Geography
This sea provided important trade and transportation routes for the Roman Empire.
Mediterranean Sea
There were two leaders elected each year who shared power. What were they called?
Consuls
Name one group of people who often became gladiators
Prisoners of war / slaves / condemned criminals
The Punic Wars were fought between Rome and which city-state?
Give one example of political instability that helped weaken the Roman Empire.
frequent changes of emperors, assassinations, civil wars
The river called Rome’s lifeline that supplied water and helped with transportation.
Tiber River
This advisory body was made up of experienced politicians who influenced Roman decisions.
Senate
What was the famous large amphitheater in Rome where gladiators fought?
The Colosseum
The First Punic War was mainly fought over control of which island?
Sicily
Name one economic problem that contributed to Rome’s decline.
High taxes, inflation, decline in trade, unemployment
Name one mountain range that protected the Italian Peninsula from northern invasions.
Alps
Officials who represented the common people were known by what title?
Tribunes
Give at least one reason the Roman government held gladiator games.
To entertain and distract the public; to celebrate special events; to impress visitors
What naval tactic did the Romans invent to help them hand fight at sea against Carthage?
gangplanks
What term describes soldiers hired from other places to fight for Rome, often seen as less loyal?
Mercenaries
Which North African city had an excellent harbor and was a major rival to Rome?
Carthage
What system did Roman government practices introduce that helps keep power balanced between branches?
Checks & Balances
Who led the famous slave rebellion that began in 73 BCE and at one point gathered a large army?
Spartacus
Who was the Carthaginian general who crossed the Alps with elephants during the Second Punic War?
Hannibal
In 285 CE, the empire was divided into two parts. What is the name for the eastern half that survived much longer?
Byzantine Empire
Explain why the Italian Peninsula was good for farming and give one common crop grown there.
Fertile soil, mild climate; olives, grapes, wheat
Describe one way the Roman Republic limited the power of any single leader (use a specific office or practice)
Two consuls shared power and could veto each other; or the Senate advised leaders and limited decisions
Describe one outcome of Spartacus’s rebellion.
Spartacus was defeated; his army was crushed by General Crassus (many survivors enslaved or killed)
What drastic action did Rome take after winning the Third Punic War against Carthage?(There's more than one correct answer)
Destroyed Carthage, sold survivors into slavery, poured salt on fields
List two major causes that together contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Political instability, economic troubles, military problems (invasions/mercenaries), environmental/health issues, division of the empire, over-reliance on slave labor