The Fall of Rome

Uncover the reasons for the Fall of Rome! Learn about economic, political, military, and social factors.

The main causes of the Fall of Rome include issues in 4 categories: Economic, Political, Military, and Social. Look at the following statements and sort them into the proper category. Use the pictures below as a reference. Economic Corrupt tax collectors High taxes Farmers lose land which leads to a food shortage. Reliance on slave labor (less jobs for Romans). Inflation (an increase in prices). Political No rules of succession for emperors. Corrupt government officials. People less loyal to emperors and more loyal to Christian Church. Dividing the empire weakened it. Government lost support of Roman people. Military Foreign invasions from barbarian tribes. Romans lost the desire to defend the Empire. Roman army lacked training and discipline. Rome hired foreign mercenaries who were not loyal. Social Population decline due to disease and war. Loss of patriotism; Romans focused on individual needs. Crime and violence made the streets of Rome unsafe. Expensive to keep up the “bread and circuses.” Decline in morals and values. Growing division between rich and poor.