Name _________________________________________ Core __________________ Date ________________________
Unit 7 Roman Origins and Early Political Structures Study Guide
Key Points:
1. According to the Roman legends, descendants of the Trojan hero Aeneas founded Rome.
2. Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings, who had overthrown the Latin kings.
3. The Romans may have adopted the Etruscan alphabet. They also may have taken on Etruscan and Greek gods. Their
political philosophy came from Greece.
4. The cultures that influenced Rome in its early history helped create Roman political philosophy and society. These
have, in turn, affected many modern cultures.
5. Roman citizens had certain rights and responsibilities.
6. Patricians had most of the power at first. However, over time, plebeians fought for and won a major role in their
government.
7. Rome’s government was made up of three parts. Each had the ability to limit the power of the other parts.
8. Romans created a written code of laws to be sure that people were treated fairly.
9. In the first Punic War, Rome built up its navy and gained the island of Sicily.
10. In the second Punic War, the brilliant Carthaginian leader Hannibal almost captured Rome. In the last Punic War, Rome
defeated and destroyed Carthage.
11. Through the Punic Wars, Rome gained power over the Mediterranean and a large amount of territory in North Africa
and southern Europe. This growth of power began the spread of the Roman Empire.
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:
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The Aeneid- ________________________________________________________________________________
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The Etruscans- _____________________________________________________________________________
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Republic- __________________________________________________________________________________
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The Roman Republic- ________________________________________________________________________
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Dictator- ___________________________________________________________________________________
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Punic Wars- ________________________________________________________________________________
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Reading Guide:
1. What democratic principles were present in the government of ancient Rome? ____________________________________
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2. What effect did the Punic Wars have on Rome? _____________________________________________________________
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3. The idea of citizenship was very important to the Romans. What did citizenship mean to the Romans? What are the
similarities and differences between the Roman concept of citizenship and the American concept of citizenship?
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Name _____________________________________________ Core _________________ Date __________________________
Vocabulary Organizer
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Key Term
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Key Term
Illustrate
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