Geography
This large peninsula in the middle of the Mediterranean helped Rome control trade and travel by sea.
Italy (Italian peninsula).
What was the dominant Roman religion before Christianity spread (polytheistic or monotheistic)?
Polytheistic (many gods; Roman gods borrowed from Greeks).
What structure did Romans build to carry water into cities and towns?
Aqueduct.
What is a republic? Give a simple definition used by Romans.
A system where citizens elect leaders and representatives rather than rule by a single monarch.
What is Mrs. Sarow's favorite color?
Blue
Name the two mountain ranges that influenced Rome’s protection and development: one in the north and one that runs down the spine of Italy.
(use image on the whiteboard to help you)
Alps (north) and Apennines (down Italy).
Name one reason early Christians conflicted with Roman ideals or authorities.
Christians refused to worship the emperor or Roman gods, which Romans saw as disloyal or a threat to social order.
Name one area (law, engineering, language, or literature) where Rome made a lasting achievement and give a short example.
Law (Twelve Tables), engineering (roads, aqueducts), language (Latin), literature (Virgil). Example: Roman roads improved travel.
Who was Julius Caesar and one major effect of his actions on the Roman government?
Julius Caesar: military leader who crossed the Rubicon, became dictator; his rule weakened the republic’s checks and led to civil war.
What schools (elementary, middle, high, college) did Mrs. Sarow go to?
Harrison, Marshall, Craig, UW-Oshkosh
How did the Tiber River help Rome grow as a city? Give one specific advantage.
Provided fresh water, trade access, and a sheltered harbor for ships; supported farming and transport.
How did the spread of Christianity eventually help unite different parts of the former Roman Empire during the Middle Ages?
Christianity provided a common religion and institutions (the Church) that crossed political borders and preserved knowledge and networks.
What was the "Pax Romana" and one way it helped achievements spread across the empire?
"Pax Romana" = long period of relative peace; it allowed safe trade and spread of ideas and technology.
What title did Octavian take when he became the first emperor and how did that change Rome’s government?
He took the title "Augustus" (emperor); power shifted from elected magistrates to a single ruler, creating the empire.
What is Mrs. Sarow's middle name?
Ann
Explain how Italy’s climate and fertile plains affected Roman agriculture and population.
Mild climate and fertile plains (like the Po and Latium) supported farming, leading to food surplus and population growth.
Describe how Jewish migration and communities in the Roman Empire influenced religious diversity.
Jewish communities practiced their faith across the empire, creating diverse religious centers and sometimes tensions that led to migration.
Explain how Roman roads supported economic growth and military control.
Roads made trade faster and moved armies quickly, linking provinces and boosting the economy.
Define "veto" and explain who could use it in the Roman Republic.
"Veto" means "I forbid"; tribunes of the plebeians could veto laws or actions that harmed the plebeians.
What were the 5 Jolly Rancher points at the beginning of the year?
Started bell work right away
Focused during instruction
Used independent time wisely
75%+ of class turned in coursework
Kept volume at a respectful level
Describe one way Rome’s central location in the Mediterranean affected its ability to build an empire (use a geographic reason).
Central Mediterranean location allowed control of trade routes, quick military movement, and easier expansion into Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Explain one way religious changes contributed to the decline of the Western Roman Empire (provide a cause-and-effect statement).
Religious division weakened traditional loyalties; rise of Christianity changed political alliances and shifted focus from the state to church structures, contributing along with other causes to instability.
Describe one Roman legal idea that influenced later governments (for example, a law idea or legal practice).
Idea: equality before the law, written laws (like the Twelve Tables), rights of the accused.
Identify two reasons (political or social) that contributed to the transition from Roman Republic to Empire.
Examples: growing gap between rich and poor, military generals gaining personal loyalty of troops, political corruption and civil wars.
What is Mrs. Sarow's favorite lesson to teach?
Mummification