I. Answer in a word or a sentence

Question 1.
On which river bank did the Roman civilization develop?
Answer:
On the bank of River Tiber.

Question 2.
When was the Roman Republic established?
Answer:
509 BCE.

Question 3.
From which word is the name ‘Rome’ derived?
Answer:
From Romulus.

Question 4.
The word ‘Republic’ is derived from which Latin word?
Answer:
Respublica.

Question 5.
Who was Hannibal?
Answer:
A brilliant general of Carthage.

Question 6.
Who became the first dictator of Rome?
Answer:
Marius.

Question 7.
Who acted as a Mediator between Julius Caesar and Pompey?
Answer:
Crassus.

Question 8.
Whose famous words are “Vini, Vidi, Vici”?
Answer:
Julius Caesar.

Question 9.
Which was the battle in which Julius Caesar defeated Pompey?
Answer:
Battle of Pharsalus.

Question 10.
Who was Cleopatra?
Answer:
Queen of Egypt.

Question 11.
Who was the person responsible for the murder of Julius Caesar?
Answer:
Brutus.

Question 12.
Name the greatest ruler of Roman Empire.
Answer:
Augustus Caesar.

Question 13.
What was the original name of Augustus Caesar?
Answer:
Octavian.

Question 14.
What is the meaning of Augustus?
Answer:
Holy or Dignified.

Question 15.
Who was the emperor of Rome when Jesus Christ was born?
Answer:
Augustus Caesar.

Question 16.
Who shifted the capital of Roman Empire to Constantinople?
Answer:
Constantine.

Question 17.
What is the modern name for Constantinople?
Answer:
Istanbul.

Question 18.
What is Justinian famous for?
Answer:
Justinian Code (Corpus Juris Civilis).

Question 19.
Who was the greatest physician of Ancient Roman Empire?
Answer:
Galen.

Question 20.
Who was the first person to describe Diabetes and diphtheria?
Answer:
Aretacus.

Question 21.
Who built Saint Sophia church at Constantinople?
Answer:
Justinian.

II. Answer in 2 words or 2 sentences

Question 1.
Who founded the city of Rome?
Answer:
Romulus and Remus.

Question 2.
Name the ‘first Triumvirate’ of Roman Civilization.
Answer:
Caesar, Pompey, Crassus.

Question 3.
Which are the books written by Julius Caesar?
Answer:
Gallic Wars and Civil Wars.

Question 4.
Name any two reforms introduced by Julius Caesar.
Answer:
Julian Calendar, Land Distribution.

Question 5.
Who are popularly called the ‘second Triumvirate’?
Answer:
Octavian, Antony, Lepidus.

Question 6.
What is coliseum?
Answer:
An amphitheatre for gladiator fights.

Question 7.
Mention the two important generals of Augustus Caesar.
Answer:
Agrippa and Maecenas.

Question 8.
Name any four poets or writers who adorned the court of Augustus.
Answer:
Virgil, Horace, Livy, Ovid.

Question 9.
What is Pax Romana?
Answer:
Roman Peace for two centuries.

Question 10.
What are Twelve Tables?
Answer:
First written Roman laws.

Question 11.
What is Jus-Gentium?
Answer:
Law for foreigners in Rome.

Question 12.
Name any two historians of ancient Rome.
Answer:
Tacitus and Pliny.

III. Answer in 15 to 20 Sentences

Question 1.
Explain briefly the Roman wars with Carthage.

Answer:
The Romans fought a series of three wars against Carthage, known as the Punic Wars. The First Punic War (264–241 BCE) was fought mainly over the control of Sicily. Rome finally won and Carthage had to surrender Sicily. The Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) was the most famous. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, marched from Spain across the Alps with his army and elephants to attack Rome. He defeated the Romans in several battles, including Cannae, but was later defeated by Scipio at the Battle of Zama.

Carthage was forced to give up Spain and pay heavy tribute. The Third Punic War (149–146 BCE) ended with the total destruction of Carthage. The city was burned, its people killed or enslaved, and its land ploughed with salt so that nothing could grow. These wars made Rome the strongest power in the Mediterranean world.

Question 2.
Write a short note on Julius Caesar.

Answer:
Julius Caesar was one of the greatest generals and statesmen of ancient Rome. He expanded Roman territories by conquering Gaul (modern France). His writings, Commentaries on the Gallic Wars and Civil Wars, give us detailed accounts of his campaigns. Caesar was ambitious and wanted supreme power. His friendship with Pompey and Crassus formed the First Triumvirate. Later, rivalry developed between Caesar and Pompey, which led to civil war. Caesar emerged victorious after the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE.

