Geography & Early Rome
Italy is best described as what type of landform?
Peninsula
What were large units of Roman soldiers called?
Legions
Why were the Twelve Tables important to Roman citizens?
They made laws public
Which leader was assassinated on the Ides of March?
Julius Caesar
Who became Rome’s first emperor?
Augustus
What was one advantage Rome had over Greece because of its geography?
More usable farmland / less rugged terrain
Which social class included farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers?
Plebeians
What sparked the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage?
Control of Sicily
Why did many Romans fear Julius Caesar?
He had too much power
What period of peace began under Augustus?
Pax Romana
According to Roman legend, which twin brothers founded Rome?
Romulus and Remus
What action did plebeians take in 494 BCE to demand more rights?
They went on strike / refused to work
What reform did the Gracchus brothers propose?
Redistributing land to the poor
What title was given to a leader with temporary absolute power during emergencies in Rome?
Dictator
Which emperor moved the capital to Byzantium?
Constantine
Which group did the Romans overthrow before creating a republic?
The Tarquins
What was the main role of the Council of the Plebs?
To protect the rights of plebeians
Which statement best describes Roman military strength?
Disciplined, organized, and effective army
Who were two of the men involved in the plot to kill Caesar?
Brutus and Cassius
What was Byzantium later renamed?
Constantinople
What type of government allows citizens to elect leaders to represent them?
A republic
Why is Cincinnatus remembered as a model Roman leader?
He gave up power and returned to his farm
Which island near Italy was fought over in the Punic Wars?
Sicily
Why did Caesar’s rise to power appeal to many poor Romans?
He promised reforms and support for the lower class
What happened to the Eastern Roman Empire after the West fell?
It became the Byzantine Empire