Assignment Summary
For this assignment, you will create a time line of key dates and events leading to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Background Information
Long ago, the Roman Empire stretched the length of the Mediterranean Sea. The empire’s vast size made it difficult to govern. Many conflicts arose, and Emperor Diocletian had to deal with issues in Asia. He decided that he needed a co-ruler or “Caesar” to deal with issues in the west in Gaul and Britain. Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire around 284 CE. He named Marcus Auerilius to rule in the west, while he ruled in the east.
The division of Rome had devastating economic effects on the Western Roman Empire. The city of Rome and the Western Roman Empire depended on Egypt and other lands for wheat to feed people. A loss of ships carrying wheat led to food scarcity and unrest. The population blamed the government for the lack of food and protested. The Western Roman Empire was also located farther from prosperous trade routes with Asia. This meant fewer resources and fewer trading partners.
The division of Rome also caused political issues in the Western Roman Empire. The western empire was weaker and less influential than the eastern empire. The army was not as large, and politicians were not as powerful. The western empire was also recovering from civil wars. This left them with fewer funds, soldiers, and workers. Finally, the West was easier to invade. It was closer to dangerous enemies such as the Visigoths, which were a German group north of the Italian Peninsula. Enemy armies had easier access to the western empire.
Materials

 Computer with internet access
 Chart with suggested dates and events

Assignment Instructions
For this project, you will submit a time line showing key dates and events that led to the fall of Western Roman Empire, and a chart containing the dates and events from the time lines.
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance.
Step 2: Research background information on two ancient civilizations.
a) Research the key events and dates related to the topic.
b) Be sure to use reliable internet sources, such as the following:
I. Encyclopedia Britannica: www. britannica. com
II. Library of Congress: www. loc. gov
III. The Smithsonian Museum’s Learning Lab: www. learninglab. si. edu
Step 3: Organize your research in a chart.
a) Organize your findings in a chart. You can use the chart below.
b) Place all entries in chronological order, using BCE and CE time measurement.
Step 4: Create a time line that show key events and dates related to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Access the timeline builder here.
a) Plan: Sketch your time lines on a piece of paper before you begin.
b) Draft: Create a rough draft of your time lines.
c) Revise: Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements.
d) Decorate your time lines with images.
e) Include a list of internet sources with your time lines.
Step 5: Use this checklist to evaluate your project.
When you can answer yes to all of these questions, you are ready to submit your time lines.

Yes No Evaluation Question
x Does your time line include dates and key events related to the topic?
x Is your time line organized chronologically using BCE and CE measurement?
x Did you include all dates and key events?
x Did you add images to your time line?
x Does your time line use correct punctuation and grammar?
x Does your time line present information in ways that will engage your audience?
x Is your time line neat, easy to read, and visually appealing?

Step 6: Revise and submit your project.
a) If you were unable to answer yes to all of the questions on the checklist, revise and save your time lines before submitting your assignment.
b) When you have completed your time lines, return to the Virtual Classroom and use the “Add Files” option to locate and submit your assignment. Ask your teacher for assistance if necessary.
c) Ask your teacher whether you will present your time lines to an audience of your peers.

Sample Chart
Location Date Key Event
Roman Empire 284 CE Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire