ANCIENT ROME Essential Questions: 1. What are the legacies of the Roman Empire? 2.

How were the Roman Republic and Roman Empire similar to the United States? 3. Were the Romans a step forward or step backward in history following the Greeks? What is the significance of the Twelve Tables in Roman law? gave protection of law to allrule of law Large gap between rich and poor, slave revolt, spread-out territory, and weak government lead to fall of the Roman Republic. What is an empire? Many nations or people ruled by a single ruler Fall of the (Western) Roman Empire Immediate causes: Hunsnomads from central Asia; indirectly caused Germanic tribes overran the Roman Empire, broke many things Contributing factors: (weakened Rome) Political: political offices often seen as a burden not a reward; military became involved and became political leaders; moving of capital to Byzantium created more instability Social: decline in interest in public affairs; low confidence in empire; disloyalty, lack of patriotism; gap between rich and poor Economic: poor harvests; disruption of trade; no more war plunder; gold and silver shortage; inflation; crashing tax burden; impoverished western empire Military: decline of patriotism and loyalty among soldiers; threats from northern European tribes; low funds for defense; problems recruiting Roman citizens; recruiting of non-Roman mercenaries