Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the outcome of Caesar Augustus's rule in Rome?
What was the outcome of Caesar Augustus's rule in Rome?
What was the general sentiment among Romans when Caesar Augustus died in 14 C.E?
What was the general sentiment among Romans when Caesar Augustus died in 14 C.E?
What was the state of the Roman Empire by the year 500?
What was the state of the Roman Empire by the year 500?
What was Caesar Augustus's position in Rome?
What was Caesar Augustus's position in Rome?
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What was the duration of the period of civil war that ended with Caesar Augustus's rule?
What was the duration of the period of civil war that ended with Caesar Augustus's rule?
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When an emperor died, ambitious rivals with independent ______ often fought each other for control of the empire.
When an emperor died, ambitious rivals with independent ______ often fought each other for control of the empire.
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Many times, the ______ Guard, the emperor's private army, chose the new ruler.
Many times, the ______ Guard, the emperor's private army, chose the new ruler.
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To finance Rome's huge ______, its citizens had to pay heavy taxes.
To finance Rome's huge ______, its citizens had to pay heavy taxes.
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These taxes weakened the ______ and drove many people into poverty.
These taxes weakened the ______ and drove many people into poverty.
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Unemployment was a serious problem for the ______.
Unemployment was a serious problem for the ______.
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Small farmers could not compete with the large ______ owners.
Small farmers could not compete with the large ______ owners.
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Even though they fled to the cities looking for work, there were not enough ______ for everyone.
Even though they fled to the cities looking for work, there were not enough ______ for everyone.
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A rise in ______ made the empire's cities and roads unsafe.
A rise in ______ made the empire's cities and roads unsafe.
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Study Notes
The Rise of Caesar Augustus
- Caesar Augustus, Rome's first emperor, ended 100 years of civil war and expanded the Roman Empire's boundaries.
- He died in 14 C.E., and Romans believed their empire would last forever.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
- By 500 C.E., the western half of the Roman Empire had collapsed.
- The empire's downfall was due to its inability to peacefully transfer power to a new leader.
Political Instability
- When an emperor died, rivals with independent armies often fought for control of the empire.
- The Praetorian Guard, the emperor's private army, frequently chose the new ruler, often prioritizing personal rewards over the best candidate.
Economic and Social Problems
- Heavy taxes were imposed to finance Rome's huge armies, weakening the economy and driving citizens into poverty.
- Trade suffered, and unemployment was a significant problem.
- Wealthy families used slaves and cheap labor on their large estates, making it difficult for small farmers to compete.
Social Problems
- Growing corruption and a decline in the spirit of citizenship plagued the empire.
- Notorious emperors like Nero and Caligula wasted large amounts of money.
- A rise in crime made the empire's cities and roads unsafe.
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Description
Learn about the factors and events that led to the collapse of the western half of the mighty Roman Empire by the year 500. Explore the causes behind the downfall of one of the greatest empires in history.
