Final answer:
Outsiders brought cultural, political, and economic changes to the successors of the Roman Empire. They influenced military strategies, contributed to societal disruptions, and interacted with Roman culture and politics, leading to significant transformations in territories that were once part of the Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Outsiders on the Roman Empire's Successors
The former Roman Empire was significantly affected by outsiders after its decline. The correct answer to the question of how outsiders affected the Roman Empire's successors is b) Outsiders brought cultural, political, and economic changes to the successors. This influence came in various forms. The barbarian tribes such as the Goths, Visigoths, and others, impacted the Roman military strategies and contributed to societal disruptions, leading to the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire. These groups had grown larger and more organized over time due to agricultural improvements and increased contact with Rome, which allowed them to pose serious threats to the Empire's borders. Moreover, the Sassanids who took over Persia brought constant warfare to Rome’s eastern borders, further challenging its stability.
The Roman Empire also interacted with local populations through trade, military recruitment, and the spread of Roman culture in its provinces. However, the continual conflicts and political instability inside Rome combined with external pressures exacerbated the decline. The incorporation of foreign soldiers into the Roman army not only affected military tactics but also brought different cultural influences into Roman society. In some cases, these cultural and political influences contributed to transforming the territories that were once part of the Empire into new, distinct entities with their own cultural and governmental identities.