Tuesday – January 7, 2014 Mr. Lombardi

Aim: Why do great empires decline?

Do Now: Analyze the following quote:

“All good things must come to an end.”

1.Explain the meaning of the quote in your own words.2.Explain a past experience when a “good thing” came to an end.

Rise & Fall of Great EmpiresHan Dynasty Roman EmpireBoth

Activity• We will read the “play”, Why do Great

Empires Decline?– Roles:• Oldus: _________________________

• Tiredus: ________________________

• Complete the questions following the play

Cycle 2 Final Exams• Tuesday, January 14 – H1 Cumulative Final Exam– One day, one part (multiple choice)– All content from September – January

• Tuesday, January 21 – Cycle 2 Final Exam Thematic Essay

• Wednesday, January 22 – Cycle 2 Final Exam Multiple Choice

• Thursday, January 23 – Cycle 2 Final Exam “Finish Up Day”

The Decline of the Roman EmpireReasons for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire

A. Political weakness1. The Roman system of government depended on

strong emperors.a) Many later emperors were corrupt and ineffectiveb) Often assassinated by their own guards

B. Economic problems1. Cost of defending and administering the empire

a) Inflation and unemployment

The Decline of the Roman EmpireReasons for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire

C. Military decline1. Later Romans liked living in luxury and did not want

to fight.a) Rome relied on mercenaries (hired soldiers who would be

less loyal than Roman citizens)

2. Rome converted to Christianity (“Thou shall not kill”)

D. Invasions A. Rome was under constant attacks by barbaric tribes

from northern Europe and central Asia

Activity #2• Partner A completes Trade Routes in the

Roman Empire.• Partner B completes The Fall of the Roman

Empire.• Both partners exchange information.

Summary• Why do great empires decline?

Regents Prep

www.RegentsPrep.org

1. An immediate result of the fall of the Roman Empire was

(1) a renewed interest in education and the arts (2) a period of disorder and weak central

government (3) an increase in trade and manufacturing (4) the growth of cities and dominance by the

middle class

2. One similarity between the decline of the Roman Empire and the fall of the Manchu Dynasty was that both initially led to

(1) democratically elected governments(2) major accomplishments in art, science, and

technology(3) political chaos and decentralization of

government(4) improved economic conditions

3. During the centuries of dynastic rule, the Chinese rejected other cultures as inferior to their own. This situation illustrates the concept of

(1) ethnocentrism(2) imperialism(3) social mobility(4) cultural diffusion