1.
The Roman republic was dominated by
Correct Answer
A. Patricians
Explanation
The correct answer is patricians. In the Roman republic, patricians were the wealthy and powerful aristocratic class who held most of the political power and controlled the government. They were a small minority of the population and held significant influence over the plebeians, who were the common people. The patricians were known for their hereditary privileges and their control over land and resources, which allowed them to maintain their dominance in Roman society.
2.
The rise of private armies directly threatened the existence of the Roman republic. Which of the following men did NOT command private armies?
Correct Answer
B. The Gracchi brothers
Explanation
The Gracchi brothers did not command private armies. The rise of private armies was a significant threat to the Roman republic, as it undermined the authority of the state and allowed individuals to gain excessive power. Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and Julius Caesar were all prominent figures who commanded private armies at different points in history. However, the Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, were known for their attempts at political and social reform, rather than military leadership.
3.
Which of the following is NOT true of the Roman family?
Correct Answer
A. Fathers supervised the domestic and business affairs of the family
Explanation
The statement "Fathers supervised the domestic and business affairs of the family" is true of the Roman family. In Roman society, the father, known as the paterfamilias, held significant authority and responsibility over the household, including the management of domestic and business affairs. He had control over property, finances, and decision-making within the family.
4.
What does the author mean by referring to the Mediterranean as a "Roman lake"?
Correct Answer
B. Romans established ports around the entire perimeter of the Mediterraneans and patrolled the waters, making the region as secure as an inland lake
Explanation
The author means that the Romans established ports around the entire perimeter of the Mediterranean and patrolled the waters, making the region as secure as an inland lake. This suggests that the Romans had a strong presence and control over the Mediterranean, ensuring the safety and protection of their territories and trade routes.
5.
What were the farthest reaches of the Roman empire at its height?
Correct Answer
A. Western Europe, Kush, entire Mediterranean basin
Explanation
At its height, the Roman empire extended to western Europe, including regions such as Gaul (modern-day France), Hispania (modern-day Spain), and Britannia (modern-day Britain). It also reached the region of Kush in Africa, which is present-day Sudan, and covered the entire Mediterranean basin, encompassing countries like Italy, Greece, Egypt, and parts of the Middle East. This answer accurately reflects the farthest reaches of the Roman empire during its peak.
6.
In the Imperial expansion, who did military commanders recruit into their armies?
Correct Answer
A. The rural and urban poor who returned the favor with intense loyalty
Explanation
Military commanders in the Imperial expansion recruited the rural and urban poor into their armies. These individuals showed intense loyalty in return for being given the opportunity to serve.
7.
The early Roman republic dealt with pressures from the plebeians for a voice in government by
Correct Answer
B. Creating the office of tribune who had the power to intervene in all political affairs
Explanation
The early Roman republic dealt with pressures from the plebeians for a voice in government by creating the office of tribune who had the power to intervene in all political affairs. This allowed the plebeians to have representation and influence in the government, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights. The tribunes acted as a check on the power of the patricians and helped to balance the political dynamics in Rome.
8.
Rome ultimately benefited from the defeat of Carthage because
Correct Answer
A. Carthage was a huge naval and trading empire and the Romans were able to absorb and expand that empire and exploit its resources
Explanation
The defeat of Carthage ultimately benefited Rome because Carthage was a significant naval and trading empire. By defeating Carthage, the Romans were able to absorb and expand this empire, allowing them to gain control over its resources and enhance their own trading capabilities. This victory provided Rome with a significant advantage in terms of economic and military power, further solidifying their position as a dominant force in the Mediterranean region.
9.
The Roman policy toward its conquered subjects is called "generous" because
Correct Answer
B. It allowed them to maintain their culture, and gave them the right to trade in Rome and perhaps become Roman citizens
Explanation
The Roman policy toward its conquered subjects is called "generous" because it allowed them to maintain their culture, giving them the right to trade in Rome and potentially become Roman citizens. This suggests that the Romans were more accepting and accommodating of the cultures and traditions of the people they conquered, allowing them to retain their identity and potentially benefit from the opportunities available in Rome.
10.
The most serious political and social tensions in Rome during the last years of the republic and the first years of the empire focused on
Correct Answer
C. Patterns of land distribution
Explanation
During the last years of the Roman Republic and the first years of the empire, one of the most serious political and social tensions in Rome was centered around patterns of land distribution. This issue caused significant conflicts and unrest among the Roman population. The distribution of land was a crucial aspect of Roman society, as it determined the wealth and power of individuals and played a role in maintaining social order. The unequal distribution of land led to discontent among the plebeians, who were often left landless or with insufficient land, while the patricians held large estates. This disparity in land ownership fueled social and economic inequalities, contributing to political instability during this period.
11.
One reason Octavian escaped Caesar's fate was that he
Correct Answer
C. Wisely preserved the facade of the republic while cautiously consolidating his power
Explanation
Octavian escaped Caesar's fate because he wisely preserved the facade of the republic while cautiously consolidating his power. By maintaining the appearance of a republic, Octavian was able to gain the support of the Roman people and avoid opposition from those who wanted to restore the republic. At the same time, he strategically consolidated his power behind the scenes, ensuring that he had the necessary control and influence to maintain his position as the sole ruler of Rome. This approach allowed Octavian to avoid the same fate as his uncle Caesar and establish himself as the first Roman emperor.
