Geography
What influence did geography have on the development of ancient Greece
Mountains and seas divided Greece into isolated valleys → led to independent city-states, seafaring/trade, and limited large-scale farming.
What is a city state
A self-governing city and its surrounding territory that acted like an independent country (examples: Athens, Sparta, Corinth).
How were ideas spread from ancient river valleys to Greece
Through trade and colonization (especially Phoenician traders and Greek colonies in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor).
Developed the Pythagorean Theorem and early ideas about mathematics, geometry, and the belief that numbers explained the universe.
What was one reason for the decline of Rome
Any of these: invasions by Germanic tribes, economic troubles, over-expansion, corrupt leaders, military overspending, heavy taxes, loss of civic virtue, etc.
How is the Code of Hammurabi similar to the twelve tables
Both were written law codes that applied to everyone (including rulers), listed specific crimes and punishments, and were displayed publicly.
How did Geography influence the development of city states
Rugged mountains and many islands made large unified kingdoms difficult → people formed small, independent city-states (poleis) instead.
What were important ideas from Athens
Direct democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), drama/theater, art, and education.
How were Greece and Rome influenced by early river valley civilizations
Greece: alphabet (from Phoenicians), myths, math/science (Egypt & Mesopotamia). Rome: engineering, law, and government ideas (especially from Greece and Etruscans).
Why were ancient Greek philosophers important
They asked big questions about life, ethics, government, and nature → created logic, scientific method, and ideas that became the foundation of Western thought.
Which groups of people were responsible for the growth of Christianity
Jesus’ apostles (especially Paul), early Christian missionaries, and Roman converts (including Emperor Constantine).
What modern institutions began in Greece and Rome
Democracy, republic, senate, jury trials, written laws, philosophy, and public architecture (stadiums, theaters, etc.)
How did the Geography of Italy affect the growth of Rome
Central location, fertile plains for farming, Tiber River for trade/defense, mountains provided some protection, and easy access to the Mediterranean Sea helped Rome expand and control trade.
How was Athens different from Sparta
Athens = democracy, education, arts, navy, open society Sparta = oligarchy/military state, strict discipline, army-focused, limited rights for citizens (especially women and non-citizens).
What was the importance of Alexander the Great
Conquered a huge empire from Greece to India → spread Greek (Hellenistic) culture, language, and ideas across three continents.
What were the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire
Invasions, economic decline, corruption, over-expansion, division of the empire, military weakness, inflation, and loss of traditional values (many reasons worked together).
What problems were associated with the expansion of the Roman Republic
Rich got richer, poor farmers lost land, huge gap between rich and poor, slave revolts, civil wars, and generals becoming too powerful.
What was the difference between a Monarchy and Oligarchy
Monarchy = rule by one king/queen Oligarchy = rule by a small group of powerful/wealthy people.
What was Hellenism
The blending of Greek culture with Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures after Alexander’s conquests.
What were the Contributions of Roman society
Concrete, roads, aqueducts, arches, legal system (innocent until proven guilty), Latin language, and the republic form of government.
To carry clean water from mountains/rivers into cities for drinking, bathing, and public fountains.
What was Pax Romana
The “Roman Peace” – 200 years (27 BCE–180 CE) of relative peace and stability across the empire under the emperors.
How did Roman civilization contribute to Western Society
Law codes, engineering (roads/aqueducts), Latin (basis of Romance languages), government structure, and spread of Christianity.
What were the twelve Tables
Rome’s first written law code (451 BCE) displayed in the Forum so everyone could know the laws.