7.1

Students analyze the causes and effects of the vast expansion and ultimate disintegration of the Roman Empire.

Expansion and Fall of the Roman Empire

How was Rome a site of encounter? Download Primary Source Set: Expansion and Fall of the Roman Empire

This set examines the city of Rome, as the center of the Roman Empire, from 100 BCE through 200 CE, as a site of encounter, where people from multiple cultures met, interacted, and exchanged products, ideas and technologies. To spark student interest, most of the sources in the set are related to gladiatorial games and other public entertainments such as chariot racing and theatre.