The fall of Rome
In one century the western empire crumbles. Using the time slider, students watch a superpower disappear and debate the reasons why.
Learning objectives
- Order the key events of the fall of the western empire (376, 410, 455, 476).
- Show on the map which new kingdoms replaced Roman provinces.
- Weigh at least two different explanations historians give for the fall.
On the map
Open the map in 395 AD. The empire is split in two. Which half looks stronger to you, and why?
Open the map here395 AD
Drag the time slider slowly from 400 to 480. Write down two peoples that carve kingdoms out of the west.
Open the map here450 AD
Jump to 500 AD and look east. The eastern empire is still there. Find its capital.
Open the map here500 AD
Discussion questions
- Rome was sacked in 410 - but the empire officially ended in 476. Why is picking one "end date" so hard?
- Was the western empire pushed (invasions) or did it collapse from within (taxes, civil wars)? Argue one side.
- The eastern empire survived for another thousand years. What advantages did it have?
- Peoples like the Goths often wanted to join the empire, not destroy it. Does that change the story of "barbarian invasions"?
- Can you think of a modern example where a big power slowly lost control of its regions?
Game round
Rule History assignment: each student becomes a Roman emperor in the year 400 and writes down the one decision they would take to save the west. Compare answers - then check on the map what actually happened.
Open Rule HistoryWorksheet
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