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The Rise of RomeReferences: DeGeer & Newman, Odyssey Through the Ages, 1992Class Notes Questions

1. Discuss key features of Italian geography that influenced Rome as a power?

2. Who were the Etruscans? Assess the effectiveness of Etruscan rule and account for their eventual expulsion in 509BC.

Etruscan League of Twelve Cities

3. Assess the story of Romulus and Remus as an ‘inspiration for Rome.’ What does it suggest is important and/or would be important as an origin story for a great wmpire? (Also, p. 266-67)

4. Assess to what degree the Roman constitution provided its citizens with equality and effective government and what weakness existed in the system of government.

Assemblies (incl. ‘Senate’)

Magistrates (incl. ‘consuls’ and ‘praetors’)

5. What were the driving forces behind Rome’s desire to expand?

6. How did Rome’s conflicts with Carthage contribute to their expansion abroad?

7. To what degree did the actions of the Gracchus brothers reflect the growing dissatisfaction of the Roman masses?

8. Discuss the role of ‘the Generals’ and the ‘Social War’ that broke out in 90BC.

9. Describe the changes implemented by Gaius Marius to the Roman army and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the rise of the Roman army in power and prestige.

First Triumvirate

10. Considering Julius Caesar’s actions and achievement was Brutus and his cohorts justified in perceiving him as a threat to Republican government and in assassinating him? Explain.

11. To what degree was Rome a male-dominated society?

Vestal Virgins

Toga

Cicero

Epicureanism