Geography
This body of water was called the "Roman Lake"
Mediterranean Sea
Define “republic.”
A form of government where citizens elect representatives or leaders
What does “Pax Romana” mean?
Roman Peace
What year do many historians mark as the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
476 CE (often cited when Odacer deposed Romulus Augustulus)
What later name did the Eastern Roman Empire become known by?
The Byzantine Empire
These two rivers formed much of Rome's northern boundary
Danube and Rhine Rivers
Give one similarity between the Roman system of government and the U.S. system.
Both had elected officials and a system of checks on power (e.g., assemblies, representative offices).
Name one action Octavian (Augustus) did to gain popular support early in his rule
He staged public games (gladiatorial games) and used public spending to gain favor
Define “mercenary.”
A soldier hired to fight for pay rather than loyalty to Rome
Who was the Byzantine emperor responsible for the legal code that organized Roman law?
Justinian I
Which mountain range is at the top of the Italian Peninsula?
Alps
What was the role of the Roman Senate during the Republic?
The Senate advised leaders, managed foreign policy and finances, and held significant influence over laws and appointments.
Briefly describe one achievement of Augustus that strengthened Rome
Reformed government administration, stabilized the empire, expanded borders, and began the Pax Romana.
Give one economic consequence Rome faced when expansion slowed
Less plunder and fewer slaves reduced labor supply and revenue, harming the economy.
What was the Justinian Code and why was it important?
A codification and reform of centuries of Roman law that made laws clearer, easier to find, and used for centuries in the Byzantine Empire
Explain one way Roman roads and aqueducts helped connect the empire.
Roads and aqueducts moved soldiers, goods, and water, improving trade, communication, and military control across distances.
Explain why some Romans distrusted Julius Caesar’s growing power.
Caesar amassed personal power, crossed legal boundaries (like crossing the Rubicon), and was named dictator, which threatened republican traditions.
How did Augustus keep traditional Roman institutions (like the Senate) while holding imperial power?
Augustus preserved the Senate’s prestige by appointing senators to high positions while retaining ultimate control as princeps (first citizen).
What was the Crisis of the Third Century?
A period in the 3rd century with rapid turnover of emperors, civil wars, and instability
Describe one outcome of the Nika Riots for Justinian’s rule
Massive destruction in the city, some advisors dismissed, and Justinian’s authority was threatened but ultimately reinforced after he suppressed the riots
Describe how the location of Constantinople (Byzantium) gave the Byzantine Empire an advantage.
Constantinople sat on trade routes between Europe and Asia, had strong defensible geography (peninsula and walls), and controlled access between the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Describe one long-term effect of Rome moving from a republic to imperial rule
Centralized imperial authority replaced many republican checks; power shifted toward emperors and professional administrations
Explain how Roman infrastructure projects (for example aqueducts) depended on social or economic systems in Rome
Large projects required massive labor (including slaves) and state resources, linking building programs to Rome’s economy and social systems
Explain Diocletian’s plan to make the empire easier to govern and why he did it
Diocletian split the empire into eastern and western halves, each ruled by an emperor and a subordinate Caesar, to improve administration and respond to threats
Name one major building commissioned by Justinian and explain its significance
Hagia Sophia — an architectural and religious landmark symbolizing imperial power and the Christian character of Justinian’s reign.