12.
During the Pax Romana, where was the greatest growth seen in the number of newly founded cities?
Correct Answer
D. In Spain, Gaul, and Britain where cities were first built for government and administrative purposes
Explanation
During the Pax Romana, the greatest growth in the number of newly founded cities was seen in Spain, Gaul, and Britain. This is because cities were first built in these regions for government and administrative purposes. As the Roman Empire expanded, it needed to establish administrative centers in these areas to effectively govern and manage the territories. Additionally, these regions were strategically important for the Romans in terms of maintaining control over their vast empire. Therefore, the focus on building cities for government and administrative purposes led to significant growth in these regions during the Pax Romana.
13.
In what context were Roman slaves most likely to receive manumission?
Correct Answer
B. After years of service as an urban slave around the age of thirty
Explanation
Roman slaves were most likely to receive manumission after years of service as an urban slave around the age of thirty. This was a common practice in ancient Rome, where slaves who had served their owners faithfully for a certain period of time were granted their freedom. Urban slaves, who worked in households and businesses in the city, were often given the opportunity to be freed once they reached a certain age and had proven their loyalty and dedication. This was seen as a way for slave owners to reward their slaves for their service while also maintaining social order and stability.
14.
Why were Roan commoners especially attracted to the Hellenistic era religions of salvation?
Correct Answer
A. The religions of salvation provided a purpose or model for how to live and the promise of a rewarding afterlife
Explanation
During the Hellenistic era, Roan commoners were attracted to the religions of salvation because these religions offered them a sense of purpose or a guide on how to live their lives. Additionally, these religions promised a rewarding afterlife, which provided comfort and hope for the commoners. This would have been particularly appealing to individuals who may have felt marginalized or oppressed in their daily lives, as the religions of salvation offered them a sense of belonging and a brighter future.
15.
Why did the Jews find it so difficult to abide by Roman law?
Correct Answer
C. The Jewish religion forbids the worship of any other gods but Yahweh and therefore Jews would not participate in the Roman state cults
Explanation
The Jewish religion strictly prohibits the worship of any other gods except for Yahweh. This meant that the Jews could not participate in the Roman state cults, which demanded worship of the Roman gods. As a result, they found it difficult to abide by Roman law that required everyone in the empire to follow Roman religious traditions and rites.
16.
Despite repression by the Roman government, Christianity had great appeal to what group of people throughout the empire?
Correct Answer
D. Slaves and women because Christianity promised spiritual freedom and eternal reward regardless of status
Explanation
The correct answer is that slaves and women were attracted to Christianity because it promised spiritual freedom and eternal reward regardless of their social status. Despite being repressed by the Roman government, Christianity offered hope and a sense of equality to these marginalized groups. It provided them with a belief system that valued their worth and offered them the promise of a better life beyond their earthly struggles. This message resonated with slaves and women who sought liberation and equality in a society that often treated them as inferior.
17.
Many early civilizations relied on slavery for economic and/or religious purposes. Which of the following civilizations was MOST dependent on slave labor in its economic realm?
Correct Answer
D. Rome
Explanation
Rome was the civilization that was most dependent on slave labor in its economic realm. Slavery played a crucial role in the Roman economy, with slaves being used for various tasks such as agriculture, mining, construction, and domestic work. The Roman economy heavily relied on the labor of enslaved individuals, and the institution of slavery was deeply ingrained in Roman society. Slaves were seen as property and were bought, sold, and traded, making their labor an essential component of the Roman economic system.
18.
Rome's most enduring impact was experienced in what region?
Correct Answer
B. Western Europe because Roman rule stimulated trade and agricultural production resulting in urban growth
Explanation
Rome's most enduring impact was experienced in Western Europe because Roman rule stimulated trade and agricultural production, which in turn led to urban growth. This can be seen through the establishment of Roman roads, which improved transportation and facilitated trade. Additionally, Roman agricultural techniques and infrastructure, such as aqueducts and irrigation systems, enhanced agricultural productivity in the region. These factors contributed to the growth of cities and the development of urban centers in Western Europe, making it the region where Rome's impact was most significant.
19.
The Roman concept of "paterfamilias" as a means of providing order in society was most closely tied to what other civilization's patriarchal structure?
Correct Answer
A. Han China
Explanation
The Roman concept of "paterfamilias" refers to the male head of the household who had absolute authority over his family members. This concept was closely tied to Han China's patriarchal structure, where the eldest male had similar authority and control over the family. In both societies, the patriarchal structure was seen as a means of providing order and stability within the family and society as a whole.
20.
Augustus' government was
Correct Answer
B. A monarchy disguised as a republic
Explanation
Augustus' government was a monarchy disguised as a republic. This means that although Augustus held the title of "First Citizen" and claimed to be ruling in accordance with the principles of the Roman Republic, he effectively held absolute power and had control over all aspects of the government. He appointed loyal supporters to key positions and consolidated his authority, essentially establishing a monarchy in disguise. This allowed him to maintain the appearance of a republic while wielding the power of a monarch.