital moved to in 880 AD?

The capital was moved to Kiev.

23. What was Vladimir’s role with religion in Russia?

Prince Vladimir:

  • Converted to Christianity

  • Made Eastern Orthodox Christianity the official religion of Russia

24. Who conquered the Russians in the 1200s?

The Mongols conquered Russia.

25. What tactics did the Mongols use to maintain control?

  • Fear and violence

  • Heavy taxes

  • Military power

  • Allowed local princes to rule if loyal

26. What were the demands of the Mongols?

They demanded:

  • Tribute (payments/taxes)

  • Loyalty and obedience

27. Who was Ivan III and what was his role?

Ivan III (“Ivan the Great”):

  • Ended Mongol control

  • Expanded Russian territory

  • Strengthened Moscow’s power

Flash Cards

Roman Empire Flash Cards

Q: Who were the patricians?
A: Wealthy upper-class Romans.

Q: Who were the plebeians?
A: Common people like farmers and workers.

Q: What was the Pax Romana?
A: 200 years of Roman peace and stability.

Q: What was the purpose of Bread and Circuses?
A: To keep citizens entertained and prevent unrest.

Q: What happened in the Colosseum?
A: Gladiator fights and public games.

Q: What happened in the Circus Maximus?
A: Chariot races.

Q: Why was Rome successful in expansion?
A: Strong army, roads, and leadership.

Q: Who helped Christianity spread in Rome?
A: Constantine supported Christianity.

Q: Why did Rome fall?
A: Weak leaders, invasions, and economic problems.

Byzantine Empire Flash Cards

Q: Who was Justinian?
A: Byzantine emperor who tried to restore Rome.

Q: What was the Justinian Code?
A: Organized Roman laws.

Q: What was New Rome?
A: Constantinople, the Byzantine capital.

Q: What caused the Great Schism?
A: Disagreements between eastern and western churches.

Q: What is excommunication?
A: Removal from the Church.

Q: Who conquered Constantinople?
A: Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Q: Difference between Pope and Patriarch?
A: Pope led Catholics; Patriarch led Orthodox Church.

Russian Empire Flash Cards

Q: Why were rivers important in Russia?
A: They helped trade and transportation.

Q: Where was the Russian capital moved?
A: Kiev.

Q: What did Vladimir do?
A: Made Christianity Russia’s official religion.

Q: Who conquered Russia in the 1200s?
A: Mongols.

Q: What did the Mongols demand?
A: Taxes and loyalty.

Q: Who was Ivan III?
A: Leader who ended Mongol rule and strengthened Russia.