Questions on Roman History to be answered week of Jan. 29

1. According to legend how and when was Rome founded?
2. The basic unit of Roman society was the same as that of our society, the family. What were the two social classes into which early Romna society was divided?
3. The Roman Republic began with the overthrow of the Etruscan king in 509 B.C. The two main political offices were the consuls and the members of the Senate. How many of each were there, how long did they serve, and what was the function of each?
4. Initially the patricians held all the power. How did the plebians gain some power for themselves?
5. What authority did the Council of Plebians have?
6. The unwritten law was written down aound 450 B.C. and called the Law of Twelve Tablets. What is the significance of this?
7. With these changes that took place over about 200 years the distinction between plebians and patricians became less important. What new class distinction appeared?
8. Where does the term "Pyrrhic victory" come?
9. Like Athens in Greece, Rome became the leading city in Italy. By 265 B.C. Rome controlled the entire Italian peninsula. How did Rome treat her conquered subjects?
10. Who was Rome's principal enemy after they gained control of the Italian peninsula?
11. What do you know about this enemy city? Location, origin, strengths?
12. What were the three wars fought between these cities from 264 B.C. to 146 B.C.?
13. Who was the most famous Carthaginian general?
14. Even though Hannibal defeated Rome in many battles on the Italian peninsula, he never captured Rome. Why?
15. What was the outcome of the final Punic War?
16. What was going on in the eastern Mediterranean during the Punic Wars?

Note: During the 200 years before the birth of Christ the foundation of the Roman Republic
was shaken. It had functioned well until the vast expansion of Rome's power. Economic problems were caused for the small farmers who had to spend so much time fighting. As a result discontent arose between the classes and there were 3 civil wars. The first ended with Sulla declaring himself dictator. He used his power to return power to the Senate and then resigned. After Sulla's death in 78 B.C. Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar all competed with one another for power. In 60 B.C. they joined together to form the triumpherate (means rule of 3 men) to rule Rome together.

17. What did Julius Caesar do between 60 B.C. and his death in 44 B.C.?
18. Who ruled after the death of Julius Caesar?
19. What famous woman charmed Antony?
20. What battle is said to mark the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire?
21. The Roman Empire was already an "empire" before Octavius became ruler but it is called an empire instead of a republic from this point in history. What are the dates considered to be the beginning and ending of the Roman Empire?
22. What was the Pax Romana?
23. Who gave Octavius the name Augusutus?
24. What did the Romans do in Israel in 70 A.D. Who was the emperor at that time?

Note: After the Pax Romana ended there were invasions by the barbarians and many overthrows of dictators for the next 100 years.