History of Rome
Unit Introduction: According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. After Romulus
killed his twin brother, he became the first of Rome’s seven kings. After seven kings the monarchy was
overthrown and a republic was founded. Under the nearly 500 years of the republic, Rome became the
center of the world. Eventually, absolute rulers such as Augustus Caesar would take over and form an
empire that stretched from England to the Middle East. For another 500 years the Roman Empire
brought peace and prosperity, but by the Fifth Century AD erratic rulers, invasion, and the loss of
Roman ideals led to the eventual collapse of the empire. We will examine the following questions: How
did Rome rise to power? How has Roman culture influenced the world today? Why, how, and when
exactly did Rome fall? What role did Christianity have in the empire? Did the Roman Empire really fall
or continue under the Byzantine Empire?
Homework Assignments:
Reading List for World History: Continuity and Change
Topic
Pages
1a. Chapter 4, Sect. 4
108-112
1b. Chapter 5: The Roman World
114-142
Due Date
Questions:
1. How did Rome’s geographic location help it become a successful civilization?
2. Why did Roman’s want citizens with property to serve in the army?
3. What were the Punic Wars? What is the significance of these wars?
4. Describe the role the Senate played during the republican government
Answers for questions
(Don’t copy directly from the textbook).
4 – 7 can be found in
5. What reforms did Diocletian make?
pg. 114 - 142
6. How did Jews view Roman rule? Why did the Romans ban Jews from
Jerusalem?
7. If you were a Roman, would you have rather lived under the Republic or the
Empire? Give evidence to support your answer.
Global History I – Spiconardi