Romulus and Remus There is a legend that tells of half-god like men that were nursed by a she-wolf and watched over by their father the Roman god, Mars (god of war). According to the legend of Romulus and Remus, one of these twin brothers killed the other. Which brother was killed and why? Who was their Mother? What year was the city of Rome founded? Why is Rome sometimes referred to as “The City of the Seven Hills?” Web sites:

Greek Connections The ancient Romans took many of their ideas concerning art, religion, science and culture from the Greeks. The Greek culture and civilization was firmly established in the Mediterranean region, and the Romans envied their power and world status. Web sites: The Romans had much the same pantheon of gods that the Greeks had. The only difference, in many cases, was the name that the god or goddess was given. Find the Roman names for the Greek gods: Hermes, Ares, Hera, Athena? The Romans were great builders, but they did copy one architectural idea from the Greeks. What was it? (hint: Today we recognize three different kinds of these sturdy roof holders: Doric and Ionic are two)

The Etruscans The Etruscans were an ancient people whose civilization was much older and more powerful than their Roman counterparts. They had a large army and a powerful navy. Etruscan art and technology was as good as, and sometimes better than, the technologies of civilizations older than their own. At one time Etruscan kings had ruled over Rome and its inhabitants, but this would not last for long. Rome allied itself with other enemies of the Etruscans, and eventually subdued the Etruscan people. What nations or peoples allied themselves with the Romans to help defeat the Etruscans? Web Sites: encarta.msn.com

The Roman Senate was traditionally made up of aristocrats that had already attained considerable wealth and power. The Senate was the main governing body of the Roman empire for hundreds of years. It would form treaties, declare war, fund public works and many other governmental tasks. In order for a Roman general to have favors, prestigious titles and wealth placed upon him, he would have to have the backing and support of the majority in the Senate. It was not until the triumph of Julius Caesar that the Senate finally lost the majority of its power. Eventually Caesar declared himself “Dictator for Life” and this enraged the Senate members. Caesar was assassinated by a group of conspiring Senators that were fearful of Caesar’s popularity and support among the average Roman citizens, and the majority of the Roman soldiers. WEB SITES: How did the struggles between the plebeians and the patricians lead to the development of the Roman Senate?

Hannibal Hannibal is probably one the most famous generals of all time. He was the son of a Carthaginian general that had a great hatred for the Romans. Hannibal had seen the Carthaginian people suffer defeat after humiliating defeat at the hands of the Romans. He vowed to avenge these defeats and in 218 B.C., he set out across the Alps with an army of about 40,000 strong. Web sites: At what famous battle did Hannibal have his greatest victory over the Romans? (hint: almost the entire Roman army was destroyed) Hannibal started his attack, on the Romans, from the Iberian peninsula. What country covers most of the Iberian peninsula today? Which Roman general eventually defeated Hannibal at Zama (outside of Carthage)? encarta.msn.com/find

Roman Military Might! The Romans were involved in a number of battles and wars. Roman soldiers were tenacious in battle and would sometimes purposely go out of their way to destroy an enemy--even if the enemy was no real threat. Who did the Romans fight in the Punic Wars? Who did the Romans fight in the Macedonian Wars? Web sites: encarta.msn.com

All Hail Caesar! Caesar made a name for himself during his battles with the Gallians. The Gallians were from a region called Gaul. What is the region of Gaul called today? What governing body wanted to get rid of Caesar? What month of our year is named after Caesar? What was the name of Caesar’s nephew that succeeded him as the first emperor of Rome? Web sites: encarta.msn.com

Roman Builders The Romans were ingenious engineers and architects. Among their greatest accomplishments were their famous arch-ways, their durable roads and their fantastic aqueducts. Web sites: Why were Roman aqueducts so important? How did aqueducts work (what made them work)? What were the settling basins used for in the aqueducts? Why did the Romans spend so much time building roads? The Appian way is a famous Roman road that leads to where? (hint: answer is an older civilization to the east)

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