Download study questions for the final examination

STUDY QUESTIONS FOR THE FINAL EXAMINATION
HIST 303
Fall, 2011
Dr. Cleve
The final exam will be on Friday, December 16 at 8:00–10:00 AM. The test will consist
of two groups of three questions each, selected from the eight questions below. You will
be required to answer one question from each group, or a total of two (2) questions. All
answers must be supported with historical evidence from the lectures and the assigned
readings.
1.
Who were the Etruscans and what was their influence on the Romans? Include a
brief discussion of the controversy concerning their origins. Support your
discussion with specific historical evidence.
2.
Describe and discuss the Roman constitution. Polybius says the constitution
consisted of “three sovereign elements,” which check and balance each other.
What does he mean by this?
3.
Rome has been described as “the builder of a great historical bridge between East
and West”. Do you agree or disagree? Support your argument with specific
historical evidence.
4.
Discuss the causes and the results of the first two Punic Wars. How were these
wars related? Why was Rome eventually victorious?
5.
Discuss the causes for the collapse of the Roman Republic in the first century
B.C.E. What were the problems that overwhelmed the government? Could these
problems have been solved within the framework of the constitution? If so, how?
If not, why?
6.
Augustus transformed the government of Rome from a republic to a monarchy. In
doing so, was he the savior or destroyer of Roman liberty? Why did the people of
Rome accept this new régime?
7
How does the “Roman mind” differ from the “Greek mind”? Which is superior in
terms of administration, innovation, resourcefulness and ingenuity? Which culture
has made the more lasting contributions to our modern world? Support your
answer with specific historical information.
8.
The Romans had a reputation of being tolerant in matters of religion and indeed
they often incorporated the gods and religions of other peoples into their own
belief system. In view of this, what were the motivations and causes behind the
Roman persecution of the Christians?