Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: The Fall of the Roman Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains some of the reasons the Roman Empire collapsed, how Roman cities and towns fell into ruins, and how barbarian groups took over with there being no strong Roman militia to keep lawlessness in check.
Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Decline of the Empire: The Times of the Severi

For Students 9th - 10th
In this entry from Morey's 1901 textbook the decline of the Roman Empire is presented. The Severi emperors ranged from bad to worse, with the exception of Alexander Severus.
Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Decline of the Empire: The Illyrian Emperors

For Students 9th - 10th
In this article from the 1901 textbook by William Morey, you can read that the Roman empire had a period of stability before its further decline.
Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Decline of the Empire: Disintegration of Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
This article from Morey's 1901 textbook recounts the attacks on the Roman Empire by the Sassinids from the east and the Germanic barbarians from the north.
Website
Friesian School

Fresian School: Decadence of Roman History

For Students 9th - 10th
This site, which is provided for by the Fresian School, gives a discussion of the Roman Empire, the decadence of the emperors and citizens, the coming of Christianity, the pagan hordes, and "scrupulous observance of the privileges of...
Website
Other

United Nations of Roma Victrix: Roman History

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a huge site covering every aspect of Roman history and culture from the humble beginnings of Rome to the decline of the Empire. Use the table of contents to reach your specific focus.
Unit Plan
Other

The Romans: The Fall of Rome

For Students 9th - 10th
Trivia, artifacts, and the history of the fall of the Roman Empire.
Article
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Table of Contents

For Students 9th - 10th
The complete text of a 1901 textbook on Roman history by William C. Morey. However, the work is still useful today as if covers all the basic information about Rome from its earliest beginnings through the Republic and later the Empire.
Primary
Other

Passages From Gibbon's "Decline and Fall"

For Students 9th - 10th
Here are hundreds of excerpts from Gibbon's famous history of Rome, chosen "because of the literary wit and beauty that they contain."
Handout
Franco Cavazzi

The Roman Empire: Marcus Licinius Crassus (D. 53 Bc)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explains how Crassus gained power in Rome, raised an army, became governor of Syria, and was eventually murdered.
Article
Other

Explore the Med: The Fall of the Roman Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Read here about the crumbling and unfortunate collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Developments including the Plague of Cyprian, the splitting of the empire into two parts and the invasion of barbarian people groups led to its demise.
Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Reorganization of Empire: The Reign of Constantine

For Students 9th - 10th
In this entry from William Morey's 1901 textbook you will read about Constantine and the changes he made that had a lasting effect on the Roman Empire.
Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Reorganization of Empire: The Reign of Diocletian

For Students 9th - 10th
The reign of Diocletian is discussed in this article from William Morey's 1901 textbook. Check out the chart that shows how the Roman Empire was split into East and West.
Handout
Stephen Byrne

History for Kids: The Fall of the Roman Empire

For Students 2nd - 7th
Article ending with a short quiz for kids gives an overview of the weakening and eventual fall of the Roman Empire.
Article
A&E Television

History.com: How Julius Caesar's Assassination Triggered the Fall of the Roman Republic

For Students 9th - 10th
In the first weeks of 44 B.C., Caesar was proclaimed "dictator for life." His life, though, wouldn't last much longer. Fearful that the concentration of absolute power in a single man threatened the republic's democratic institutions,...
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Ancient Rome for Kids: The Fall of Rome

For Students 9th - 10th
A website with information for students to learn about the decline and fall of Ancient Rome. The western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: Ammianus Marcellinus (C.330 395 Ce)

For Students 9th - 10th
Fordham University provides translation of a commentary by the Greek historian Ammianus Marcellinus that criticizes everything about the 4th century Roman life, from overeating to bad driving.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Byzantine Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia entry on the Byzantine Empire addresses its history, the split with Rome, invasions and migrations from the East, its culture, and the empire's eventual decline and fall.
Handout
Other

Willamette Coin Club: The Times and Coinage of Diocletian: 284 305 a.d.

For Students 9th - 10th
A description of the massive job facing Diocletian when he assumed the leadership of the Roman Empire, and how he developed the tetrarchy. There is also information about Roman coinage.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Quiz: Fall of Rome for Kids

For Students 1st - 9th
History Questions: Fall of Rome Quiz, Test, and WebQuest
Handout
World History Encyclopedia

World History Encyclopedia: Alaric

For Students 9th - 10th
Encyclopedia entry provides detail about Alaric and the sack of Rome. Includes photos, timeline and links to further reading.
Website
Then Again

Then Again: Web Chron: The Byzantine Empire, 312 1453

For Students 9th - 10th
This page contains a timeline of the Byzantine Empire from its formation to its decline. Click on each heading for more in-depth information regarding that specific time period of the Empire.
Handout
Stephen Byrne

History for Kids: Alaric the Visigoth

For Students 3rd - 8th
History for Kids presents overview of the Visigoth leader, Alaric I, who rose to prominence in the Roman Army and is responsible for the sack of Rome. Teacher resources included.
Handout
Stephen Byrne

History for Kids: Attila the Hun

For Students 3rd - 8th
History of Attila, leader of the Hunnic Empire during the 5th Century, known for his firece and ruthless ways in war. Site includes links to worksheets, activities and quizzes.