Rome Project

In class, we will be exploring several big themes around Rome’s trade, religion, and its eventual decline. Please select one of three options below to complete by Wednesday, October 28, 2009.
Each project will consist of:
• a three-page typed research paper with bibliography (12 point, Times font).
• a set of hand-drawn maps that include keys and titles.
• use of primary and secondary sources. You can use primary sources that we discuss in class or ones that you find on your own. You must use secondary sources beyond those used in the classroom.

Options

Roman Trade
The essay should answer:
• How did trade work within the Roman Empire and what was traded?
• What did Rome trade with societies beyond its borders?
• How did trade function to strengthen the Roman Empire?

The maps should show:
• Trade routes within the Roman Empire and the products traded.
• Trade routes between Rome and other societies and the products traded.

Christianity in Rome
The essay should answer:
• Why were Christians persecuted in Rome?
• Why and how did Christianity spread in Rome? Make sure to address the notion of syncretism.
• Why emperors made Christianity the state religion?

The maps should show:
• The growth of Christianity from Paul through Constantine.

Rome’s Decline
The essay should answer:
• What different factors-political, economic, military and social- may have contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire by 476 ce?
• State your argument about the most important factor or factors.

The maps should show:
• The decline of the Roman Empire from the Pax Romana to 476ce.

Resources
Roman Trade
The Dalton School’s Rome Project-Maps
http://blogs.dalton.org/rome/map-resources/

UNRV-Economy
http://www.unrv.com/economy.php

Trade between Asia and Rome
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/silk/hd_silk.htm

PBS
http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/educators/lesson8.html

Christianity in Rome

The Dalton School’s Rome Project-Maps
http://blogs.dalton.org/rome/map-resources/

UNRV-Religions
http://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-religion.php

“Spread of Christianity” on the UNRV History website.
http://www.unrv.com/culture/spread-christianity.php

Religion and the Roman Empire -- Christianity
http://www.nipissingu.ca/department/history/MUHLBERGER/ORB/ovc1s9.htm

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/christianityromanempire_article_04.shtml

The Dalton School’s Rome Project-Religions
http://blogs.dalton.org/rome/religious-resources/

Causes and Effects of the Popularization of Christianity in the Roman Empire
http://anthologyoi.com/history/causes-and-effects-of-the-popularization-of-christianity-in-the-roman-empire.html

Rome’s Decline
The Dalton School’s Rome Project-Maps
http://blogs.dalton.org/rome/map-resources/

UNRV-Decline
http://www.unrv.com/decline-of-empire/decline-of-empire.php

UNRV-Fall
http://www.unrv.com/roman-republic/fall-of-roman-republic.php

Edward Gibbons
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/gibbon-fall.html

Economic Causes
http://www.roman-empire.net/articles/article-018.html