Ancient Rome Flashcard

Front

Which Roman emperor moved the empire’s capital to Constantinople?

Back

Constantine the Great

Answer explanation

Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople in 330 AD. This strategic decision helped to strengthen the eastern part of the empire.

Front

Wealthy landowner and member of the ruling class

Back

Patrician

Answer explanation

The term 'Patrician' refers to wealthy landowners and members of the ruling class in ancient Rome, distinguishing them from the common people, or 'Plebeians'. Thus, 'Patrician' is the correct answer.

Front

The government of the United States was influenced by Rome’s ___________ form of government.

Back

republican

Answer explanation

The United States government was influenced by Rome's republican form of government, which emphasizes elected representatives and a system of checks and balances, distinguishing it from a purely democratic or dictatorial system.

Front

Rome was located on the _________ River.

Back

Tiber

Answer explanation

Rome was located on the Tiber River, which flows through the city and was crucial for its trade and defense. The other rivers listed, such as the Danube, Euphrates, and Nile, are located in different regions.

Front

The supreme governing body of Ancient Rome was called...

Back

The Senate

Answer explanation

The supreme governing body of Ancient Rome was the Senate, which played a crucial role in legislative and political matters, unlike the Tribune and Consul, which had different functions.

Front

A scribe is a __________.

Back

a public notary or clerk

Answer explanation

The assembly was composed of representatives elected by plebeians, who were the common people in ancient Rome. This choice reflects the democratic aspect of Roman governance, contrasting with patricians, women, and children.

Front

The fall of Rome began with poor leadership, attacks by invaders, and ____

Back

a declining economy

Answer explanation

The fall of Rome was significantly influenced by a declining economy, which weakened the empire's ability to defend itself and maintain order, alongside poor leadership and invasions.

Front

As the value of Roman coins decreased, people began to ________ again.

Back

barter

Answer explanation

As the value of Roman coins decreased, people lost trust in currency and reverted to barter, exchanging goods directly instead of using money. Thus, 'barter' is the correct choice.

Front

What was the primary purpose for building aqueducts?

Back

supplies public baths, latrines, fountains and private households.

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of building aqueducts was to supply water to public baths, latrines, fountains, and private households, facilitating hygiene and daily life in ancient cities.

Front

The Germanic general ___________ seized control of Rome and ruled it for almost 15 years.

Back

Odoacer

Answer explanation

Odoacer was a Germanic general who deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 AD and ruled Rome for nearly 15 years, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.