The Roman Empire

Roman Empire Geography

Rome is on a plain which helped farming; located on the Italian Peninsula around the Mediterranean Sea which helped with trade; Alps and Apennines mountains for protection

Roman Republic

The period from 507 to 31 B.C.E., during which Rome was largely governed by the Roman Senate.

Roman roads

allowed for better military transportation and facilitated trade throughout their empire; Cities grew larger and more powerful

Roman Architecture

copied much from Greece; famous buildings include Basilica's, Roman Baths, Roman Colosseum, and the Pantheon

Plebeians

the common people of ancient Rome

Mediterranean Sea Complex

the trade network made up of the areas of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that are connected by the Mediterranean Sea

Republic

A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting

Pax Romana

A period of peace and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 BCE to CE 180.

Augustus

First emperor of Rome; He restored order and prosperity to the Empire after nearly a century of turmoil

Roman Aqueducts

Invented by roman engineers, used to bring water back into cities and towns by getting the water from the mountains.

Causes of the fall of the Roman Empire

Political instability-many different emperors Economic decline-poor harvests, little trade Unsuccessful reforms-widening gap between rich and poor Barbarian invasions-Germanic and Hun invasions Christianity-church became the focus of people' lives

Patricians

Powerful landowners who controlled Roman government and society

Punic Wars

A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage (264-146 BCE); resulted in the destruction of Carthage and Rome's dominance over the western Mediterranean.

Twelve Tables

A set of laws completed in 449 BCE and developed by the Roman Republic following demands by plebeians.

Roman Senate

a council of wealthy and powerful citizens who advised Rome's leaders