Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 15, Lesson 3

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 15, Lesson 3: The Decline of Rome (pp. 471-474)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Change After decades of turmoil, the Roman Empire declined and was divided into two parts.

Describe the problems facing the empire at the end of the Pax Romana. Outline the reign of Diocletian, and his attempts to restore the empire. Talk about the effects of his actions on the empire and its people.

Summarize the actions and achievements of Constantine. Talk about the significance of the establishment of the new capital at Constantinople. Point out that after Constantine's death the empire was permanently split into two parts.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students write an anonymous letter to emporer Diocletian supporting or opposing Diocletian's government reforms. Encourage students to clearly describe one or more reforms, state what effect it is supposed to have, and what effect they are arguing it will actually have. Remind them that dividing the empire was also a reform they can write about.
Organize students into groups and have each group design a poster advertising the wonders and advantages of the new Roman capital, Constantinople. Encourage them to use drawings and designs as well as words, and to look through the lesson for visual ideas and samples.

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