Roman Republic
Why was the Roman army become such an important part of Roman society?
Rome was often attacked, so a strong army was needed to defend and expand the city.
What happened to Carthage and the Carthaginians?
The city was destroyed and the people were killed or enslaved.
What was Julius Caesar’s background? What were some of Caesar’s characteristics?
He was a patrician, but not wealthy. He was ambitious and knew he could gain wealth, honor, and power in the army
What was an important result of Augustus’s efforts to create order and stability?
A long period of peace — the Pax Romana.
What economic troubles did the empire face?
Fewer jobs, more poverty, and rising prices.
Who were the main elected officials initially in Rome’s aristocratic republic?
A Senate of wealthy patricians and two consuls who led the government.
What areas did Rome and Carthage fight to control?
Sicily, North Africa, and Spain.
How did Caesar destroy the Roman republic?
He caused civil wars and took all the power for himself. He led Rome as if it were a monarchy, not a republic.
How did Octavian become the sole ruler of Rome?
He defeated several rivals, including Brutus, Cassius, Antony, and Cleopatra.
How did the influence of the Roman Empire continue on in Europe?
European culture, laws, learning, and the church continued Roman traditions.
How was Rome founded?
In mythology, Romulus and Remus. In reality, Rome grew from small farming villages along the Tiber River.
Why was Hannibal’s approach to attacking Rome particularly difficult?
He took a long route over land, instead of going by sea. He had to pass through areas where his army was attacked and cross over mountains.
What led Caesar to consider taking his army into Rome?
He wanted to be elected consul again, but knew that Pompey wanted to have him arrested, unless he was protected by his army.
What did the Edict of Milan do?
Made Christianity legal and ended persecution.
How did the emperors try to solve Rome’s economic problems? Did it work? Why or why not?
Emperors tried price controls and new money, but it didn’t solve inflation.
What are the differences between patricians and plebeians?
Patricians were wealthy nobles with political power; Plebeians were common people with fewer rights.
What happened to Hannibal after losing the battle of Zama?
Hannibal refused to surrender and eventually he poisoned himself and died rather than allowing himself to be captured by the Romans.
What led senators to murder Caesar?
Senators believed he was becoming too powerful and acting like a king.
Why were Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire?
They refused to worship Roman gods, which seemed disloyal. Many Romans feared that if the Christians refused to worship Rome’s gods, the gods would abandon them.
What problems arose in the 200s CE?
Rome stopped expanding, so wealth decreased.
How did Rome treat the people they conquered?
Rome often offered citizenship and required military service of them.
What led Hannibal to give up fighting in Italy?
He was losing ground. Then the Roman general Scipio attacked Carthage. Hannibal took his army back to Carthage to try to help defend it.
How did Caesar’s actions start a civil war?
Supporters split between Caesar and Pompey. Powerful people worked together in alliances, and soldiers were loyal to their generals. When powerful people fought each other, people helped the side they were loyal to.
How did Augustus avoid the mistakes of Julius Caesar?
He included the Senate in the responsibilities of ruling. He worked with the Senate and acted modestly.
Why were attacks by Goths and Vandals more successful at this point than in the past?
Rome was weaker and couldn’t defend its borders well.