Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you learned about the fall of Rome and explored its legacy.

The End of the Empire in the West - By 500, the Roman Empire had divided. The eastern empire lasted for over 1,000 years. However, the western empire collapsed due to political instability, economic and social issues, and the weakening of the frontiers.

Art - Modern artists still follow Roman or Greco-Roman styles in the arts. Murals and mosaics, similar to Roman ones, decorate modern buildings and public spaces.

Architecture and Engineering - Roman architectural influences are seen in the structures of many modern buildings. The Romans also were talented engineers, whose construction methods and standards survived thousands of years.

Language - Many words and word parts in modern languages, such as English, French, and Spanish, came from Latin. Roman numerals appear today on clocks, in books, and in movie credits.

Philosophy and Law - Roman ideals, such as Stoicism, the rule of law, and justice, shaped law and government in many modern nations. Examples include today's law courts and documents, such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.