Summary
The Roman Empire’s origins are rooted in the mythical story of twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who founded Rome after being abandoned as infants. The empire would go on to transform the Western world through trade, agriculture, art, law, and architecture, stretching from the Sahara to Northern Britain.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperialism | /ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪzəm/ | A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization or military force. | The Roman Empire’s imperialism led to the conquest of many territories, including Greece and Carthage. |
| Autocracy | /ɔːˈtɒkrəsi/ | A system of government in which one person has complete control and makes all decisions. | Gaius Julius Octavius, later known as Augustus, established an autocratic system of government in the Roman Empire. |
| Pacification | /ˌpæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | The act of bringing a place or people under control, often through military force. | The Roman Empire’s concept of peace was rooted in pacification, where conquered territories were brought under Roman control. |
| Manpower | /ˈmænpaʊər/ | The number of people available to work or fight in a particular context. | The Roman Empire’s success in warfare was due to its ability to establish relationships with conquered people, securing a large manpower for its army. |
| Emulation | /ˌemjuˈleɪʃən/ | The act of imitating or copying someone or something, often in order to improve or learn. | The Romans emulated Greek culture, art, and architecture, adopting many of their customs and practices. |
| Conquest | /ˈkɒŋkwest/ | The act of taking control of a place or people through military force. | The Roman Empire’s conquest of Carthage and Greece had a profound impact on the empire’s culture and development. |
| Infrastructure | /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ | The basic systems and structures needed for a country or organization to function, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. | Augustus built extensive infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, to support the Roman Empire’s growth and development. |
| Prophecy | /ˈprɒfəsi/ | A statement or prediction made about a future event or situation. | According to Virgil’s Aeneid, Jupiter prophesied Rome’s future power, declaring that the Romans would have “Empire without limit”. |
| Legacy | /ˈleɡəsi/ | The impact or influence that someone or something has on future generations. | The Roman Empire’s legacy is complex and nuanced, with a mix of cultural achievements, military conquests, and brutal suppression of enemies. |
| Hegemony | /hɪˈdʒeməni/ | A situation in which one country or group has more power and influence than others. | The Roman Empire’s hegemony over the Mediterranean region allowed it to control trade and commerce, establishing itself as a dominant world power. |
Vocabulary Flashcards
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Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. The Roman Empire’s origins are rooted in the mythical story of twin brothers and Remus.
2. Rome’s expansion was largely , with a network of alliances leading to conflicts with other powers.
3. The Romans adopted and emulated culture, claiming Aeneas as an ancestor and preserving Greek culture for future generations.
4. Controlling the Sea became crucial for the Roman Empire, as it was a cheaper and quicker route for travel and trade than land.
5. Gaius Julius Octavius, later known as , established autocratic power and defined the role of the emperor.
Vocabulary Quiz
Fact or Fiction Quiz
