Geography
What geographic features helped protect Rome from invasions?
The Alps and surrounding seas provide natural protection.
What type of government did Rome have before becoming an empire?
A republic, where citizens elected leaders to represent them.
What materials did the Romans use for construction?
Concrete, stone, and bricks.
What economic challenges contributed to Rome’s decline?
Heavy taxation, reliance on slave labor, and inflation.
What happened to the Western Roman Empire after its fall?
It fragmented into smaller kingdoms ruled by Germanic leaders.
How did the Tiber River benefit Rome?
It provided fresh water, facilitated trade, and offered a strategic location for defense.
What was the role of the Senate in the Roman Republic?
It advised on laws and policies and represented the aristocracy.
How did Roman roads contribute to the empire’s success?
They facilitated trade, military movement, and communication, connecting distant parts of the empire.
How did political instability weaken the empire?
Frequent power struggles, weak leadership, and corruption.
How did the Byzantine Empire preserve Roman culture?
It maintained Roman laws, art, and traditions in Constantinople
Who were Romulus and Remus?
Legendary twin brothers; Romulus killed Remus and founded Rome in 753 BCE.
Who were the consuls, and what were their responsibilities?
Two elected officials who led the military and government.
What was the purpose of aqueducts, and how did they work?
Aqueducts transported fresh water to cities using gravity.
What military problems did Rome face during its decline?
Overextended borders, reliance on mercenaries, and frequent invasions
What economic shifts occurred after Rome’s collapse?
Long-distance trade declined, and local agrarian economies emerged.
What contributions did the Latins make to Roman civilization?
They established early settlements and introduced the Latin language.
What caused the transition from Republic to Empire?
Political corruption, civil wars, and the rise of leaders like Julius Caesar and Augustus.
What is significant about the Pantheon’s dome?
It is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, showcasing Roman engineering.
How did social changes, like Christianity, affect Rome?
Christianity shifted focus from civic pride to spiritual salvation, reducing state loyalty.
How did the Christian Church preserve Roman knowledge?
Through monasteries that copied Roman texts and preserved traditions.
What role did the Etruscans play in shaping early Roman culture?
They influenced Roman architecture (e.g., arches), religion, and governance.
Who was Rome’s first emperor, and what changes did he make?
Augustus; he centralized power, reformed governance, and initiated the Pax Romana.
Why is the Colosseum considered an engineering marvel?
It used arches, vaults, and underground tunnels (hypogeum) for structural stability and event staging
What role did invasions play in Rome’s fall?
Groups like the Visigoths and Vandals sacked Rome, overwhelming defenses.
How did the fall of Rome contribute to feudalism in Europe?
The collapse of centralized authority led to localized governance based on landownership and loyalty.