Geography and Founding of Rome
What geographic features helped protect Rome from invasions?
The Alps and surrounding seas provide natural protection.
What type of government did Rome have before becoming an empire?
Republican government.
What materials did the Romans use to build durable structures?
concrete, stone, and bricks.
What economic challenges contributed to Rome’s decline?
Heavy taxation, reliance on slave labor, and inflation.
What legal principles from Roman law are still used today?
Checks and balances, the separation of powers.
How did the Tiber River benefit Rome?
It provided fresh water, facilitated trade, and offered a strategic location for defense.
What was the role of the Senate in the Roman Republic?
It advised on laws and policies and represented the aristocracy.
How did Roman roads contribute to the empire’s success?
They facilitated trade, military movement, and communication, connecting distant parts of the empire.
How did political instability weaken the empire?
Frequent power struggles, weak leadership, and corruption.
Name two examples of Roman engineering that influence modern construction.
Roads and Bridges.
Who were Romulus and Remus, and what is their significance in Roman history?
Legendary twin brothers; Romulus killed Remus and founded Rome in 753 BCE.
Who were the consuls, and what were their responsibilities?
Two elected officials who led military and government.
What was the purpose of aqueducts, and how did they work?
Aqueducts transported fresh water to cities using gravity.
What military problems did Rome face during its decline?
Barbarian invasions.
How has the Latin language influenced modern languages?
The language's history and structure have influenced numerous aspects of speech
What contributions did the Latins make to Roman civilization?
They introduced Latin language.
What caused the transition from Republic to Empire?
Political corruption, Civil wars started between groups Julius Caesar and Augustus.
What is the architectural significance of the Pantheon’s dome?
The world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
How did social changes, such as the spread of Christianity, affect Rome?
Challenging polytheistic beliefs led to the persecution of Christians.
How have Roman concepts of law and governance shaped modern democratic systems?
established key principals like democracy, rule of law, and separation of powers.
What role did the Etruscans play in shaping early Roman culture?
architecture and arches, religion, and governance.
Who was Rome’s first emperor, and what changes did he implement?
Augustus He centralized power, reformed government.
Why is the Colosseum considered an engineering marvel?
It used arches, vaults, and underground tunnels (hypogeum) for structural stability and event staging.
What role did invasions by groups like the Visigoths and Vandals play in Rome’s fall?
Allow various barbarian groups into the political landscape of the empire.
In what ways did the preservation of Roman knowledge contribute to the Renaissance?
The civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome were rediscovered, inspiring an interest in Classical learning.