Roman Empire Overview Quiz

Major Roman Empire Countries

• Italy
• Greece
• Egypt
• Spain
• Gaul (France)

First Emperor of Rome

• Emperor Augustus

Pax Romana

• Period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire under Augustus' rule
• Lasted for over 200 years

Emperor Augustus’ Major Accomplishments

• Expanded the Roman Empire
• Established a strong central government
• Reorganized Roman finances
• Developed a postal system
• Built public works like aqueducts and roads

Emperor Nero

• Known for his cruelty and extravagance
• Accused of starting the Great Fire of Rome

Emperor Constantine

• Made Christianity the official religion of Rome

Spreading Roman Culture

• Military conquest: Romans spread their culture through military victories
• Trade: Romans traded goods and ideas, expanding their cultural influence

Common Goods Traded

• Wine
• Olive oil
• Grain
• Textiles
• Pottery

Roman Roads

• Slaves were used to build roads
• Romans built over 50,000 miles of roads

Roman Concrete

• Romans invented concrete, allowing them to build larger and stronger structures

Aqueducts

• Systems that carried water to cities
• Utilized gravity to transport water

Mosaics

• Art form using small pieces of colored glass or stones

Major Teaching of Christianity

• Love for God and neighbor

Founder of Christianity

• Jesus of Nazareth

Early Christianity

• Persecution by the Roman Empire
• Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire

Roman City Video Country

• Italy

Roman City Layout

• Grid system with a forum as the central public space

Fall of Western Roman Empire

• Political instability
• Economic decline
• Military weakness
• Barbarian invasions

Byzantine Empire Capital

• Constantinople
• Located in modern-day Turkey

Justinian’s Early Life

• Born into a peasant family
• Rose to power through military and political acumen

Justinian’s Major Accomplishments

• Codified Roman law (Justinian Code)
• Reconquered lost Roman territory
• Built Hagia Sophia, a magnificent church

Empress Theodora

• Influential Empress who helped her husband rule
• Provided support to poor and sick
• Fought for women's rights

Western vs. Eastern Roman Empires

• Similarities: Both were heirs to the Roman Empire
• Differences: Eastern Empire adopted Greek as its primary language, Christianity became the official religion, and experienced a longer lifespan

Byzantine Empire Language

• Greek

Plague in Constantinople

• Bubonic plague spread through Constantinople
• Spread easily due to overcrowding and poor sanitation

Conqueror of Byzantine Empire

• Ottoman Turks

Constantinople Renamed

• Istanbul