Fall of Rome

In the course of about 50 years, 41 people ruled Rome, or claimed to. Most of them died violently after a very short rule. What kind of message does this send to Rome's enemies? 

• that Rome is very violent and should be avoided
• that Rome is going through a rough time but will bounce back stronger than ever
• that Rome has weakened and it's a great time to attack
• that Rome is crazy and it would be better to avoid them 

According to some historians, Rome was doomed _______________.

• as soon as they expanded outside of Italy's borders
• when the Huns began invading Germania
• when the Pax Romana came to an end
• when Constantine moved the capital to Constantinople 

Rome's attempt to hire Germanic tribes as mercenaries backfired because ____________________.

• The tribes were not at all loyal to Rome
• Because they were not good fighters
• They were too loyal to the emperor and did whatever he said
• They were weak and sickly 

People began buying fewer goods, so less goods were being produced. This resulted in _____________________. 

• businesses closing & unemployment rising
• the government doing away with coin currency
• a decrease in the slave population
• Rome being unable to pay off debts to China

Which of the following was NOT a social problem faced by the Romans in their period of decline?

• slavery increased
• government officials began taking bribes
• few attended school
• people began boycotting gladiatorial games

Which of the following is NOT true about Emperor Constantine?

• He moved the capital city of Rome to the Eastern half of the Empire
• He converted to Christianity, taking the empire with him
• He built the Hippodrome, a large stadium for horseback riding and chariot race.

• He united the Eastern and Western half of the Roman empire

True or False: Many of the unemployed tried to find jobs in the military, but the government could barely pay the soldiers. 

• True
• False

Which of the following is a true statement about the fall of Rome? 

• After 476, there was never again a Roman emperor in Rome.
• The Persians were the biggest threat to the city of Rome
• The Empire was split into 6 parts following the death of Constantine 
• The Roman Emperor always chose the Pope

True or False: The Visigoths conquered the city of Constantinople. 

• True
• False

True or False: The Vandals, the Visigoths, and the Ostrogoths all at some point reached the city of Rome. 

• True
• False