He became dictator for life and introduced many reforms, including the Julian Calendar, land distribution, and reorganization of the Senate. However, his growing power alarmed the senators. On 15th March 44 BCE, he was assassinated in the Senate by Brutus, Cassius, and others. His death marked the end of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the Roman Empire.

Question 3.
Explain briefly the rise of Eastern Roman Empire.

Answer:
After the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire, rose to power. Emperor Constantine played a key role by shifting the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium in 330 CE. He renamed it Constantinople, which became a rich and powerful city due to its strategic location. The Eastern Empire preserved Roman traditions, culture, and law while blending them with Greek influences. Emperor Justinian (527–565 CE) was the greatest ruler of this empire.

He codified Roman laws into the famous Justinian Code, which influenced European law for centuries. He also built magnificent structures, including the Church of Hagia Sophia. The Eastern Empire was strong in trade, culture, and learning, while the Western Empire fell to barbarian invasions. Constantinople remained a center of Christianity and civilization for nearly a thousand years, until it finally fell to the Turks in 1453 CE.

Question 4.
What is Pax Romana? Explain.

Answer:
Pax Romana means “Roman Peace.” It refers to a period of about 200 years of peace and stability in the Roman Empire, beginning with Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. During this time, there were no major civil wars or foreign invasions. Trade, agriculture, and industries flourished, bringing prosperity to the people. Roads were built across the empire, which improved communication and movement of armies. Roman law was codified and justice was administered efficiently. The emperors ensured peace by maintaining a strong army and good administration.

Literature and arts also flourished during this golden age. Writers like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid lived during this time. The provinces under Roman rule enjoyed protection and development. Pax Romana helped spread Roman culture and civilization across Europe, Africa, and Asia. It was the longest period of peace in ancient history and made Rome one of the greatest empires in the world.

Question 5.
Write a short note on Roman law.

Answer:
Roman law is one of the greatest contributions of Rome to the world. It was first codified in the Twelve Tables around 450 BCE, which laid down basic rights and duties of citizens. Later, as Rome expanded, new laws were made to govern foreigners as well, called Jus Gentium or the Law of Nations. Roman law was based on principles of justice, equality, and fairness. It protected property rights, contracts, and family life.

Under Emperor Justinian, all Roman laws were collected and codified in the Corpus Juris Civilis or Justinian Code. This code influenced the legal systems of many European countries and still forms the basis of modern civil law. Roman legal concepts such as equality before the law, presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial are used even today. Thus, Roman law is one of their most lasting legacies.

Question 6.
What are the contributions of Romans to language and literature?

Answer:
Romans made significant contributions to language and literature, which continue to influence the world today. Latin, the language of the Romans, became the official language of administration, law, and education. It later developed into the Romance languages like Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. Many English words are also derived from Latin. In literature, the Romans produced great writers and poets. Cicero was a famous orator and prose writer. Julius Caesar wrote Gallic Wars and Civil Wars. Virgil wrote the Aeneid, an epic poem considered Rome’s national epic.

Horace was known for his odes, and Ovid wrote Metamorphoses. Historians like Livy and Tacitus recorded Rome’s history, while Pliny contributed to science and literature. Roman literature was greatly influenced by Greek works, but it also developed its own style. The Romans preserved knowledge and spread literacy throughout the empire. Their contributions laid the foundation for European literature.

Question 7.
Explain briefly the contributions of Romans to science.

Answer:
Romans contributed to science mainly in practical fields rather than pure theory. They excelled in engineering, architecture, and medicine. Roman engineers built strong roads, bridges, aqueducts, and harbors, which still stand as evidence of their skill. They perfected the use of concrete and arches in construction. In medicine, Roman physicians like Galen made great progress. He studied anatomy and physiology and wrote many medical texts that were used for centuries. Romans also contributed to public health by building hospitals, baths, and drainage systems.

In the field of natural science, Pliny the Elder wrote Natural History, an encyclopedia of scientific knowledge. Roman military science was advanced, with efficient weapons, forts, and strategies. Astronomy and mathematics were borrowed from the Greeks, but the Romans applied them in practical ways. Their scientific achievements were based on utility, which helped improve the quality of life in the empire.

Question 8.
What are the contributions of Ancient Romans to art and architecture?

