The Roman Empire*

CHAPTER 

GUIDED READING The Roman Empire 

Section 2 

A. Clarifying As you read about the creation of the Roman Empire, make notes in the 

diagram to describe Roman government, society, economy, and culture. 

1. Economy 

• Gap between rich and poor grew
• Rich landowners lived in estates
• Many slaves were forced to work on these estates
• Forced to sell their land and became homeless

2. Form of government 

• Republic grew more unstable
• Military generals began trying to gain power for themselves
• Tried to recruit soldiers by promising the landless land

3. Values 

• Loyalty to the republic
• Citizen soldiers were replaced by those loyal to the republic
• Loyalty, strength and discipline

4. Social structure 

• Enslaved people = ⅓ of Rome's population
• Former soldiers became small farmers
• 90 percent of people engaged in farming

5. Religion 

• Worshiped powerful spirits or divine forces (numina)
• Gods and Goddesses
• Thought everything was controlled by them
• Had names
• Honored through rituals
• Government and religion was linked
• Christianity was started

6. Entertainment 

• 150 holidays with celebrations
• games, races, mock battles, and gladiator contests

B. Synthesizing Explain how the following terms and names relate to Julius Caesar. 

1. Civil war- Caesar defeated many enemies

2. Triumvirate- Julius Caesar ruled as a triumvirate (a group of three rulers)

3. Gaul- Julius Caesar appointed himself Governor of Gaul

4. Absolute rule- Caesar governed as an absolute ruler

5. Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius- These two ruled a triumvirate with Julius Caesar then plotted his death

C. Determining Main Ideas On the back of this paper, explain the importance of 

Augustus and the Pax Romana in the history of the Roman Empire. 

Augustus- Octavian became the unchallenged ruler of Rome. He took the title Augustus.

Pax Romana- known as the Roman peace period.

TERMS & NAMES

1.For each term or name, write a sentence explaining its significance. 

• civil war- War broke out over Tiberius and Gaius

• Julius Caesar- Was declared dictator for life

• triumvirate- Three men ruled Rome like this

• Augustus- Octavian took this title and became the unchallenged ruler of Rome.

• Pax Romana- Roman peace period

USING YOUR READING GUIDE

2.Which category of the Roman Empire do you feel was most significant? Why?

Religion because the government was based off of the religion and they were linked.

MAIN IDEAS

3.What factors contributed to the fall of the Roman Republic?

Civil War, generals seizing power for themselves, greed, wealth

4.What were the main reasons for the Romans’ success in controlling such a large empire?

They had strong leaders and an organized system.

5.What measures did the government take to distract and control the masses of Rome?

They had free events such as games and races.