Politically, in the time period given to you, there are changes and continuities to talk about simply by examining the size of the Roman state (republic and empire). From 146 B.C.E. to 117 C.E., it grows to its maximum size. WHY did that happen? From 117 C.E. to 376 C.E. it remains relatively the same size with certain fixed borders. WHY? From 376 C.E. until 600 C.E., the borders of the Roman state change dramatically (several times). WHY? Politically, in the time period given to you, the Roman state evolved from a republic into an empire. WHY did that happen? Politically, the Romans were known for their able administration (bureaucracy) of conquered territories, their unique legal system (which we didn't have time to get into in class), and the public works projects (you need to figure out what they were) which held their territories together and kept their subjects content to live under Roman rule.
A Map of the Byzantine Empire by 650 AD
English: Byzantine empire before the Crusades Fran...
English: A map of the Byzantine Empire, c.1180ADHow much stayed the same during the time period given to you? How much changed during the time period given to you? WHY? Culturally, in the time period given to you, the Romans evolve from a polytheistic people who develop a cult of the emperor and then persecute Jews & Christians for nearly 300 years before eventually legalizing (and finally mandating) Christianitiy. WHY? Culturally, in the time period given to you, what language(s) and culture(s) dominated the Roman state? Did they change over time? If so, or if not, WHY? Mediterranean conquests affect rome (enthusiastically accept advanced Hellenistic cultures of the east meditteranean, roman arms conquered Greece, but greek culture conquered rome)
Culturally, in the time period given to you, did the roles of women in society experience any notable changes and/or continuities? Regardless of whether the answer is yes or no, the important...