Causes of the Fall of Rome
What is the major cause of the fall of Rome?
Invasion by barbarian tribes
After the empire split, what was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire?
Constantinople
What type of Christianity was practiced in the Byzantine Empire?
Orthodox Christianity
Who was Justinian’s powerful wife and co‑ruler?
Theodora
What rose from the “ruins” of the Western Roman Empire?
The Byzantine Empire
What happened when army loyalty shifted to generals instead of Rome?
The empire lost control of its military power
Constantinople was located near which important waterway?
The Bosporus Strait
What kind of art made from tiny pieces of glass or stone was popular in Byzantium?
Mosaics
What was Justinian’s Code?
A written collection and organization of Roman laws
Which city became the new center of power after Rome declined?
Constantinople
How did inflation and economic instability hurt Rome?
Money lost value and trade/economy weakened
Why was Constantinople a smart location for a capital?
It was a trade crossroads between Europe and Asia and easy to defend
The Hagia Sophia was originally built as what type of building?
A Christian church
What did Justinian do after the Nika Riots?
He rebuilt Constantinople, including the Hagia Sophia
What happened to the Eastern Roman Empire after the Western Roman Empire collapsed?
It continued as the Byzantine Empire, preserving Roman laws, culture, and traditions.
What is one problem with using mercenaries in the Roman army?
They were less loyal because they were paid soldiers, not citizens
What happened to the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE?
It collapsed after barbarian invasions
Byzantine culture was a blend of which two main influences?
Greek culture and Roman law
Which idea fits Justinian’s Code: “No one shall bring false accusations without proof.”
People must have evidence before accusing someone
“Rome fell in the West, but ______ continued in the East.”
Roman traditions and laws
Why was having an empire that was too large to govern a problem?
It was hard to defend and manage all the borders
What did the Eastern Roman Empire become known as?
The Byzantine Empire
How did religion change from Rome to Byzantium?
Rome was originally polytheistic, but in Byzantium Christianity, especially Orthodox Christianity, became the central religion.
Why was Justinian’s Code important?
It made laws clearer and more fair and influenced later legal systems
What does the final riddle in your escape room point to?
“I was born from INVASION, guarded by the BOSPORUS, shaped by ORTHODOXY, ruled with JUSTICE.”