Ancient Rome Test Review

Which statement is best supported by the map?

• Roman influence and trade was only accomplished through water routes

• Roman influence and trade was felt throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East

• Roman influence and goods were felt in Europe and Africa

• Roman influence and trade was very narrow in scope for the time period

The Decline of the Roman Empire - 

Historians debate what was the main cause for the end of the Roman Empire. Some historians point to the fact that Rome was under constant threat of attack from barbarians and repeated losses made the Roman military weak. Other historians emphasize that plagues and diseases spread among some parts of the population. Still others argue that the upper classes were less interested in government, leaving the decisions to the Emperor.  A fourth option was the fact that the last years of the empire saw weak and ineffective emperors.  Each contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire, but it is unclear which was the primary reason.

To summarize the passage above: Historians debate whether a lack of participation in government, disease, weak emperors or _________________ was the main cause for the fall of the Roman Empire.

• Peloponnesian War

• Persian Empire’s invasion

• The return of democracy to the empire

• Barbarian attacks

Geographically, what do both the lands of Italy and Greece have in common with their civilization’s development? 

• Both are in the center of the continent and could trade easily.

• Both are peninsulas that led to conquest overseas.

• Both are based on major rivers that provide a surplus of food.

• Both are dominated by mountains that protected it from invaders.

Which quote by Augustus Caesar best reflects his impact on Rome? 

• "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble."

• "Young men, listen to an old man to whom old men listened when he was young."

• "We write our names in the sand: and then the waves roll in and wash them away."

• "I have never been overly concerned or obsessed with opinion polls or popularity polls. I think a leader who is, is a weak leader."

When Rome became an empire, it already controlled most of the Mediterranean world.  Within about 150 years the empire had grown much bigger.  One reason emperors expanded Rome was to control hostile neighbors.  But not all territories the Romans conquered were political threats.  Most were conquered for economic reasons.  Many of these territories had vast supplies of gold, good farmlands, or other resources the Romans wanted, but most importantly, the people who lived in conquered lands were required to pay taxes.  This money was used to pay for the military and public works projects.

What was the main reason Rome continued to expand its territories even after it controlled most of the Mediterranean world?

• New territories provided taxes to build things like roads and aqueducts.

• New territories provided trade routes to more new territories.

• New territories provided resources the Romans could trade for more resources.

• New territories provided prisoners and gladiators for entertainment.

Pax Romana

The first 200 years of the Roman Empire, most often called the Pax Romana, was a time of general peace and prosperity. Several characteristics, such as a stable government and an organized military, helped the empire thrive and maintain peace during these years. There were no major wars or rebellions in the empire. The empire’s population also grew, and trade continued to increase. Many Romans became wealthy through this trade. One effect of these changes was an improvement in the quality of life for people living in Rome and in its provinces.

Which of the following best explains the impact the Pax Romana had on the quality of life of Rome?

• It improved because of the increased population.

• It decreased because less wars were fought.

• It improved because of peace and prosperity.

• 
  It decreased because of increased trade.

Which innovation allowed Rome to control its vast territory?

• Uniform currency

• Professional army

• Paved roads

• Terraced farming

What was the significance of Rome’s central location?

• Its central location allowed it to be protected from its enemies.

• Its central location allowed it to conquer the Persians and the Germans.

• Its central location allowed it to communicate easily with others.

• Its central location allowed it to control trade in the Mediterranean.

The people who made up the Roman Empire came from many cultures and spoke many languages. The Roman Emperors knew that people needed a standard way of exchanging money if trade was to flourish. So the government produced currency in the form of coins.  Coins were made of silver, gold, and sometimes bronze. The value of each coin was equal to the value of the metal it contained. Everyone learned to use the same coins, which made it much easier to set prices and to buy and sell goods (and pay taxes).  Besides making trade easier, coins helped the government to communicate with people. Inscriptions and images on the coins sent messages from Rome throughout the empire.  Emperors also used coins to publicize their efforts and accomplishments. They put their own images on the coins. (Augustus chose to show himself as a young man even after he had aged). Often they added messages about victories in wars or important construction projects.

Which of the following is the central idea of the passage?

• The Roman Empire used currency to connect its different cultures and languages.

• The Roman Empire used currency to show off the Emperor’s image.

• The Roman Empire used currency to communicate and promote trade.

• The Roman Empire used currency to take over new territories.

Selected Laws from the Twelve Tables of Ancient Rome: 

Table I: If someone is summoned to court, he must go. If the man summoned does not go, let the one summoning him call the bystanders to witness and then take him by force.

Table VII: A person who had been found guilty of giving false witness shall be hurled down from the Tarpeian Rock.

Table IX: It is forbidden to put to death any man who has not been convicted.

Which of the following statements is best supported by the laws listed above? 

• In Rome, lying in court was punishable with a fine.

• In Rome, people were innocent until proven guilty.

• In Rome, people were forced to go to court every day.

• In Rome, there was an equal distribution of income.