Question

Which of the following is a main idea found in the text? The Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE. Life was full of hardships during the early Middle Ages. Historians do not know why the Roman Empire collapsed. Barbarians like Vandals and Saxons attacked the Roman Empire. How does the author illustrate what the Dark Ages were like? Select all that apply.

1) The Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE.
2) Life was full of hardships during the early Middle Ages.
3) Historians do not know why the Roman Empire collapsed.
4) Barbarians like Vandals and Saxons attacked the Roman Empire.
5) She describes hardships people faced during this period.
6) She contrasts this period of history with later periods.
7) She questions whether or not this period deserved the name 'Dark Ages.'
8) She makes an argument that the Dark Ages are not worthwhile to study.

Answer 1

The main idea found in the text is that the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE. The text also provides examples of how the author illustrates what the Dark Ages were like, including hardships faced by people and contrasting this period with later periods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main idea found in the text is that the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE. This is supported by the statement in the text that the political unity of the Roman Empire was shattered by the end of the fifth century CE. The text also mentions that the fall of Rome is one of the most iconic events in the history of the western world and has been a topic of debate among historians.

In regards to how the author illustrates what the Dark Ages were like, the text provides several examples. The author describes the hardships people faced during this period, such as political and military discord, fear of marauding pillagers, and the submission to powerful lords for protection. The author also contrasts this period of history with later periods and questions whether or not this period deserved the name 'Dark Ages.' However, the text does not make an argument that the Dark Ages are not worthwhile to study.