2. METODOLOGÍA
2.2 IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL PROTOTIPO
Making Predictions Use the same information to write a short essay predicting how the Romans might have pre- vented the decline by avoiding or changing one or more of the factors.
Causes of the Fall
of the Western
Roman Empire
Causes of the Fall
of the Western
Roman Empire
• German invasions • High cost of defense
• Dependence on German troops • Loss of soldiers’ loyalty to Rome • Military interference in
government
• High taxes • High inflation • Loss of war loot
• Decline of manufacturing • Decline of agriculture
• Ineffective city-state system • Division of empire
• Growing power of Eastern Empire • Corruption and unstable
leadership
• Burden of public service • Growing divisions between
rich and poor • Loss of values • Loss of patriotism
Economic
Social
Military
Political
Skills Practice Skills Reminder
A Historian’s View:
Historian Edward Gibbon summed up his view of the causes of the fall of Rome.
“This long peace, and the uniform government of the Romans, introduced a slow and secret poison into the vitals of the empire. The minds of men were gradually reduced to the same level, the fire of genius was extinguished, and even the military spirit evaporated.”
The most
immediate cause of the fall of the Western Roman Empire was the series of invasions by
Germanic groups. This skull shows the topknot that Germanic soldiers wore to identify themselves.
177 THE ROMAN WORLD Ambitious generals often seized control, assassinated the emperor, and took the
throne. The soldiers lost their loyalty to Rome. Instead, they served anyone who could pay them more. Faced with poor leadership, discipline crumbled. Also, some Roman leaders recruited whole tribes of German troops, granting them money and goods in return for their service. As a result, the Romans became too dependent upon German troops for defense.
Economic decline.Strains on the economy were possibly even more damaging. The defense and maintenance of the empire was expensive. Heavy taxes crushed the people. But even heavy taxes could not provide enough money. The problem was compounded once the empire stopped expanding. The government could no longer depend upon the gold and goods it plundered during foreign wars. As manufacturing and agricul- ture declined, the Roman economy grew increasingly weaker and more fragmented.
Social change.Roman wealth had always been in the hands of a small part of the pop- ulation. As the empire grew, the number of poor citizens increased. The division between the rich and the poor contributed to social
decay. Most early Romans were stern, honest, hard- working, and patriotic people who believed it was their duty to serve the government. Romans of the later empire lost this patriotism. Most took little interest in the government and lacked political
honesty.
✔
READING CHECK Analyzing Information What long-term factors contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire in the West?SECTION 6REVIEW
SECTION 6REVIEW
1. Defineand explain the significance: inflation
2. Identify and explain the significance: Diocletian Constantine Goths Vandals Huns Attila
3. Evaluating Use the following graphic organizer to outline the fac- tors that led to the rise and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
4.
a. What problems faced the Roman Empire during the A.D. 200s?
b. How did invasions by the Visigoths, Huns, and others contribute to the problems in the Roman Empire?
5.
Problem Solving Write a brief newspaper editorial expressing your opinion about what Rome might have done differently to solve some of its problems and lessen its decline.
Consider:
• problems within the empire • solutions tried by Diocletian • forces outside the empire
keyword: SP3 HP7
St. Peter’s Basilica is an enduring example of Roman architecture.
Rome:
An Enduring Legacy
The Roman Empire collapsed more than 1,500 years ago. Even so, the Roman influence still survives. The letters you see on this page are a gift from the Romans. Roman numerals are still used. Also, our calendar is based on the one developed by Julius Caesar in A.D. 46.
Roman influence is also evident throughout the world. Two key influences are Roman law and Chris- tianity. In addition, Roman bridges and Roman roads remain today. The ruins of many Roman buildings con- tinue to inspire people. In these and many more ways, Rome lives on. Can you identify evidence of Roman influence in the photograph of St. Peter’s Basilica? Rome R I S E F A L L
Review
Creating a Time Line
Copy the time line below onto a sheet of paper. Complete the time line by filling in the events, individuals, and dates from the chapter that you think were significant. Pick three events and explain why you think they were significant.
Writing a Summary
Using standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation, write an overview of the events in the chapter.
Identifying People and Ideas
Identify the following terms or individuals and explain their significance:
1.republic 6. Julius Caesar 2. checks and balances 7. Augustus (Octavian) 3.dictator 8. aqueducts
4.Punic Wars 9. Jesus 5.Pax Romana 10. Constantine
Understanding Main Ideas
SECTION 1 (pp. 150–154)
Founding the Roman Republic
1.How was the Roman Republic’s government organized? 2. How did the Conflict of the Orders change how the
Roman Republic was governed? SECTION 2 (pp. 155–157)
Rome Expands Its Borders
3.What was the outcome of the Punic Wars?
