Factors Contributing to the Fall of the Roman Empire

What was one economic factor that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire?

• The empire stopped trading with other regions

• Gold and silver became worthless

• Roman soldiers refused to accept payment

• Heavy taxes and inflation weakened the economy

How did overexpansion make the Roman Empire weaker?

• Governing and defending distant territories became too difficult

• The empire could not grow enough crops

• The Roman government abandoned distant regions

• Trade routes were disrupted by foreign allies

Why did Emperor Diocletian decide to divide the Roman Empire?

• To end conflicts between wealthy and poor citizens

• To make it easier to govern and defend

• To stop barbarian invasions in the East

• To create a larger military force

How did hiring mercenaries harm the Roman military?

• They refused to fight for Rome

• They were more expensive than Roman soldiers

• They lacked loyalty to the Roman Empire

• They were unable to fight in Roman-style battles

What effect did heavy taxes have on Roman farmers?

• Farmers joined the army instead of paying taxes

• Farmers sold their land and moved to cities

• Farmers stopped growing crops for profit

• Farmers used slaves to avoid paying taxes

What role did the Visigoths play in the fall of Rome?

• They formed an alliance with the Romans

• They became Roman citizens and paid taxes

• They sacked Rome in 410 CE

• They helped defend Rome from other invaders

Why was the Western Roman Empire more vulnerable to attack than the Eastern Roman Empire?

• It had fewer cities and less wealth

• Its leaders were stronger than those in the East

• It had better trade routes for invaders to use

• It faced more barbarian invasions on its borders

What was one consequence of inflation in the Roman Empire?

• Roman coins lost their value

• The Roman army refused to use currency

• Trade increased within the empire

• The government stopped collecting taxes

How did the spread of Christianity affect the Roman government?

• It united the empire under one religion

• It distracted leaders from political and military issues

• It helped the empire defend against invaders

• It increased the loyalty of Roman soldiers

How did the Roman Empire’s reliance on slave labor slow its development?

• It made farming unprofitable

• It increased unemployment for Roman citizens

• It caused conflicts between wealthy and poor Romans

• It discouraged innovation and the use of new technology