Question

Which claim about the economic reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire is best supported by the passage above?

A) Economic inequality led to the fall of the Roman Empire.
B) Foreign invasions were the primary cause of the Roman Empire's fall.
C) The Roman Empire's economy was strong and stable.
D) The passage does not provide information about the fall of the Roman Empire.

Answer 1

Economic issues, particularly reduced tax revenues and the societal impacts of conflict, contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire, supported by historical accounts of eastern and western divisions and internal economic strains.

Step-by-step explanation:

The claim about the economic reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire that is best supported by the passages provided is that economic issues, such as decreased tax revenues and economic inequality, were a contributing factor to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Specifically, the passages suggest that the loss of large territories in the west led to significantly reduced tax revenues, which affected the empire's ability to sustain itself. The economic disadvantages of continuous conflict, which disrupted regional markets and led to famines and riots, further burdened the lower classes and heightened the economic strain.

The passages highlight a complex web of issues that led to the decline of the Roman Empire, including the drain of resources due to military engagements, societal impacts of conflict, and the division of Roman identity between the east and west. These factors collectively suggest a weakening empire beset by internal and external pressures, which ultimately contributed to its fall.