Ch 2.1: Rise and Expansion of Rome

Reading Notes

Origins of Rome:

  1. Where did the original settlers of Rome build their city?
  2. How did the Tiber River and Apennines Mountains contribute to Rome’s growth?
  3. Who first ruled over the Roman civilization?
  4. Why did the Romans drive Tarquin from power?
  5. What did the Romans base their government on after they removed Tarquin the Proud from power?

Summary Prompt: The Italian peninsula was home to three different groups of people, the Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans. Around the 8th century B.C. they united together to build a city-state called Rome.

  1. Write a paragraph that summarizes the historical beginnings of Rome from its foundation in the 8th century B.C. to the creation of the Republic in the 510 B.C. Use your notes and your understanding of the reading material to help you craft your summary of events.

Sentence Starters:

Rome is… The city of Rome… The first Romans… Three groups… Around the…

From Republic to Empire:

  1. List the 2 characteristics of a republic form of government.
  2. Who could vote in the Roman Republic?
  3. What is an empire?
  4. What is an emperor?
  5. Who was Augustus Caesar?

Summary Prompt: After the assassination of Julius Caesar the power of Rome shifted from the Senate to a single ruler, Gaius Octavian, also known as Augustus Caesar.

  1. Write a paragraph that summarizes the historical changes that took place in Rome from the beginning of the Republic to beginning of the Empire. Use your notes and your understanding of the reading material to help you craft your summary of events.

Sentence Starters: Over the years… Rome started as a… The Romans created… Starting in… The Roman Republic lasted…

The Rise of Christianity:

  1. Why did Christianity become the dominant religion in the Roman Empire?
  2. Who was Jesus?
  3. What were 2 things that Jesus taught his followers?
  4. What was the Christian belief about Jesus after he was crucified?

Summary Prompt: The Christian religion spread from the Middle East and into Rome. It became very influential and spread throughout the Roman Empire, growing stronger as Rome grew weaker.

  1. Write a paragraph that summarizes the teachings and influence of the Christian religion on the Roman Empire. Use your notes and your understanding of the reading material to help you craft your summary of events.

Sentence Starters: Christianity was a… The teachings of… Starting during the…