History Dilemma: Rome in Decline
Directions: Define the terms below, then read the given dilemma below, take notes and then answer the questions after the dilemma in complete sentences.
1. Language of the Discipline to Define: Decline, corruption, economy, decay, inflation, reforms, citizens, invasion.
1. Language of the Discipline to Define: Decline, corruption, economy, decay, inflation, reforms, citizens, invasion.
2. Dilemma Description: After roughly 500 years of dominance and over one million square miles of influence the once mighty Roman Empire is suffering from a number of problems. Whether it's from corrupt leaders, economic inflation, weak reforms, barbarian invasions, or urban decay from within, Rome is unquestionably in a state of decline.
Many rulers after the Pax Romana failed to maintain the peace and respect of the "Five Good Emperors" before them, often spending money on gladiator games and the military instead of meeting the basic needs of its citizens, such as clean pipes for water, or road and bridge maintenance. Many government officials also passed weak reforms and took bribes, which made them grow increasingly unpopular. Because of this, smart and talented people refused to serve in the government, thus weakening its influence.
In addition, the economy was a complete mess. As roads and bridges were destroyed by its enemies, and trade routes became unsafe, Rome's army could not mobilize quickly enough to protect its merchants and farmers. This resulted in many barbarian invasions, destroyed crops and widespread hunger. This had a domino effect as many artisans and shopkeepers had to close their businesses and join the military. Slavery also increased and inflation soon followed as fewer people were paying their taxes and more people were bartering because of the loss in value of Roman coins (less gold was being put in them).
With less money coming in, Roman leaders could not pay its military and thus resulting in weaker border defense. This left Rome exposed and vulnerable to invasions by Germanic tribes, like the Vandals (see painting above), in the north and Persian armies in the east.
3. Dilemma Questions: Answer the following questions in reflective sentences.
1. What problems was Rome facing that led to its decline?
2. How did the Roman rulers after the "Five Good Emperors" weaken Rome's influence?
3. How did the economy suffer during Rome's decline?
4. What was the "domino effect" that hit Rome?
5. How did the weak economy affect Rome's lack of territory defense?
Many rulers after the Pax Romana failed to maintain the peace and respect of the "Five Good Emperors" before them, often spending money on gladiator games and the military instead of meeting the basic needs of its citizens, such as clean pipes for water, or road and bridge maintenance. Many government officials also passed weak reforms and took bribes, which made them grow increasingly unpopular. Because of this, smart and talented people refused to serve in the government, thus weakening its influence.
In addition, the economy was a complete mess. As roads and bridges were destroyed by its enemies, and trade routes became unsafe, Rome's army could not mobilize quickly enough to protect its merchants and farmers. This resulted in many barbarian invasions, destroyed crops and widespread hunger. This had a domino effect as many artisans and shopkeepers had to close their businesses and join the military. Slavery also increased and inflation soon followed as fewer people were paying their taxes and more people were bartering because of the loss in value of Roman coins (less gold was being put in them).
With less money coming in, Roman leaders could not pay its military and thus resulting in weaker border defense. This left Rome exposed and vulnerable to invasions by Germanic tribes, like the Vandals (see painting above), in the north and Persian armies in the east.
3. Dilemma Questions: Answer the following questions in reflective sentences.
1. What problems was Rome facing that led to its decline?
2. How did the Roman rulers after the "Five Good Emperors" weaken Rome's influence?
3. How did the economy suffer during Rome's decline?
4. What was the "domino effect" that hit Rome?
5. How did the weak economy affect Rome's lack of territory defense?
4. Group Decision Options
Directions: As the council of advisers to the new Roman Emperor, you must decide which option is best to prevent Rome's decline.
Directions: As the council of advisers to the new Roman Emperor, you must decide which option is best to prevent Rome's decline.
5. Social Media Response
Directions: Using either My Big Campus or Edmodo, your group will post your plan online. Your plan will elaborate on one or some of the given options from the poll above and have logical and detailed reasoning addressing most or all of the problems in an organized paragraph(s) by one member of your group in your own words. The group with the best plan will be chosen by the Emperor!
Directions: Using either My Big Campus or Edmodo, your group will post your plan online. Your plan will elaborate on one or some of the given options from the poll above and have logical and detailed reasoning addressing most or all of the problems in an organized paragraph(s) by one member of your group in your own words. The group with the best plan will be chosen by the Emperor!
6. Social Media Comments
Directions: Using appropriate and academic language, each individual will post at least one comment, either agreeing or disagreeing with another group's plan. Like your own plan, your comment will be have logical and detailed reasoning that explains why you either agree or disagree. Please be respectful, courteous and remember that I can see your comments.
Directions: Using appropriate and academic language, each individual will post at least one comment, either agreeing or disagreeing with another group's plan. Like your own plan, your comment will be have logical and detailed reasoning that explains why you either agree or disagree. Please be respectful, courteous and remember that I can see your comments.
7. What Really Happened
Directions: Using the images, the highlighted links and your own reasoning, answer the following in complete sentences.
1. Visual Thinking: Look at the painting at the top of this page and find 5 examples that demonstrate the sacking of Rome by the Vandals.
2. Explain how the reforms of Emperor Diocletian tried to save the Roman Empire from collapse. Please cite textual evidence from the link to support your response.
Directions: Using the images, the highlighted links and your own reasoning, answer the following in complete sentences.
1. Visual Thinking: Look at the painting at the top of this page and find 5 examples that demonstrate the sacking of Rome by the Vandals.
2. Explain how the reforms of Emperor Diocletian tried to save the Roman Empire from collapse. Please cite textual evidence from the link to support your response.