Geographical and Historical Features of Rome

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Questions and Answers

What significant event occurred in 79 CE that impacted Roman cities?

Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying cities. (correct)

The construction of the Colosseum was completed.

A major earthquake devastated Rome.

The Roman Republic was officially established.

What is a primary characteristic of a republic as established by the Romans?

Rulers are chosen by military might.

One leader holds absolute power.

Citizens are not involved in governance.

Leaders rule in the name of the people. (correct)

Who primarily made up the patrician class in Rome?

Slaves and laborers.

Ordinary working-class individuals.

Foreign traders and merchants.

Wealthy upper-class citizens. (correct)

How many consuls were there in the Roman Republic?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What was the typical term length for a consul in Ancient Rome?

One year. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of praetors in the Roman Republic?

They were responsible for judicial matters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum term limit for a dictator in Ancient Rome during an emergency?

Six months. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was primarily represented in the assembly of the Roman Republic?

Both patricians and plebeians. Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Julius Caesar's daughter?

Julia Signup and view all the answers

Which notable alliance did Julius Caesar make?

With Crassus Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Julius Caesar take to gain power?

He captured a large amount of land. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase is famously associated with Caesar's military success?

Veni, Vedi, Vici Signup and view all the answers

What does SPQR stand for?

Senatus Populus Que Romanus Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for Julius Caesar's downfall?

He had too much power. Signup and view all the answers

On what date was Julius Caesar assassinated?

March 15th Signup and view all the answers

Which group in the Roman Republic is analogous to the U.S. legislative branch?

The Senate and Assembly Signup and view all the answers

What are historians divided on regarding Julius Caesar?

His legacy as a dictator or reformer. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the plebeians take during their struggle for more rights?

They refused to fight in the army. Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of a civil war in the Roman Republic?

Consuls ignoring each other's veto Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the 'patricians' in Roman society?

They were the upper class landowners. Signup and view all the answers

What did Julius Caesar create to further his political power?

The First Triumvirate Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical region did Julius Caesar notably conquer?

Gaul Signup and view all the answers

What action did the patricians take to address the demands of the plebeians?

They agreed to the Laws of the Twelve Tables. Signup and view all the answers

What occurred as a consequence of Caesar crossing the Rubicon River?

He was named dictator for life. Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature is NOT associated with Rome?

Desert areas Signup and view all the answers

Who were the parents of Romulus and Remus?

Rhea and Mars Signup and view all the answers

What dominant form of government did the Etruscans have?

Monarchy Signup and view all the answers

After King Tarq was expelled from Rome, what governance system was established?

An annual leadership system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities was NOT attributed to the Etruscans?

Establishing advanced digital technology Signup and view all the answers

What was a common style of clothing worn by the Etruscans?

Togas Signup and view all the answers

Which major geographical barriers provided protection for Rome?

Alps and Apennine Mountains Signup and view all the answers

What did Romulus do to Remus during their fight over the city?

Killed him Signup and view all the answers

What positions did Julius Caesar hold in the Roman political system before becoming dictator?

Aedile, praetor, quaestor Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by Caesar that disregarded the authority of the Senate?

Crossing the Rubicon river Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories did Julius Caesar NOT conquer during his military campaigns?

Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Who was Caesar's romantic partner during his time in Egypt?

Cleopatra Signup and view all the answers

What year did Julius Caesar take the dictatorship for life?

44 B.C.E. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major reform implemented by Caesar during his dictatorship?

Creating the Forum Iulium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following men was NOT involved in Caesar's assassination?

Pompey Signup and view all the answers

What did the assassination of Caesar lead to in the Roman political landscape?

A series of civil wars Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geographical Features of Rome

Built on seven hills
Located on the Mediterranean Sea
Fertile soil
Near the Tiber River
Protected by the Alps and Apennine Mountains

Romuls and Remus

Twins born to Rhea and Mars
Abandoned by their uncle in the Tiber River
Rescued and raised by a she-wolf
Killed their uncle
Fought over which hill to build the city on
Romulus killed Remus and founded Rome

Etruscans

First known people to live in the Roman Italy area
Monarchy
Strong army
Known for toga clothing style
Built streets, buildings, and sewage systems
Polytheistic religion and built temples
Ruled for 3 centuries
Expelled from Rome by the Romans

Pompeii

Buried in ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE
Excavations since 1748 provide insight into Roman life

Roman Republic

Government based on the rule of the people
Leaders were elected or nominated

Patricians: Wealthy upper-class citizens of Rome
Plebeians: Ordinary citizens of Rome

Branches of the Roman Republic

Consuls: Two elected officials, one-year term, ran government, controlled the army, power to veto
Senate: Advisory body, around 200 members, life term, patrician members, advised consuls and government, made laws
Assembly: Elected officials, variable number, one-year term, could be patricians or plebeians, judged officials
Praetors: Elected officials, one-year term, served as judges
Dictator: Single ruler, six-month term, handled emergencies

Patricians vs. Plebeians

Patricians owned large tracts of land
Patricians hired slaves instead of plebeians, leaving plebeians unemployed
Plebeians lower and middle class including merchants, farmers, and craftspeople
Initially refused to fight in the army
Given more rights and representation in government, including access to Republic branches

Laws of the Twelve Tables

Written code granting plebeians more rights
Hung in the marketplace

Julius Caesar

Army general who conquered Gaul (modern-day France)
Formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus
Passed laws to help the poor
Conquered lands in Europe, Africa, and Asia
Crossed the Rubicon River with his army and marched on Rome
Declared dictator for life
Met with Cleopatra in Egypt and gave her political advice
Built homes for his soldiers
Built buildings and monuments
Assassinated on March 15, 44 BCE by Brutus and other senators

SPQR

Stands for Senatus PopulusQue Romanus (The Roman Senate and People)

Veni, Vedi, Vici

Means "I came, I saw, I conquered"

Caesar's Legacy

Reformer: Relieved debt, expanded the senate, built the Forum Iulium, revised the calendar
Dictator: Seized power and made himself dictator, leading to the rise of the empire

Roman Republic Timeline

Lasted nearly 500 years

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Description

Explore the geographical features and rich history of ancient Rome, covering its legendary founders, key events, and societal structures. Learn about the early inhabitants like the Etruscans and the significance of Pompeii's excavation. This quiz will test your knowledge of Rome's fascinating past.