Download Chapter 10 Ancient Rome

Chapter 10 Ancient Rome
Study Guide
Test is Wednesday March 2nd
Lesson 1 Rome’s Beginnings
 The myth of Romulus and Remus explained the founding of Rome.
According to the myth a she wolf found the babies after they were
thrown in the Tiber River. Next a shepherd protected them. When they
were older, the boys killed the evil king.
 The location of Italy helped it to become a great empire. Italy has a long
coastline which helped trading. Also, the Tiber River connected Rome to
the Mediterranean Sea. It has a fertile coastal strip of land. There is
access to three seas to help import and export goods as well as introduce
new ideas to the culture. Furthermore, there are hills that provide good
protection against attacks.
 The Etruscans gained control of the Italian peninsula. They were skilled
builders who taught the Romans how to build aqueducts, better weapons,
and ships.
Lesson 2 The Roman Republic
 A republic is a government in which the citizens have the right to vote or
choose their leaders.
 Roman citizens were divided into wealthy patricians and working plebians.
Citizens with the right to vote elected representatives who served in the
Senate. Only patricians could become part of the Senate. The Senate
chose two consuls to manage the government and army. In an emergency,
the consuls named one person a dictator.
 Rome fought three wars against Carthage. These wars were known as the
Punic Wars, and they lasted over a period of 120 years. During the second
Punic War, Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, launched an invasion from
Spain with a herd of elephants. Rome won the Punic Wars.
 Rome worked hard to make friends of former enemies. Some of the
conquered people were granted citizenship. Others were allowed to keep
their local self-government. Rome made improvements to conquered lands
by building aqueducts, roads, and bridges.
Lesson 3 The Roman Empire
 Julius Caesar won many victories for Rome. After a power struggle with
other Roman generals, Caesar was made ruler for life. He was stabbed to
death on the floor of the Senate.
 Augustus is known for beginning a peaceful period in Rome called Pax
Romana. He also improved the economy with business and trade.
 Other emperors to know include Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.
 Marcus Aurelius is known as one of the “Five Good Emperors”.
 Government and Law helped to keep the people of the empire united. The
U.S. is based on many principles developed by the Romans. CHECK THESE
PRINCIPLES ON PAGE 290.
Lesson 4 Christianity
 Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus who was born
into a Jewish family.
 When Jesus was crucified his followers spread his teachings. Peter and
Paul were Apostles of Jesus who spread Christianity throughout the
Mediterranean region.
 Early Christians were persecuted or punished for their beliefs.
 The emperor Constantine outlawed persecution. Then the next emperor
Theodosius made Christianity Rome’s official religion.
Lesson 5 Rise and Fall
 Under poor rulers, there was great division and unrest within the Empire.
 Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into two parts.
 Constantine reunited the empire in A.D. 324. He built a new capital city on
the site of an old Greek city named Byzantium. It became known as
Constantinople.
 In the eastern part of the Roman Empire, the emperor was considered the
head of the church. In the western part, the pope was the head of the
church and had authority over the emperor. As a result, Christianity
divided.
 In A.D. 410 Visigoth leader Alaric captured, pillaged, and burned Rome.
They cut off the food supply and burned homes. A few years later, the
Vandals captured Rome and took whatever was left.