Lesson 8.4 “The Early Empire”
The Emperor Augustus
What term is used to describe the 200 year period of peace in Rome? The Pax Romana (Roman Peace)
Name 3 things Augustus did to create a strong and safe empire. 1. He created a permanent army 2. He took over more land 3. He imported grain to feed the poor 4. He improved the government 5. He reformed the legal system
How was Augustus a “hands on” ruler in Rome? He traveled to the provinces to check up on the governors, the people he put in charge to rule the provinces.
How did Augustus reform the Roman tax system? Before tax collectors paid the gov’t for the right to collect the taxes (and they kept some for themselves.) Under Augustus tax collectors were government workers.
What were the names of the four family members who ruled Rome after Augustus’ death? Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero
Name one major accomplishment of Tiberius. 1. He was a great military leader 2. He regulated business to prevent fraud 3. He kept Rome’s economy stable
Name one major accomplishment of Caligula. 1. He abolished sales tax 2. He allowed exiled people to return to Rome 3. He increased the court’s power
Name one major accomplishment of Claudius. 1. He built a new harbor 2. He built a new aqueduct 3. He conquered most of Britain
Name one major accomplishment of Nero. 1. He built many new buildings 2. He gave slaves some rights 3. He helped cities suffering from disasters
Which two Julio-Claudian rulers were considered to be cruel? Caligula and Nero
Unity and Prosperity
What happened to Rome after Nero’s suicide? Rome was in disorder and unstable
What leader restored peace and order in Rome? Vespasian
What famous building was constructed during Vespasian’s reign? The Colosseum
What 2 disasters struck Rome during Titus’ reign? 1. Mount Vesuvius erupted, destroying Pompeii 2. A fire greatly damaged Rome
What happened in 1 A.D. ? Jesus/ Christ was born
What does the abbreviation A.D. stand for? Anno Domino, which translated from Latin means “in the year of our Lord.”
What abbreviation is used to signify the years AFTER Jesus was born? A.D.
NervaTrajanHadrian AntoninusPius Marcus Aurelius What term is often is used to describe the Roman rulers Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus, Pius and Marcus Aurelius? The “good emperors”
What was Trajan’s main achievement to help “ordinary” people? He gave money to help poor parents raise and educate their children
What was Hadrian’s main achievement? He made Roman law easier to understand.
What was Antoninus Pius’ main achievement? He passed laws to help orphans.
What do you call a human-made channel for carrying water long distances? An aqueduct
Which emperor led Rome to its largest empire? Trajan
Why did Hadrian remove many Roman troops from Mesopotamia? He thought the Roman Empire was getting too large to manage.
What were the two main languages in Rome? Latin and Greek
What helped unify all of Rome? The Roman law
In what ways was Roman culture spread to neighboring lands? Soldiers and the leaders took customs and traditions with them when they moved to the conquered lands.
What was most common occupation in Rome? Farming
What types of items were grown on the latifundias? Grapes and olives
What products were made with the grapes and olives grown in Rome? Wine and Olive Oil
What were the chief crops in Britain and Egypt? Different types of grains
What types of items did Roman artisans produce? Glass, bronze and brass
Why were Puteoli and Ostia important cities in Rome? They were both port cities where people came to trade and buy items
Why was the main import from China? Silk items
Why was the main import from India? spices
Why was a good transportation network important to the success of the Roman empire? Traders needed good safe roads to travel on and the Roman navy helped keep the seas safe from pirates.
What is a common system of money called? currency
How did a common currency help Rome’s trade industry? All of the areas in the Mediterranean region accepted the Roman coins.