Problem
I. Why does Rome have such difficulty adjusting politically and militarily to the challenges of managing an empire? Between Marius and Caesar, what steps were taken to address these challenges?
II. How did Rome deal with the problem of political succession after Augustus? Identify and explain at least two significant changes that occurred before Constantine. Refer to "Ancient Rome" by Dunstan and "Ancient Rome: From the Earliest Times Down to 476 A.D." by Pennell included in the Supplemental Readings for additional information.
III. What caused the fall of the Roman Empire in the West? Identify at least one political, economic, and social force that contributed to the demise of Rome.
IV. What led to the decision to divide the Roman Empire into two largely independent parts? What advantages did the eastern empire have that permitted it to avoid the turmoil experienced in the west?