Roman and Aegean Civilizations Quiz

Rome's expansion, while bringing wealth and power, also created internal strife due to social inequalities, land distribution issues, and the rise of powerful generals who challenged the Senate's authority. The growing gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses, combined with the influx of conquered slaves, led to social unrest and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Republic.

Gaius Marius introduced significant reforms to the Roman army, including a professional army open to non-aristocrats, the use of legions, and the establishment of a standardized training system. This shift from citizen-soldiers to professional troops had a lasting impact on Roman military strategy and power.

The devastating Peloponnesian War had a significant impact on Athenian artistic expression. After the war, there was a shift towards themes of tragedy, loss, and introspection, reflecting the city's profound sense of grief and disillusionment. This change is evident in the works of playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides.

In the 4th century BC, the formerly ‘uncivilized’ regions of Macedonia and the Greek cities rose to prominence. This was catalyzed by Philip II of Macedon, who united the Greek city-states, and his son Alexander the Great, who conquered vast empires. After Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals known as the Diadochi, each establishing their own kingdoms.

Roman society was built upon a set of core values that guided their conduct. These values, such as piety (pietas), loyalty (fides), seriousness (gravitas), authority (auctoritas), Romanness (Romanitas), and adherence to tradition (mos maiorum), shaped Roman identity and influenced their political and cultural practices.