4.What problems occurred as a result of Rome’s expansion? SECTION 3 (pp. 158–161)
The Birth of the Roman Empire
5.How did Julius Caesar rise to power?
6.How did the republic become the Roman Empire? SECTION 4 (pp. 162–167)
Roman Society and Culture
7. What was the economy of the Roman Empire like? 8.In what areas did Rome make great contributions to the
world? Give examples to support your answers.
SECTION 5 (pp. 168–171)
The Rise of Christianity
9.How did Christianity begin and what was unique about it?
10.What factors helped Christianity gain acceptance in the Roman Empire?
SECTION 6 (pp. 172–177)
The Fall of the Western Empire
11.How did Diocletian and Constantine try to strengthen the Roman Empire?
12.What were some causes of Rome’s decline?
Reviewing Themes
1. Government What two major factors helped Rome unify its empire and maintain peace?
2. Culture What ideas and inventions did the Romans borrow and adapt from the Greeks?
3. Global Relations How did Rome’s relationship with the people it conquered change over time?
Thinking Critically
1. Comparing Compare the role of citizens in Athenian democracy with that of citizens in Rome’s republic. 2. Contrasting How did the governments of the Roman
Republic and the Roman Empire differ?
3. Sequencing Trace the spread of Christianity in the Roman world.
4. Identifying Cause and Effect How did the use of written law strengthen Rome’s government?
Analyzing Information Romans were skilled builders who developed many new ideas. Write a description of how Roman engineering ideas are used today. Use the following chart to organize your thoughts before you begin writing.
Writing About History
7
7
1000 B.C. 500 B.C. A.D. 1 A.D. 500
Roman Examples Examples Today
Ideas and Innovations in Architecture and Engineering
Alternative Assessment
Building Your Portfolio
Government
America’s views on the rights and responsibilities of its citizens, including
the notion of equality before the law, owe much to ancient Rome and to Jewish and Christian beliefs. Compile a list of the ways in which these legal and moral traditions have influenced American practices. Then use the list to create a chart that summarizes your findings.
179 THE ROMAN WORLD
Interpreting Maps
Study the map below. Then use the information on the map to help you answer the questions that follow.
Ancient Italy, c. 600 B.C.
1.Which of the following statements correctly describes how geographic factors influenced Rome’s rise to power?
a. The Alps protected Italy from invasion from the north.
b. The rugged Apennine Mountains made it difficult to unify Italy.
c. Italy’s location helped Rome control the eastern and western Mediterranean.
d. Italy’s rugged coast discouraged sea trade.
2.Using information from the map, support your choice of statements in question 1.
Analyzing Primary Sources
Read the following quote by the historian Polybius, who lived in Rome during the 100s B.C., then answer the questions.
“Having then got rid of these rulers by assassi- nation or exile, they do not venture to set up a king again, being still in terror of the injustice to which this led before; nor dare they intrust the common interests again to more than one, considering the recent example of their miscon- duct: and therefore, as the only sound hope left them is that which depends upon themselves, they are driven to take refuge in that; and so changed the constitution from an oligarchy to a
democracy.”
3.Which of the following statements best describes the author’s point of view?
a. People cannot pick good leaders.
b. People have no control over their leaders.
c. Power should be limited to a few people.
d. Democracy is a response to past abuses.
4.When interpreting a primary source, historians examine the historical context in which the source was written. What events in Rome’s history might have influenced Polybius’s point of view? Give specific examples.
Internet Activity: go.hrw.com
KEYWORD: SP3 WH7
Choose a topic on the Roman World to:
• analyze the Aeneidto learn the connection between ancient Troy and Roman culture.
• create a model or structure that employs Roman architectural, artistic, or decorative styles.
• research the destruction of Pompeii and review the tec- tonic causes of volcanoes.
c. 1668 B.C.–1570 B.C. Daily Life Classic Karmah prospers. c. 1500 B.C.–1000 B.C. The Arts Nubians build the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.
c. 710 B.C.
Politics Kush rules Egypt.
c. 250 B.C.–150 B.C.
The Arts
Probably during this period, great pyra- mids and temples are built in Kush. c. 250 B.C. Science and Technology Meroë is an important center of ironmaking in Africa. c. 671 B.C. Global Events The Assyrians invade Kush.