1. Who were the Etruscans and what was their influence on the Romans? Include a brief discussion of the controversy concerning their origins. Support your discussion with specific historical evidence.
2. Describe and discuss the Roman constitution. Polybius says the constitution consisted of %u201Cthree sovereign elements,%u201D which check and balance each other. What does he mean by this?
3. Rome has been described as %u201Cthe builder of a great historical bridge between East and West.%u201D Do you agree or disagree? Support your argument with specific historical evidence.
4. Discuss the causes and the results of the first two Punic Wars. How were these wars related? Why was Rome eventually victorious?