Section 1
What geographic features helped protect Rome from invasions
Mountains, the sea, and the Tiber river.
What type of government did Rome have before becoming an empire?
Rome had a republic.
What materials did the Romans use to build durable structures?
Concrete
What economic challenges contributed to Rome’s decline?
Reliance on slave labor and heavy inflation and taxes.
What happened to the Western Roman Empire after its fall?
It split into many different Germanic Empires
What values did Romulus and Remus show?
Survival, strength, and divine destiny.
What was the role of the Senate in the Roman Republic?
They were elected by the people and held legislative and advisory power.
How did Roman roads contribute to the empire’s success?
They allowed for fast military travel, connection of the empire, and trade.
How did political instability weaken the empire?
It began to split the empire and eventually led to its downfall.
How did the Byzantine Empire preserve Roman culture and traditions?
The capital Constantinople became a hub of Roman culture allowing it to continue
What was the language that the Latins incorporated and what did it influence?
Latin, was the origin language of the Romance languages.
Who were the consuls?
They were two elected officials who held military and government powers.
What was the purpose of aqueducts?
They were used to transport water throughout the empire.
What military problems did Rome face during its decline?
Mercenaries were hired but had little loyalty to Rome and they were very stretched throughout the empire.
What economic shifts occurred after the collapse of the Roman Empire?
Roads and distant trade routes fell. Society became more self sufficient
What role did the Etruscans play in shaping early Roman culture?
They gave them ideas of architecture, religion, and governance.
What caused the transition from Republic to Empire?
Corrupt leaders who claimed themselves as emperors and gave themselves all power.
Why is the Colosseum considered an engineering marvel?
It was a massive amphitheater that held large-scale events and was built of concrete.
How did social changes, such as the spread of Christianity, affect Rome?
Shifted the culture from civic pride to spiritual salvation and prioritizing faith.
What role did the Christian Church play in preserving Roman knowledge?
Monasteries were places to copy and transmit Roman culture and sparked the renaissance period
Why did Romulus kill Remus?
They disputed over where to build their civilization.
Who was Rome’s first emperor?
Augustus Caesar
What was Christianity in the ancient Roman Empire?
A religious movement that influenced many ideas of the Roman Empire.
What role did invasions by groups like the Visigoths and Vandals play in Rome’s fall?
They further stretched the army and weakened Rome's defenses.
How did the fall of Rome contribute to the rise of feudalism in Europe?
They used the system to gain loyalty and military service which caused the idea to spread.