Ch 9: AP World History: The Fall of the Roman Empire
About This Chapter
AP World History: The Fall of the Roman Empire - Chapter Summary
In this chapter, we've included a series of video lessons about the fall of the Roman Empire that you can study as you prepare for the AP World History exam. Lesson topics include the early Roman Empire, the reign of Augustus Caesar and the emperors of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. Once you finish these lessons, you should be ready to:
- Outline the year of the four emperors and the Flavian Dynasty
- Identify the five good emperors of Rome and the Nervan-Antonine Dynasty
- Detail the emperors of the Severan Dynasty
- Discuss the division of the Roman Empire
- Explain the conversion of Constantine and the ascent of Christianity
- Identify Justinian's Code of Law and the Roman emperors after Constantine
- Analyze the fall of Rome
- Recognize works of early Christian architecture and art
In this chapter, you'll find short lessons you can use to study the fall of Rome in as much depth as you'd like. Each lesson is accompanied by a short self-assessment quiz, and you'll find a comprehensive test at the end of the chapter as well. Reach out to one of our experts in the dashboard if you have any questions we can answer along the way.
1. The Early Roman Empire and the Reign of Augustus Caesar
This lesson is about Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. In this lesson we follow Augustus's meteoric rise to power, the collapse of the Roman Republic, and the rise of the Roman Empire.
2. Emperors of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty
This lesson will explain the soap opera-like reign of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. Highlighting the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, it will shed light on the Roman Empire's first ruling dynasty.
3. The Year of the Four Emperors & the Flavian Dynasty
This lesson will explore the famous Flavian emperors: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. It will explain how this dynasty came to power during the Year of the Four Emperors. It will also highlight the details of each emperor's reign.
4. The Five Good Emperors of Rome & the Nervan-Antonine Dynasty
This lesson will identify the emperors of the Nervan-Antonine Dynasty. It will explain the rule of the Five Good Emperors of the era, while also highlighting the rule of Commodus, the last of the dynasty's emperors.
5. Emperors of the Severan Dynasty
This lesson focuses on the Severan Dynasty, which ruled Rome from 193 CE to 235 CE. Although the lesson explains the military and social reforms of this dynasty, it also highlights the outlandish personalities of the individual rulers.
6. Division of the Roman Empire: Diocletian & the 3rd Century Crisis
This lesson will explain the 3rd Century Crisis of the Roman Empire. It will focus on the political, civil and economic problems that caused the crisis, and will also highlight the role of Diocletian in the resolution of the crisis.
7. The Conversion of Constantine and the Ascent of Christianity
This lesson will explain the conversion of Constantine and the ascent of Christianity. In doing this, it will highlight the Edict of Milan and the famous Council of Nicaea.
8. Justinian's Code of Law and Roman Emperors After Constantine
This lesson will highlight the emperors after Constantine. It will specifically explore the reign of Justinian and the famous Justinian code of law. It will also discuss the Apostate and the battle of Adrianople.
9. The Fall of Rome
This lesson explains the gradual fall of Rome. In doing so, it highlights corruption, division, and outside invasion as the main reasons for the fall of the Eternal City.
10. Early Christian Art & Architecture
In this lesson, you will explore the early styles of art and architecture of the young Christian religion. Then, test your understanding about art, history, and the development of Christian symbols with a brief quiz.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the AP World History: Exam Prep course
- AP World History: Foundational Concepts
- AP World History: Major Belief Systems
- AP World History: Ancient Times
- AP World History: Ancient Middle East
- AP World History: Ancient China, Africa, India & America
- AP World History: Ancient Greece
- AP World History: Hellenism and Athenian Philosophy
- AP World History: The Rise of the Roman Republic
- AP World History: The Dark Ages
- AP World History: Early Middle Ages
- AP World History: The Medieval Warm Period
- AP World History: The High Middle Ages
- AP World History: Asia, Africa & America (1000-1300 CE)
- AP World History: The Late Middle Ages
- AP World History: The Renaissance
- AP World History: The Age of Exploration
- AP World History: The Reformation Across Europe
- AP World History: The Elizabethan Era
- AP World History: The Enlightenment
- AP World History: Political, Technological, and Intellectual Developments (1750-1914)
- AP World History: Colonialism
- AP World History: Imperialism
- AP World History: World War I
- AP World History: World War II
- AP World History: The Cold War and Other 20th Century World History
- AP World History: A Globalized World - 1980 & Beyond
- Portions of the AP World History Exam
- How to Write a Good Essay on Your AP Exam
- AP World History Flashcards
- Additional AP World History Flashcards
