Ancient Rome (Open Ended Questions)

What was the nickname of the city of Rome?

"the eternal city."

Where did Julius Caesar fail in his domestic (internal) policy?

He failed to keep the Senate happy and they were responsible for his downfall.

Describe the policy of Julius Caesar to keep the people in conquered lands in control?

He knew to keep the people of Rome happy so they didn't rebel against him. He made conquered people citizens and he gave them rights and freedoms.

Describe Paul?

He was a great missionary who converted many Gentiles in the Roman Empire and beyond to Christianity.

Describe Peter?

He was the first pope of the Christian Church who converted many Jews in the Roman Empire to Christianity.

Where do most people live in Italy?

In the west of Italy because the land was more fertile.

Who was NEVER an emperor of Rome?

Julius Caesar

What was the official language of the Roman Empire?

Latin (today in Italy they speak Italian).

Who was the first Roman emperor?

Octavian (a.k.a Augustus).

What was Rome's first law code?

The Twelve Tables of Law

Who inherited the throne of the Roman Empire when the Roman emperor died (rule of succession)?

The emperor chose his heir. It did not go to the closest living male relative as we see in a monarchy.

Who were the Huns?

The most feared and hated of all of the nomadic barbarian tribes to invade and contribute to the downfall of the Roman Empire. They originated from Asia (north of Mongolia) on horseback. They were a warlike people who pillaged and terrorized much of Asia and Europe from the 3d to the 5th centuries. Attila, the most successful king of the Huns, was known as the "Scourge of God."

How did the Roman Empire view the Christian religion throughout her history?

The religion of Christianity was founded in the Roman Empire approximately 45 A.D. during the first century when disciples travelled along Roman roads to spread the word of Jesus after his crucifixion. Christianity was allowed in Rome at first, but it was then outlawed by the emperor Nero in 64 A.D. It was then allowed again in 313 A.D. when the emperor Constantine made Christianity legal in Rome with the Edict of Milan. Eventually it was made the official religion of the Roman Empire by the emperor Theodosius in 395 A.D.

What and when is considered the official "Fall of Rome?"

The year 476 A.D. is officially recognized as the official "Fall of Rome" because this was the year in which the Germanic barbarian, Odoacer, captured the city of Rome and the Western Roman Empire fell to the barbarians. He officially proclaimed himself the "king of Italy." (NOTE: The Eastern Roman Empire never fell to barbarians. It was renamed the Byzantine Empire and lasted another 1,000 years until 1453 when it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks...thus becoming the Ottoman Empire).

How did the Roman Empire view the Jewish religion?

Their government tolerated the Jews in Palestine until they rebelled against them. In 63 B.C., Judea (Palestine) became a territory of Rome. The Romans allowed the Jews a governor, a king, and their own money system. In 70 A.D. the Jews revolted against what they felt oppressive Roman rule. The revolt failed. The Romans responded with the Diaspora ("dispersing" of Jews). The Jewish state came end in 70 A.D., when the Romans began the process of driving the Jews from their homeland and resulted in their being dispersed throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe.

What significant event took place in the Roman Empire in 395 A.D.?

Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 395 A.D. (He also banned the worship of the other pagan Roman deities).

How did the rights of Roman women compare to those of Greek women?

They had many more rights and freedoms than Greek women. They were citizens, could testify in court, could own their own property, had legal rights, could run their own businesses, were not restricted in the home, and were allowed to attend public events. Women could go to school and were educated. Some women even had influence in politics but they could not vote nor could they hold public office. The primary role of a woman was to be a wife, mother, and to supervise the house and the slaves.

What role did the Senate play in the Roman Republic?

They were the ruling body of Rome (During the times of the Roman Empire, the emperor was the ruler of Rome).

Who were Peter and Paul?

Two apostles and martyrs considered to be principle founders of the Christian Church started by Jesus of Nazareth.

What was the Pax Romana?

207 years of peace in Rome (27 B.C. to 180 A.D.).

What were the Punic Wars?

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage over control of trade in the Mediterranean Sea.

Why was Rome given the nickname "the eternal city"?

Because the city was expected to last "forever:"

What was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire under Constantine?

Constantinople. He moved the capital from Rome, in the Western Roman Empire to Byzantium in the Eastern Roman Empire. He renamed it Constantinople after himself. Today it is Istanbul, Turkey.

How was Economic (money) responsible for the Fall of Rome?

1. Governing the Roman Empire cost too much money. 2. Civil wars and barbarian invasions made collecting taxes too difficult. 3. Increasing the money supply hurt the economy by causing a devaluing of currency which resulted in inflation, 4. High taxes angered Romans whose standard of living was drastically falling. 5. Romans were also plagued with heavy unemployment which caused an increase in poverty.

How was Social (people) responsible for the Fall of Rome?

1. People were no longer proud of or loyal to Rome. 2. Epidemics spread throughout the Roman Empire adding to the hopelessness of Romans and decreased their population.

What are the four reasons for the fall of Rome?

1. Political (government) 2. Economic (money) 3. Social (people) 4. Military (army)

How was Political (government) responsible for the Fall of Rome?

1. The Roman Empire was too big to rule properly. 2. The Roman Empire had a series of corrupt and weak rulers. 3. Division of the Roman Empire by Diocletian hurt the West. 4. The oppressive policies of emperors caused people to lose support ofRome.

How was Military: (army) responsible for the Fall of Rome?

1. The barbarian invasions played a part in the Fall of Rome. 2. The Roman military was not as well trained or disciplined as they had been in their glorious past. 3. Many Romans were evading military service resulting in the hiring of mercenaries: hired foreign soldiers who had little loyalty to Rome.