Share 4 inferences that can be made about the Roman Empire, based on the two maps above (Inferences are observations we make by looking at documents. For these maps, look at things like the maps key, the geography, the borders of the empires, etc. What are some of the things you are noticing?

Answer 1

1. The Roman Empire had significant territorial expansion: By comparing the two maps, it is evident that the Roman Empire expanded its borders over time. The first map shows the Roman Empire during its peak in the late 2nd century CE, encompassing large parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The second map shows the Roman Empire at its height in the 4th century CE, incorporating even more territories. This expansion suggests a desire for territorial control and a strong military presence.

2. The Roman Empire had a centralized imperial authority: Both maps show a clear centralization of power within the Roman Empire. The key on the maps indicates that the territory belongs to the empire, showing a unified political entity under Roman rule. The consistent borders and extent of control suggest a strong central authority governing the regions.

3. Natural barriers played a role in shaping the borders: Analyzing the geography in the maps, it can be inferred that natural barriers such as rivers and mountain ranges influenced the borders of the Roman Empire. For example, the Danube River in Europe seems to have served as a natural boundary, separating the empire from the surrounding regions. The Rhine River also acted as a significant barrier in Europe. Similarly, the Persian Gulf and the Euphrates River served as natural boundaries in the eastern part of the empire.

4. The Roman Empire had a long-standing conflict with neighboring empires: The maps reveal that the Roman Empire had border disputes and conflicts with neighboring empires. The eastern border of the Roman Empire is shown to be vulnerable, with conflicts occurring in areas such as modern-day Iraq and Iran. This suggests that the Roman Empire was engaged in long-term struggles for control over these territories, implying geopolitical challenges and ongoing military confrontations with rival powers.