05.01 Travel Journal

Objectives of Lesson 5.01:

  • Describe the growth of Rome before the Punic Wars
  • Explain the impact of the Punic Wars on the development of the Roman Empire

-How did the location of Rome help protect it from invaders?

Specific questions to answer:

  1. Rome was located 14 miles from the coast, how did this help them stay safe?
  2. Rome stood on a plateau, how was this a geographical advantage for them?
  3. Rome’s main river is the Tiber. How does the Tiber river help the Romans?
  4. Rome was surrounded by the Apennine Mountains in the north/south of the peninsula, and also had the Alps in the far north. How did these mountains help protect the Romans.

-What impact did the Etruscans have on the early Romans?

Specific questions to answer:

  1. Based on reading paragraph #2, how did the Etruscans benefits the Latins?
  2. What was the “forum” in Rome? Who built this and why?
  3. Why did the Romans choose a republic instead of a monarch?

-How did Rome gain control of Italy?

Specific questions to answer:

  1. Why were the Romans able to take advantage over the Estruscans?
  2. Besides the Etruscans, who else did the Romans conquer to take over Italy?
  3. Rome decided to make its former foes into allies. How did this help Rome grow?

-What were the main events and the key result of the three Punic Wars?

Specific questions to answer:

  1. Who did Rome fight?
  2. Why did Rome fight during the Punic Wars?
  3. What did Rome have to build into to fight again Carthage?
  4. As a result of the 1st Punic Wars, what did Rome win?
  5. Who was Hannibal and how did he try to conquer Rome?
  6. Why was the 3rd Punic War in 149 BCE so important?

-What were the main effects of the Punic Wars on the Roman Republic?

Specific Questions to answer:

  1. How did winning the Punic Wars and all the extra land affect the “ideals” of Rome?
  2. How did winning the Punic Wars affect the farmers of Rome? What were they forced to do/become?
  3. After winning the Punic Wars, how did the social order of Rome change? Was this change good or bad? How so?
  4. Who were the gladiators?