Study guide Roman Empire to Middle Ages

• What does this chapter trace regarding Rome's development?

  • Growth from humble beginnings
  • Transition from Republic to Empire
  • Influence on Mediterranean cultures
• What promoted the movement of people, goods, and ideas throughout the Roman Empire?

  A tight administrative structure and organized trade network
• What were some significant influences of the Romans on later cultures?

  • Republican government concept
  • Transportation and communication networks
  • Economically specialized regions
  • New cities with sanitation and entertainment
  • Dissemination of philosophical beliefs and religions
• What was the first phase of Rome under the Etruscans known as?

  The kingdom of Rome
• Who was the first king of Rome?

  Romulus
• What significant event led to the establishment of the Republic?

  The overthrow of the last Etruscan king
• What date is traditionally considered the founding of Rome?

  April 21, 753 BCE
• What is the legend of Romulus and Remus about?

  Two brothers raised by a she-wolf
• What does the story of Romulus and Remus symbolize for the Romans?

  Strength and chaotic beginnings
• When did Indo-European migrants likely arrive in the area of Rome?

  Around 2000 BCE
• What led to the decline of Etruscan society?

  Greek maritime attacks and Celtic invasions
• How many original kings did Rome have?

  Seven kings
• What significant infrastructure did the Etruscan kings build in Rome?

  Paved roads and temples
• What geographical features aided Rome's trade?

  Large river and central peninsula location
• What year did the Romans establish the Republic?

  509 BCE
• What was the Roman Forum used for?

  Meetings of the Senate
• How did the Roman Republic differ from Greek democracy?

  It had a Republican Constitution with elected officials
• Why did the Romans prefer a Republic over pure democracy?

  To prevent mob rule and protect rights
• What was the role of the Senate in the Roman Republic?

  To make decisions for the citizens
• Who were the patricians in Roman society?

  Wealthy aristocrats with influence
• Who were the plebeians in Roman society?

  Commoners and merchants
• What conflict arose between patricians and plebeians?

  Plebeians felt laws favored patricians
• What compromise was reached for plebeian representation?

  Plebeians could elect tribunes
• What was the role of a dictator in the Roman Republic?

  To lead in times of crisis
• How long could a dictator hold power?

  Six months
• What happened to the Etruscans during the expansion of the Republic?

  Romans dominated and took over
• What industry did the Romans take over in the 5th to 4th century BCE?

  The iron industry
• What was the role of a dictator in Rome during a crisis?

  To take charge for six months
• Why was appointing a dictator considered a good idea in Rome?

  It helped manage crises and prevent rebellions
• Who did the Romans dominate during their expansion?

  Etruscans
• How did the Romans expand their borders?

  Through military threat and incentives
• What was the military threat strategy used by Romans?

  Intimidating villages to surrender
• What incentives did Romans offer to conquered villages?

  Tax exemptions and citizenship
• What was the time period of the Punic Wars?

  264 to 146 BCE
• What was the main conflict in the Punic Wars?

  Control over Sicily
• Who was Cato and what was his famous phrase?

  Cato was a Roman orator; "Carthage should be destroyed"
• What was the impact of large plantations on small farmers?

  Small farmers struggled to compete
• What was the issue with land distribution in Rome?

  The rich were getting richer, poor poorer
• Who were the Gracchi brothers?

  Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus
• What did Tiberius Gracchus attempt to do?

  Limit land holdings of aristocrats