Final answer:
The two most likely effects of the decline of the Roman Empire were a drop in the education of citizens and an increase in superstitious beliefs due to societal and economic disruptions that accompanied the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two most likely effects of the decline of the Roman Empire were a drop in the education of citizens and an increase in superstitious beliefs. As societal structures weakened, the traditional investment in education likely diminished, leading to a reduction in literacy and scholarly pursuits. The challenging times may have also led people to turn towards superstition in an attempt to make sense of their changing world.
Historical records describe the Roman Empire's decline as a transformation marked by political, cultural, and religious upheaval. Among these, the spread of Christianity greatly altered the fabric of Roman society. As the empire transitioned into what we consider the Middle Ages, the disintegration of classical Roman institutions, including schools, combined with economic struggles, elongated public distress, and the eventual splintering of the Western Empire, led to a less learned population overall.