Roman Empire: Rise and Society Overview

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Questions and Answers

What primarily motivated Rome to employ mercenaries?

  • To stop raiding and bolster their own defense (correct)
  • To limit the power of their own citizens
  • To ensure loyalty and reduce costs
  • To promote cultural exchange with foreign factions

What was a significant reason for Rome's withdrawal from Britain?

  • A strategic decision to expand into other territories
  • Increased loyalty among British citizens
  • The successful defense by local tribes
  • A lack of resources and mismanagement (correct)

How did the employment of mercenaries impact the Roman economy?

  • It had no effect on the economy as all costs were covered
  • It strengthened the economy by lowering defense costs
  • It increased taxes for all citizens to fund their salaries
  • It created a burden due to unreliability and wasted resources (correct)

Which value was not considered a positive Roman value?

<p>Guilt by suspicion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did taxation have on the Roman middle class?

<p>It led to economic suffering and hardship (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason the Senate chose to give control to Octavian?

<p>The Roman Republic was failing, and Octavian was seen as a capable leader. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'Pax Romana' in Roman history?

<p>It marks a period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the Aeneid, and what was its main theme?

<p>Virgil; it follows Aeneas and his journey from the Trojan War to founding Rome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Stoicism, and how did it influence Roman society?

<p>A philosophy that emphasized acceptance of fate and duty to society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Roman aqueducts?

<p>To move water into cities to support sanitation and drinking needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the construction of Roman roads is correct?

<p>They helped improve trade and created job opportunities beyond slavery. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Romans innovate in terms of sanitation?

<p>By developing complex plumbing systems using only gravity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Virgil aim to achieve through his writing of the Aeneid?

<p>To promote Roman patriotism by paralleling his work with Homer's epics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pax Romana

A period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire.

Roman aqueducts

Structures that brought water to Roman cities, crucial for sanitation and daily life.

Roman roads

Extensive network of roads that connected the Roman Empire.

Roman society

Roman people, their beliefs, and ways of life.

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Roman Census

A population count used to assess wealth for taxation.

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Stoicism

Ancient Greek philosophy emphasizing acceptance of fate and duty.

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Octavian's Rise

The Roman Senate selected Octavian to lead due to Republic's failures.

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Virgil's Aeneid

An epic poem about Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and Rome’s founding.

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Roman Values

Emphasized justice, proof of guilt, and fairness.

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Roman Withdrawal from Britain

Rome left Britian due to instability/expense.

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Mercenaries

Paid soldiers who are not loyal to Rome.

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Roman Tax Increase

Rome raised taxes to fund expenses and pay mercenaries.

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Study Notes

Roman Empire: Rise, Society, and Fall

  • Senate's Role in Octavian's Rise: The Roman Republic faltered, leading the Senate to grant Octavian control. Fear of retribution for opposing him also played a role.

Pax Romana

  • Golden Age: Pax Romana is considered the golden age of Rome.
  • Last Emperor: Marcus Aurelius was the last emperor of the Pax Romana.

Roman Society

  • Continued Innovation: Rome continued to develop and innovate.
  • Religious Diversity: While predominantly polytheistic, monotheistic beliefs co-existed.
  • Virgil's Aeneid: Celebrated Roman hero Aeneas, influenced by Homer's epics, promoting Roman patriotism. Aeneas is believed to be a real historical figure.
  • Stoicism: A philosophy of accepting fate, with a strong emphasis on duty (especially for legions). Originated with the Persian philosopher Zeno.
  • Engineering Marvels: Aqueducts, roads, bridges, and harbors.
    • Aqueducts: Moved water to cities, enabling sanitation systems and public baths, functioned via gravity.
    • Roads: Created jobs and fostered trade. Built by more than just slaves.
    • Water's Impact: Improved sanitation and allowed development of public bathing facilities.

Roman Values and Expansion

  • Positive Values: Emphasized justice, guilt-by-proof, and fairness.
  • Britannica and Departure: Britain was part of the Roman Empire. Rome eventually withdrew due to instability and cost.
  • Mercenaries and Economic Strain: Rome relied on mercenaries, but often they were unreliable, leading to financial problems and impacting the middle class.
  • Taxation: Taxes were introduced to offset the cost of mercenaries.
  • Rise in Germanic Invaders: Many mercenaries were Germanic tribes.

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