The Roman Civilization Question and Answer| ICSE Class 6

CHAPTER 8

Introduction to Roman Civilization

The Roman civilization, one of the greatest and most influential in world history, arose from a small settlement on the banks of the River Tiber in Italy. Traditionally founded in 753 BCE, Rome grew from a tiny agricultural community into a vast empire that stretched across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East at its peak. The Roman Empire profoundly influenced language, law, architecture, literature, religion, and governance — many aspects of modern society can be traced back to Roman traditions. From the republican institutions of the Roman Republic to the powerful Empire under the Caesars, Roman civilization left a rich legacy that profoundly shaped the course of Western history.

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Rome was built on seven hills by the banks of the river Tiber.
2. Rome became the greatest power in the Mediterranean by conquering the powerful kingdom of Carthage.
3. Roman society was divided into Patricians and Plebeians.
4. The Roman republic was an oligarchy.
5. Julius Caesar was the first Roman consul to be made dictator for life.
6. The first Roman emperor was Augustus Caesar.
7. Augustus Caesar had found Rome a city of brick and transformed it into a city of marble.
8. Two most outstanding specimens of Roman architecture are the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome.
9. The Romans built aqueducts to carry fresh water from the lakes to the cities.
10. Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion.

B. Match the following:

1. Patricians – Aristocrats
2. Pax Romana – Roman peace
3. Latin – State language
4. Virgil – Epic poems
5. Cicero – Orator
6. Pantheon – Roman temple
7. Forum – Public meeting place
8. Jupiter – Sky god
9. Mars – God of war
10. Apollo – Sun god

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C. Answer the following questions:

1. How many classes was Roman society divided into? Name them and mention any two features of each class.
   • Roman society was divided into two main classes: Patricians and Plebeians.
   • Patricians:
     1. They were the aristocratic ruling class.
     2. They held high positions in government and military.
   • Plebeians:
     1. They were the common people, including farmers, artisans, and merchants.
     2. Initially had limited political rights but later gained representation in government.
2. State one important feature of each of the following forms of government in ancient Rome:
   • Republic: Power was held by elected officials rather than a king.
   • Oligarchy: A small group of elites controlled the government.
   • Dictatorship: A single ruler had absolute power, often in times of crisis.
3. In what way did Augustus Caesar contribute to the growth of Roman civilization?
   • He established a stable government, expanded infrastructure, encouraged trade, and initiated the Pax Romana (a long period of peace and prosperity).
4. Why is Rome called the ‘Eternal City’?
   • Rome is called the ‘Eternal City’ because of its long-lasting influence on culture, politics, and civilization, and its continued prominence throughout history.
5. Mention two unique features of Roman engineering that made it possible for the Romans to construct huge buildings.
   • The use of concrete, which made buildings stronger and more durable.
   • The development of arches and vaults, which allowed for larger structures and better weight distribution.
6. Mention two important features of each of the following:
   • Roman roads:
     1. Built using multiple layers of stone and gravel for durability.
     2. Connected the empire efficiently for military and trade purposes.
   • City planning:
     1. Grid-like layout with forums, markets, and public baths.
     2. Sewage and water supply systems were well-developed.
   • Aqueducts:
     1. Carried fresh water to cities from distant sources.
     2. Used a gradient system to ensure continuous water flow.
   • Roman religion:
     1. Polytheistic, with gods and goddesses representing different aspects of life.
     2. Later, Christianity became the official religion under Emperor Constantine.
7. What was the state religion of the Romans and which emperor introduced it?
   • The original state religion of the Romans was polytheistic, worshipping gods like Jupiter and Mars.
   • Emperor Constantine introduced Christianity as the state religion.
8. Which was the sport enjoyed by the Romans?
   • The Romans enjoyed gladiator fights, chariot racing, and wrestling.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. True – The Romans had the most powerful army in the ancient world.
2. True – In Rome, monarchy was replaced by a republic.
3. True – Latin was the state language of the Roman civilization.
4. False – The city of Rome had a circular layout. (It had a grid-like and planned layout.)
5. False – The roads were unsafe for travelers. (Roman roads were well-maintained and patrolled.)
6. True – Jesus Christ was born in Palestine, a Roman province.