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Fall of the Western Roman Empire — Reading Comprehension

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This reading passage explores the pivotal event of 476 CE: the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Students will learn about the complex political, economic, and military causes behind Rome's collapse, including the role of barbarian invasions, the weakening of Roman leadership, and the rise of Odoacer. The passage includes key academic vocabulary, primary and archaeological source references, and examines the significance of the event for world history. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a clear timeline of events. This resource aligns with California History-Social Science Standard 6.7 and Common Core Reading Informational Text standards for middle school. Spanish translation and read aloud audio are included for accessibility.

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"Romulus Augustulus and Odoacer" by Bernhard Mörlins (B. Moerlins) / Wikimedia Commons

The year 476 CE is recognized by historians as the moment when the Western Roman Empire came to an end. This event marked the fall of one of the most powerful civilizations in ancient history and had lasting effects on Europe and the Mediterranean region.

For centuries, the Roman Empire had controlled vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Its capital shifted from Rome to Ravenna in the fifth century, reflecting growing instability and threats from outside forces. By the 400s CE, the empire faced enormous challenges, including invasions by Germanic tribes, economic troubles, and weak leadership. In 410 CE, the Visigoths, led by Alaric, even sacked the city of Rome. Archaeological evidence, like destroyed buildings and abandoned villas, shows the damage these invasions caused.

One important cause of the empire's decline was the constant pressure from so-called "barbarian" groups such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Ostrogoths. These groups crossed the Roman frontiers, sometimes settling as federates (allied soldiers), but often fighting the Romans for land and resources. The Roman government struggled to maintain control over its huge provinces. Soldiers and officials were often more loyal to their own commanders than to the emperor. The empire's complex bureaucracy became difficult to manage, leading to corruption and inefficiency.

In 476 CE, a Germanic leader named Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire. According to the historian Jordanes, Odoacer sent the imperial regalia to the Eastern Roman Emperor in Constantinople, signaling the end of the Western Empire. Some citizens continued Roman traditions and laws, but power in the West now belonged to new rulers. The Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire, survived for nearly a thousand more years.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire led to great changes in European society. Cities shrank, long-distance trade declined, and local leaders gained more power. However, Roman culture, language, and laws continued to influence Europe for centuries. The event in 476 CE is often seen as the beginning of the Middle Ages, a period marked by new kingdoms and shifting borders.

This turning point shows how geography, leadership, military strength, and economic systems shape the rise and fall of civilizations.

Interesting Fact: The title of "Roman Emperor" in the West was never officially restored after 476 CE, but later leaders like Charlemagne tried to revive the empire centuries later.

Who was the last Western Roman Emperor?

Romulus AugustulusOdoacerAlaricCharlemagne

What year did the Western Roman Empire fall?

410 CE476 CE330 CE1066 CE

Which city became the capital in the 400s CE?

ConstantinopleRavennaCarthageAlexandria

Why did the Roman bureaucracy become a problem?

It was too smallIt was too complexIt was too fastIt was friendly

What was a result of the fall?

Cities grew largerTrade declinedRoman Empire restoredNew emperor crowned

What did Odoacer do with the regalia?

Destroyed itKept itSent it to ConstantinopleGave it to Alaric