Ch 11: Mediterranean Society – The Roman Phase
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pp. 211-215
1. In a paragraph, discuss what the story of Paul of Tarsus reveals about some of political, economic, religious,
social and/or intellectual characteristics of the Roman empire. Make sure to provide at least 3 examples.
2. Discuss the influence of the Etruscans on the early development of Italy & Rome.
3. Describe the government of the Roman republic, making sure to mention different positions and groups.
4. How did the government seek to balance the needs and voices of the different social classes in order to avoid
social tensions?
5. What was the purpose of the position of “dictator”?
6. How did Rome seek to incorporate conquered peoples and lands? Make sure to be specific.
7. Describe the state of Carthage and why it was powerful.
8. Why did Rome go to war with Carthage & what benefits did Rome accrue from its victory?
9. Why did Rome become involved in so many wars in the eastern Mediterranean & what were the results?
215-220
1. What social & political problems ironically worsened as Rome grew into an empire?
2. Who were the Gracchi brothers and what did their fate reveal about the Roman republic according to the text?
3. Who was Sulla & how did he try to deal with the social & political disorder of the 1 st century b.c.e?
4. How did Julius Caesar disagree with the policies of Sulla & how did he become increasingly popular?
5. How did Julius Caesar gain control of the Roman state and what reforms did he initiate?
6. Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?
7. How did Augustus Caesar transform the government but at the same time reduce resistance to his changes?
8. Why were European lands especially impacted by their incorporation into the Roman Empire?
9. Discuss the impact of the Pax Romana on the economy & society of Rome & the Mediterranean . Make sure to
provide several specific examples.
220-225
1. How was agricultural production transformed during the Roman Empire & how did this transformation
impact the production of food and other goods?
2. In a paragraph, discuss how the city of Rome and its inhabitants benefitted from all the trade occurring
throughout the empire.
3. Describe the patriarchy that existed in Rome, making sure to discuss both paterfamilias and the position of
women.
4. According to the section WEALTH & SOCIAL CHANGE, what were some of the social consequences of the
growing wealth & size of Rome?
5. Using your judgment, list the 5 most important facts regarding slavery in Roman society.
225-229
1. In a couple of sentences, discuss how expansion and trade impacted the cultural and religious traditions of
the Romans.
2. In a couple of sentences explain the Greek philosophy of stoicism.
3. In a sentence or two, identify Cicero and explain his significance.
4. Why do you think Stoic philosophy had a large appeal to Roman intellectuals and leaders, especially as Rome
and its empire grew.
5. List the various “religions of salvation” and their major beliefs/characteristics (pages 226-227). Or, create a
chart that will help you list important information for them.
6. Discuss why these religions appealed to the mass of common people in the Roman empire.
7. Why did Jews and early Christians often come into conflict with Roman authority?
8. Why was there such diversity of thought regarding practices and beliefs within early Christian communities?
9. Why did Christianity eventually become the most popular religion of salvation within the empire?