The Fall of Rome & A Lasting Legacy "Rome never fell because it turned into something even greater, an idea, and achieved immortality." ~ R.H. Barrow

End of the Empire (Review)‏ The Romans continued to face threats from various Germanic tribes. The last Roman emperor, a 14 year old named Romulus Augustulus, was ousted by German forces in 476. After that, Roman power in the western half of the empire was dead. Meanwhile, the eastern half survived and flourished. It was known as the Byzantine Empire, preserving Greek and Roman culture.

Invasions of the Western Roman Empire

What caused the Western Roman Empire to Fall? (Review)‏ Political causes: Political office was seen as a burden; military interference in politics; civil war; division of empire and moving the capital to Byzantium. Social causes: Decline in interest in public affairs; low confidence in empire; disloyalty; corruption; divide between rich and poor; decline in population due to food shortages. Economic causes: Poor harvests; disruption of trade; inflation; no more war plunder; taxes. Military causes: Threat from northern European tribes; low funds for defense; mercenaries; decline of loyalty among soldiers. Immediate cause: Invasions by Germanic tribes and Huns.

What was the legacy of Rome? (New so take notes!)‏ A legacy is what is left behind after an era comes to an end. The legacy of Rome is what is known as classical civilization- a mixture of Greek, Hellenistic and Roman elements that became known as Greco- Roman culture. This was a hybrid culture that not only included elements of the original cultures, but also created its own distinctive forms. It involved art, literature, science, law and other elements.

Roman Fine Arts Roman art was more realistic and less idealized, intended to educate the public. Romans developed the base- relief form of sculpture, where images are projected from a flat background. Artists also created mosaics, which were pictures composed of small pieces of stone, glass and tile. Frescoes, large murals painted on wet plaster, were also a Roman specialty.

Literature Romans borrowed much of their philosophy from the Greeks. Stoicism was particularly popular. They also took inspiration from Greek literature. Epics were popular, and a way for the Romans to promote their own themes and values. The poet Virgil wrote the Aeneid, the most famous piece of Latin literature. On a less serious note, the poet Ovid was famous for light, witty poetry. Rome also produced many historians. Livy was known for embellishing his history of Rome with myths, while Tacitus presented the facts accurately. Virgil reading the Aeneid to Octavian and his sister.

Architecture and Engineering The Romans were known as master builders. The arch, the dome and concrete were all used to build massive structures. Arches supported bridges and aqueducts, which brought water into cities and towns. Roman roads were also technologically advanced, using stone, concrete and sand. The Colosseum is one of the most famous Roman buildings, which had a system of ramps, elevators, animal cages, concealed trapdoors, passageways and seats ringing a giant arena.

The Colosseum

Roman Law Romans believed that the law should be fair and apply equally to all people, rich and poor. The standards of law were influenced by teachings of Stoic philosophers and based on common sense and practical ideas. Basic principles included: 1. all people had the right to equal treatment under the law, 2. a person was innocent until proven guilty, 3. the burden of proof should rest with the accuser, not the accused, 4. a person is punished for actions, not thoughts, and 5. any law that was grossly unfair should be set aside.

Did Rome Really Fall? Some people believe that Rome did not actually fall, because it lived on in Western cultural tradition. Roman art, literature, architecture, technology, engineering and even language lived on as ideas and influences. What do you think? (discuss)‏