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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What serious problem do the Romans turn to religion for help with?

2. How many debtors agree to sign up for the military the second time that the government asks them to?

3. How many years is Rome a Republic before other well known governments are established, such as Athens and Sparta?

4. How does the slave described in the beginning of Rome's new consul learn of the conspirators' plans?

5. How do the senators show their fear for the people's increasing awareness of the debt crisis?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Romulus regarded as a leader, and what things does he have to do in order to build Rome?

2. What two noteworthy things does Servius do while he serves as the King of Rome?

3. What problems does King Ancus face, and how does he deal with them?

4. What role do the women have in the beginning of Rome?

5. How is Hostilius different than Romulus and Pompilius?

6. How does Tarquin attempt to regain power, and what prevents him from succeeding?

7. How does Tarquin die, and what effect does it have on the Republic of Rome?

8. How does the plague weaken Rome, and what brings them back from possible defeat?

9. What do the introductory sections of the book cover and what is the overall intent of Livy?

10. What is the government's proposal to the debtors, and why does it work only one time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the changes that the Republic goes through during The Early History of Rome, from the Kings to the three part political system that it eventually adopts. Include the major differences between each system, which people objected to them, and how. Also, explain the roles of each part of the government (consuls, senate, tribunes) and how those roles either changed or remained the same over time.

Essay Topic 2

Similar to other accounts of Roman history, prophecies and omens are discussed throughout the book.

1) Which cities or regions are considered to have the most knowledge about prophecies and why?

2) What effect do omens have on Rome in particular, and how do they respond to them?

3) What role do omens play in the political structure of the Republic of Rome?

Be sure to include several examples in your analysis.

Essay Topic 3

Romulus is credited as the Founder of Rome and his life is a major part of the first section of the book.

1) Describe the two different theories of Romulus and Remus, and explain which one you think is the most likely.

2) Explain how Romulus becomes the first King of Rome, how he builds the city, and the significance in the way it is originally defended.

3) Describe how Romulus is remembered and why the Romans responded to his death that way.

(see the answer keys)

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