Rome

Important long-term contributions of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations are primarily found in the area of

• military technology

• economic policy and planning

• government and law

After the western Roman Empire fell to Germanic invaders in the 5th century A.D., the eastern part of the empire eventually became known as what?

• Byzantine Empire

• Carthaginian Empire

• Persian Empire

A major reason for the decline of the Roman Empire was what?

• a series of military defeats in Africa

• political corruption and the instability of the government

• the abolition of slavery throughout the Empire

What natural feature made Rome an ideal place to settle?

• Arabian Sea

• Gobi Desert

• Nile River

• Mediterranean Sea

Which statement describes the primary purpose of ancient Rome’s large system of roads?

• The Roman population was highly mobile.

• The Roman government prevented unemployment by funding public-works projects.

• Efficient transportation was an economic and military necessity in the Roman Empire.

The size of the Roman Empire made it difficult for the Romans to do what?

• foster trade relations between the different regions of the empire

• ensure effective government and adequate military protection for the entire empire

• continue to make cultural and technological innovations

The Council of Plebs had which function in the Roman Republic?

• It protected the rights of the common people.

• It shared lawmaking power with the consuls.

• It chose the plebeian members of the Senate.

How was the Roman Empire different from the Roman Republic?

• Only elected positions were held under the Empire.

• The Empire was run by a single dictator for life instead of by two elected consuls.

• The Empire focused on protection of its borders rather than on expansion.

The Decline of the Roman Empire

Historians debate why the Roman Empire came to an end. They explain it could have been due to weak emperors, plagues and disease, or lack of government participation by the people. Weak emperors could have caused political confusion. Plagues and diseases spread among some parts of the population. Less participation in government by the upper classes in political and economic decisions may have meant they were becoming lazy and more interested in relaxation or leisure. The empire was strongest when people were making great achievements in art, architecture, math and science. Near the end of the Roman Empire, these intellectual thoughts had diminished.

Which statement does NOT explain a major reasoning for the fall of Rome?

• A civilization can thrive with great achievements

• A lack of participation in government

• Plagues or disease can weaken a civilization

The Decline of the Roman Empire

Historians debate why the Roman Empire came to an end. They explain it could have been due to weak emperors, plagues and disease, or lack of government participation by the people. Weak emperors could have caused political confusion. Plagues and diseases spread among some parts of the population. Less participation in government by the upper classes in political and economic decisions may have meant they were becoming lazy and more interested in relaxation or leisure. The empire was strongest when people were making great achievements in art, architecture, math and science. Near the end of the Roman Empire, these intellectual thoughts had diminished.

The main idea of this passage is what?

• To explain the fall of the Roman Empire

• To detail the strengths of Roman civilization

• To argue that the Roman Empire was superior to Greek civilization