History Elective

Question 1

Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 AD)

Answer 1

Political instability marked by frequent civil wars.
Rise of military emperors leading to violence and instability.
Weakened central authority of the empire.

Question 2

Battle of Adrianople (378 AD)

Answer 2

Visigoths defeat Roman army, killing Emperor Valens.
Highlighted diminishing military prowess of the empire.
Increasing reliance on mercenaries weakened defense.

Question 3

Sack of Rome by Visigoths (410 AD)

Answer 3

Alaric and the Visigoths sacked Rome.
Shocked the Roman world; first time in centuries Rome fell.
Signified weakening hold on territories, internal vulnerability.

Question 4

Division of the Roman Empire (285 AD)

Answer 4

Emperor Diocletian divides empire into Western and Eastern halves.
Intended to improve governance and defense.
Led to weakening unity of the empire, independent operations.

Question 5

Christianity as State Religion (313 AD onwards)

Answer 5

Christianity gains prominence under Emperor Constantine.
Shift in religious identity alters cultural fabric.
Traditional Roman values eroded over time.

Question 6

Sack of Rome by Vandals (455 AD)

Answer 6

Vandals, led by King Genseric, pillage Rome.
Further weakens empire’s hold on territories.
Highlights vulnerability to barbarian invasions.

Question 7

Antonine Plague (165-180 AD)

Answer 7

Disease outbreak ravages Roman Empire.
Decimates populations, causes social upheaval.
Strains resources, weakens ability to respond to threats.

Question 8

Decline of Agricultural Productivity (3rd Century AD onwards)

Answer 8

Soil exhaustion, deforestation, and overexploitation.
Diminishing yields, food shortages, economic instability.
Reliance on imports vulnerable to disruptions.

Question 9

Political Assassinations and Instability (3rd Century AD onwards)

Answer 9

Multiple emperors assassinated, short reigns.
Patronage mill, Praetorian Guard influence.
Lack of stable leadership, erosion of authority.

Question 10

Barbarian Invasions Intensify (4th Century AD onwards)

Answer 10

Waves of invasions threaten borders.
Barbarian tribes pressure empire’s frontiers.
Weakened military, loyalty issues, border defenses compromised.

Question 11

Weak Leadership

Answer 11

Frequent changes in leadership.
Weak and ineffective emperors.
Rise of military emperors.
Assassinations and power struggles.