The Fall of the Roman Empire

The imagery of the Roman Empire under attack is a powerful representation of the tumultuous period leading to the fall of the Roman Empire. Such images typically depict the invasions and incursions by various barbarian tribes, which played a significant role in the disintegration of Roman control. The relentless pressure from these groups, including the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns, among others, stretched the Roman military thin and exposed the Empire's vulnerabilities. These attacks not only weakened the Roman military but also destabilized the economy and contributed to the eventual collapse of the once-mighty empire.

In a creative exercise, students are prompted to imagine themselves as elderly Roman citizens during the Empire's decline. Writing a diary entry, they are asked to express their fears and concerns as they witness the crumbling of their world. This personal perspective encourages students to explore the emotional and social impact of the Empire's fall, contrasting the current chaos with the Empire’s past grandeur. The exercise aims to humanise historical events, providing insight into the lived experiences of individuals during one of history's pivotal moments, as they grapple with the loss of stability, security, and the cultural identity of the Roman Empire in its heyday.