Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils examine the changing nature of the state that became the Roman Empire. They learn about its origins and kings, its period as a republic and its imperial history, ending with its division and decline. Throughout, pupils analyse how the idea of 'being a Roman' changed over time.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand why the foundation myth of Rome was so important to the Romans.

Key Notes

• CE and BCE are a common method used in the West to note the periods of time before and after the year '1'.
• The Romans believed the myth that Rome was founded by Romulus.
• Romulus was raised by a wolf alongside his brother, who he later fought and killed, becoming the first King of Rome.
• This myth was important to Romans: it showed that to be Roman was to be strong and powerful.

Vocabulary To Learn

• BCE: BCE is short for Before Common Era and refers to the time before the year 1
• CE: CE stands for Common Era is the time from the year 1 onwards
• myth: a myth is a traditional story, usually about heroes, heroines, gods and goddesses
• founded: founded means the time when something was first started or created
• Romans: the Romans were a group of people whose civilisation was based around the city of Rome

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• BCE and CE denote times before and after the year 0.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• The division of the Roman Empire Study Guide
• The fall of the Western Roman Empire Study Guide
• The rise of the Emperors Study Guide
• The Roman Republic Study Guide
• What it meant to be a Roman Study Guide