Overview
In this discussion, we will be examining the rise and fall of Rome – both the Republic and the Empire. You will once again have an option – you can examine the rise of Rome to a powerhouse in the Western world, or the fall of the Western Empire through the eyes of a fictional Eastern (Byzantine) or Western emperor in the 5th Century CE.
Instructions
Select one (only one!) topic from the below and write a response to the prompt by the initial post due date.
Option 1: Using at least one primary and one secondary source (not your e-text), select one of the key personalities of Roman civilization (either the Republic or the Empire). This can be anyone from the Gracchi to Nero to Constantine, or Cicero, Brutus, etc.. You have a plethora from which to choose. Identify and evaluate your personality’s successes and failures. How did they help Rome succeed? What were their biggest failures? What parts of Roman culture shaped their worldview? If you select a character from the 1st century CE or later, you must touch upon the impact of Chrisitianity as well.
Option 2: Based on at least one primary or secondary source, assume the role of a fictional Western or Eastern Roman emperor in the 5th Century CE (401 – 500 CE), and explain for posterity:
What role did Christianity play in the outcome of your empire?
What factors led to the collapse or survival of your empire?
What impact did things like geography, wars, religion and society play on the rise or fall of your empire.
Use at least one specific example from your sources.
Make sure to incorporate historical evidence from the sources and source types noted in the prompt to support your points and use proper citations. You may use sources other than those found in the Recommended Resources,
