The Founding of Rome
How did Rome’s geography help it become powerful?
Rome’s location gave it protection and trade advantages.
Why did Romans overthrow their kings and form a Republic?
Romans rejected monarchy for representative rule.
What event helped lead to Athens’ Golden Age?
Victory in the Persian Wars
Name one political problem that weakened the Roman Empire.
Corruption and political instability.
What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?
Primary = original evidence; Secondary = interpretation.
What role did the Tiber River play in Rome’s early development?
The Tiber provided fresh water and a trade route.
What were the Twelve Tables, and why were they important?
The Twelve Tables made laws public and fair.
According to Pericles, what made Athens’ democracy unique?
All citizens (men) had equal voice in government
How did high taxes and economic troubles hurt ordinary Romans?
Heavy taxes and inequality hurt farmers and trade
Why do historians analyze the author’s point of view when studying a primary source?
Author perspective reveals purpose and bias.
According to Livy, what traits or values helped early Romans succeed in expansion?
Livy emphasized duty, discipline, and unity.
How did checks and balances work in the Roman Republic?
Three branches shared power; each checked the others.
What did Athens value most during its Golden Age—wealth, beauty, or knowledge? Explain using Pericles’ words.
Athens valued education, beauty, and civic participation.
What changes in the Roman military contributed to the empire’s decline?
Soldiers became undisciplined and relied on mercenaries.
How can identifying bias help us better understand a historical document?
Bias helps identify reliability and intent of the author
Why might Rome’s central position on the Italian peninsula have been both an advantage and a challenge?
Central location allowed expansion but also invasions.
What Roman value is shown by the story of Cincinnatus?
Cincinnatus showed duty and humility before power.
How did Athens’ openness to foreigners strengthen or weaken the city?
Openness brought trade and culture but risked invasion.
Why were barbarian invasions successful against Rome in its later years?
Weak defenses allowed barbarians to invade.
Choose one primary source we’ve studied. Explain what it reveals about the values or fears of its society.
Example: Hammurabi’s Code shows belief in divine authority and social order.
How did geography and military expansion work together to strengthen Roman control according to historical evidence?
Geography supported conquest and trade, strengthening Roman dominance.
Which Roman achievement—law, engineering, or leadership—best reflects civic virtue? Use evidence to support your answer.
Law reflected civic virtue—service to the people and equality before the law
Was the Golden Age truly “golden” for all Athenians? Support your answer with evidence.
Women, slaves, and foreigners lacked rights—so not “golden” for all.
Of all the causes (political, economic, military, or invasion), which do you think best explains the fall of Rome? Defend your answer with evidence.
Many causes—most historians emphasize corruption and economic decay.
Explain how sourcing, contextualization, and verifying information help historians build reliable interpretations of the past.
These skills ensure accurate interpretations using multiple perspectives