Geography of Rome
This sea lies to the south of Italy and surrounds Rome.
The Mediterranean Sea
These twin brothers are said to have founded Rome.
Romulus and Remus
After overthrowing the last king, Rome set up this form of government where people elect representatives
A republic
These wars between Rome and a North African city-state were called the _____.
The Punic Wars
This mountain range formed a natural northern border protecting Rome.
The Alps
This god was the father of Romulus and Remus according to myth.
Mars
This wealthy, landowning class made up about 5% of Rome’s population
Patricians
This Carthaginian general crossed the Alps with elephants to fight Rome
Hannibal
Two seas are east and west of Rome; one is the Adriatic and the other is the _____.
The Tyrrhenian Sea
A wild animal saved and nursed Romulus and Remus by the Tiber River. Name it.
A wolf
The Roman Senate had this many members and they served for how long?
300 members who served for life
This leader became Rome’s first emperor after Julius Caesar’s assassination.
Octavian (Augustus)
Name two natural barriers that helped protect early Rome from invasion
Bodies of water (seas) and mountains (the Alps)
Which brother killed the other and named the city after himself?
Romulus
Name one power or role of the Tribune of the Plebs.
Examples: Represent plebeian interests in the Senate; veto unjust laws; protect plebeian rights.
Name two major public works built or improved during Augustus’s rule.
Examples: Aqueducts; roads; Pantheon; Colosseum; public baths; bridges. (Accept any two.)
How did the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and the Alps help Rome grow safely?
They acted as natural barriers that protected Rome from enemies and helped secure trade and expansion.
Describe where Romulus chose to build Rome and why (use short answer).
Romulus built the city where they were saved by the wolf near the Tiber River because he won the dispute; he named it Rome.
Explain why Romans limited a dictator’s rule to six months (short answer).
(example): To prevent one person from keeping total power too long; a six-month limit allowed quick decision-making in crises but kept long-term control from happening.
Give two reasons historians list for the fall of Rome in 476 CE (short answer).
Examples: Economic problems and inflation (coins debased); hiring foreign mercenaries and weakening loyalty; empire too large to defend leading to invasions; political instability and frequent assassinations; population decline/fewer soldiers; spread of Christianity reducing military service. (Accept any two reasonable causes.)