The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
A Grade 12 Social Studies worksheet exploring the causes and consequences of the Fall of the Roman Empire.
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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful, well-supported answers based on your knowledge of the Fall of the Roman Empire.
1. Which of the following is considered a primary internal cause of the Roman Empire's decline?
The rise of Christianity
Constant barbarian invasions
Economic instability and inflation
The splitting of the empire into East and West
2. The Battle of Adrianople (378 CE) is often cited as a significant turning point because:
It marked the final defeat of Attila the Hun.
Roman legions were decisively defeated by Gothic cavalry.
It led to the immediate collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
The Roman Emperor Theodosius I converted to Christianity.
3. The relocation of the Roman capital to by Emperor Constantine in 330 CE shifted power and resources eastward.
4. The practice of hiring soldiers, who often lacked loyalty to Rome, weakened the empire's military.
5. The Western Roman Empire officially fell in 476 CE when the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by a Germanic chieftain.
True
False
6. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to flourish for another thousand years after the fall of the West.
True
False
7. Discuss two significant economic factors that contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire. Provide specific examples.
8. Explain how the vast size of the Roman Empire became both a strength and a weakness in its later years.
Match each term with its correct description.
9. Diocletian
a. Leader of the Huns
10. Barbarian Invasions
b. Divided the Roman Empire into East and West
11. Attila
c. Germanic tribes crossing the borders
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