Answer:
The Romans made remarkable contributions to art and architecture, many of which still inspire the modern world. They adopted ideas from Greek art but added their own innovations. In architecture, they introduced the use of arches, domes, and vaults. The invention of concrete allowed them to construct massive and durable buildings. Famous structures include the Colosseum, aqueducts, amphitheatres, and baths. They built strong roads and bridges, which connected the empire. In art, Romans excelled in sculpture, painting, and mosaics.

Their statues were realistic and showed fine details. Wall paintings decorated Roman houses, especially in Pompeii. Mosaics made from colored stones and glass adorned floors and walls. The Romans also built triumphal arches and pillars to celebrate victories. They created large public buildings, temples, and basilicas, which influenced later Christian church architecture. Roman art and architecture combined beauty with utility and left a lasting legacy in world civilization.

IV. Answer in 30 to 40 Sentences

Question 1.
Explain the life and achievement of Augustus Caesar.

Answer:

• Augustus Caesar, originally named Gaius Octavius, was the adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, young Octavius entered Roman politics at a very early age. Though he was only nineteen, he proved to be shrewd, courageous, and ambitious. He allied with Mark Antony and Lepidus to form the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar’s murderers, Brutus and Cassius, at the Battle of Philippi. Later, rivalry developed among the triumvirs, and Octavius finally defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. This victory established him as the sole ruler of Rome.
• In 27 BCE, the Senate conferred on him the title “Augustus,” meaning “the revered one,” marking the beginning of the Roman Empire. Augustus reorganized the Roman government and created a system of checks and balances between the Senate and the Emperor. He reformed the army by creating a standing professional force and also established the Praetorian Guard for his protection. His reign introduced the long period of peace known as the Pax Romana, which lasted nearly two centuries.
• Augustus undertook extensive building projects, famously boasting, “I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” He constructed roads, aqueducts, theatres, and temples, improving the city’s grandeur. He also promoted literature and arts, patronizing poets like Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and historian Livy. His era is remembered as the Golden Age of Roman literature. Augustus brought economic stability by reforming the taxation system and developing trade across the Mediterranean.
• Religiously, he revived traditional Roman faith and built several temples, emphasizing Roman values and culture. His rule also strengthened provincial administration, ensuring justice and prosperity throughout the empire. Augustus ruled for more than four decades, from 27 BCE to 14 CE, and his reign laid the foundation for the Roman Empire’s greatness. His achievements in governance, administration, military, and culture made him one of history’s greatest rulers. He transformed Rome from a republic weakened by civil wars into a powerful empire that influenced the world for centuries.

Question 2.
Describe the contributions of Roman Civilization.
Answer:

• The Roman Civilization, one of the greatest in history, made remarkable contributions in politics, law, literature, science, art, and architecture. Politically, Rome developed the concept of a republic, with elected representatives and codified laws, which later influenced modern democratic systems. The Roman Senate, assemblies, and magistrates laid the foundation of governance. Their greatest contribution was Roman law, especially the Twelve Tables and Corpus Juris Civilis of Justinian, which became the basis of European legal systems.
• In literature, Rome produced great writers and poets like Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and Livy. Virgil’s Aeneid is considered a masterpiece of world literature. Roman historians such as Tacitus and Pliny provided valuable accounts of Roman society and politics. The Romans also enriched language—Latin, their language, became the foundation for many European languages such as French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Even modern scientific and legal terminologies are derived from Latin.
• In science, Romans contributed through the works of Pliny the Elder in natural history and Galen in medicine. Galen’s writings influenced medical studies for centuries. Roman engineers developed aqueducts to supply water, built roads that connected the empire, and perfected concrete construction. They invented domes, vaults, and arches, which revolutionized architecture.
• Art and architecture were magnificent aspects of Roman culture. They built amphitheatres like the Colosseum, temples like the Pantheon, and public baths. Their sculptures combined realism with idealism, and mosaics decorated villas and public places. They also excelled in town planning, laying out cities with forums, theatres, and markets.
• Religiously and culturally, Rome spread Greco-Roman ideas across Europe, blending Greek philosophy with Roman practical governance. The concept of citizenship, rights, and law unified people of diverse regions. The period of Pax Romana promoted peace, trade, and prosperity across the empire.
• The legacy of Rome is still felt today in law, literature, language, engineering, and governance. Their contributions influenced European civilization during the Renaissance and continue to shape modern society. Roman Civilization remains a pillar of human history, symbolizing discipline, order, and cultural brilliance.