Roman Empire: Fall of the Western Empire

Questions and Answers

How did the division of the Roman Empire affect the western half?

The division created two empires that were equal in power.

The division made the Western Roman Empire richer.

The division made the Western Roman Empire more stable.

The division greatly weakened the Western Roman Empire. (correct)

Where did Constantine move the capital of the Roman Empire?

Constantine moved the capital to Byzantium on the Bosporus strait. (correct)

Constantine moved the capital back to the city of Rome.

Constantine moved the capital to Seville in modern Spain.

Constantine moved the capital to Alexandria in Egypt.

Why was Byzantium made the new Roman capital? Choose three correct answers.

Byzantium provided greater access to trade routes. (correct)

Byzantium was in a better defensive position. (correct)

Byzantium had a natural harbor. (correct)

Rome had been destroyed by invaders.

Constantine's enemies controlled the Western Roman Empire.

Which statements describe the invasions of the Western Roman Empire? Choose three correct answers.

Attila the Hun was a brilliant general and politician. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Germanic peoples invade Rome?

to gain living space and farming land Signup and view all the answers

What were the effects of the fall of the Western Roman Empire? Choose three correct answers.

Trade and the size of cities decreased dramatically. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the civil wars in the Western Roman Empire?

The empire grew weaker because of the military conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Eastern Roman Empire able to collect more taxes than the Western Roman Empire?

It had a larger population from which to collect taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of Constantine's changing the language of the Eastern Roman Empire from Latin to Greek?

It gave the Eastern Roman Empire its own distinct culture. Signup and view all the answers

How did enemy invasions affect the Western Roman Empire?

The military began to weaken because of attacks. Signup and view all the answers

How did the division of the Roman Empire affect the Western Roman Empire's economy?

It was cut off from the prosperous trade routes in the Eastern Roman Empire. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Division on the Western Empire

The division of the Roman Empire significantly weakened the Western Roman Empire, leading to its decline.

Constantine and the Capital

Constantine relocated the capital from Rome to Byzantium, located on the Bosporus strait.

Reasons for Choosing Byzantium as Capital

Byzantium featured a natural harbor, enhancing trade and defense.
Its geographic position provided better defensive capabilities.
It offered greater access to key trade routes.

Invasions of the Western Roman Empire

Rome was a more vulnerable target compared to Constantinople.
Vandals from Sweden sacked Rome but failed to hold it for an extended period.
Attila the Hun was a notable general known for his political and military strategies.

Germanic Invasions Motives

The Germanic tribes invaded Rome primarily to secure living space and agricultural land.

Consequences of the Western Empire's Fall

The fall resulted in a significant decrease in trade and urban populations.
The Eastern Roman Empire thrived for an additional millennium after the Western fall.
Divergent religious and cultural traditions emerged in Western and Eastern Europe.

Civil Wars Consequences

Civil wars contributed to the Western Roman Empire’s weakness, undermining military strength.

Taxation in Eastern vs. Western Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire successfully collected more taxes due to its larger population.

Shift to Greek Language

Transitioning the official language from Latin to Greek fostered a distinct culture in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Effects of Enemy Invasions

Ongoing invasions resulted in a weakened military for the Western Roman Empire.

Economic Impact of Division

The Western Roman Empire's economy suffered as it became isolated from key trade routes found in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Description

Test your knowledge about the fall of the Western Roman Empire with these flashcards. Explore key events, political changes, and the impact of the division of the empire. Enhance your understanding of this pivotal moment in history.