Rome Prezi Document Analysis Questions Why did the Roman Empire Decline?

1. Document A

a. How many Roman emperors ruled during the 50 year period covered by this chart? How many died a natural death? What was the most frequent cause of death of these men? b. What message might these more frequent and violent changes in leadership have sent to the people of the Roman empire? c. What message might these frequent and violent changes in leadership have sent to the people living outside the Roman Empire? d. How does this document help explain the decline of the Roman Empire?

2. Document B

a. According to Vegetius, what led to the changes in Roman military armor and training techniques? b. How did the change in breastplates and helmets contribute to the decline of Rome? c. What is conscription? d. In what ways could the failure to enforce conscription weaken Rome? e. Is there any connection between Document A and B? Explain your thinking?

3. Document C

a. Which invader of the Roman Empire came from the farthest point? b. Which invaders of the Roman Empire were the first to reach the city of Rome? c. Do the dates on this map suggest an invasion of people or a migration of people? Explain your thinking. d. How does this document help explain the reasons for the decline of the Roman Empire? e. Is there a possible connection between Documents C and B?

4. Document D

a. Who was Ammianus Marcellinus? b. What words and phrases does Ammiamus use to describe the Huns? c. What does Marcellinus mean when he describes the Huns as being glued to their horses? d. Why might a Roman historian like Ammianus want to compare the Huns to unthinking animals? e. How can you use this document to explain the decline of the Roman Empire?

5. Document E

a. Who was Priscus? Do you think his description is reliable? Why? b. Why were some Romans happy about being conquered by the Huns? c. What does the person talking to Priscus mean when he says, The climax of misery is to pay forjustice? d. How can you use this document to help explain the decline of the Roman Empire?

6. Document F

a. In the Gibbon passage, what natural disaster struck the Roman Empire in 366 CE? b. In the Stearns passage, what deadly illness arrives from southern Asia? c. Describe one specific way that the two natural disasters detailed above contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire? d. Consider the various causes of decline presented by the six documents: political assassinations, military problems like armor and conscription, legal justice, foreign invasions and natural disasters. Which of these do you regard as the most important three causes? Explain.