History Ancient Rome Study Questions

In what ways was the Early Empire a period of greatness, and in what ways was the Early Empire riddled with problems?

During the Early Empire. Rome reached its height of power and prosperity. However, as time went on, emperors became more corrupt. For example, Nero killed anyone who got in the way of him or was a threat, even his own mother.

How did Augustus change the system for governing Roman provinces? What were the effects?

He changed the system by taking away rulers of provinces. He overruled the senate by doing this. One thing that happened was that he established unity in imperial policy.

What changed in Roman politics and society as Rome changed from a republic to an empire?

In Society, more people were governed, but they seemed to like it that way. Rome was at the peak of its prosperity. Also, during the Empire, the Emperor could choose its successor.

Why was the Law of Nations such a significant achievement of the Roman Republic?

It was seen as international laws within a society, and western civilization adopted it. The laws were customary, and ALL people were to obey the law.

What were the political and military structures of Rome during the Republic?

Politically, Rome had two consuls and two praetors. They each served for one year each. Also, the Roman Senate was made up of 300 patricians who served for life. Militarily, one of the consuls would stay in Rome and handle domestic affairs, while the other consuls went to go fight and gain land.

What was the significance of Rome's central locations and geographic features?

Rome was located just 16 miles off of the Tiber River. Also, since it was built on seven hills, it was hard to get to, which put them at an advantage when it came to combat.

How did social and political unrest lead to civil wars in Rome?

Socially and politically, one example of instability is the Gracchus Brothers. They believed Rome's problem was the decline of the small farmer. When they tried to send a reform bill, the senate was furious (wealthy landowners themselves). Also, the economy was struggling severely at this time.

What characterized the actions of the first triumvirate?

The combined wealth and power of Caesar Augustus, Pompey the Great, and Crassus helped them dominate the political scene.

When was the golden age of Latin literature, and how did its writers differ in their style and outlook?

The golden age of Latin literature spanned throughout the last years of the republic and through the beginning of the empire, mainly under the reign of Augustus (27 B.C.E.-14 A.D.).

What was the family and social structure of the Ancient Romans, and how did they live?

The person at the head of the Roman family was the paterfamilia--the dominant male. Upper class boys and girls were expected to learn how to read. Many teachers were Greek slaves, because upper class Romans wanted to excel in Greek. When boys went into secondary school, girls were entering marriage. It was a very male dominant society. However, upper class women had much more freedom than most other women.

What factors lead to the beginning of the Roman Empire?

They built a strong military force, knew who and who not to conquer, and granted citizenship to conquered peoples.

How did Romans spread Greco-Roman art and culture, and what were there characteristics?

They started spreading it by adapting some Greek art, like statues. The main characteristic of Greco-Roman art that differs from Greek art is that it was much more realistic.

What did the custom of marrying off very young girls reflect about Roman society?

This shows that it was a male dominant society, and much like the Greeks, it showed that Roman men thought that all women should have a male guardian because they thought women were inferior in strength.