https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_AABAOHW213By the end of the course, students will be able to:Explain which historical processes and events led to the end of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of its successorsCritically reflect on important theories and debates regarding the causes and consequences of the 'decline and fall' of RomeAdequately assess the value of primary sources as evidence for various theories regarding the end of the Western Roman EmpireExplain the significance of Rome's 'decline and fall' as a notion in Western thought and culture from the Enlightenment to the presentThe decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century CE has fascinated scholars and artists since the days of Montesquieu and Edward Gibbon. How could a city and empire as powerful and civilized as ancient Rome succumb to 'primitive barbarians'? The explanations range far and wide, from decadence and lead-poisoning to Christianity sapping the Romans of their military strength. In this course, we will discuss the momentous events of Rome’s final century, such as the plundering of the city by the Goths in 410 CE, the invasion of Attila the Hun in the 450s and the deposition of Romulus Augustulus in 476 CE. We will weigh several possible causes for the end of the Western Empire, but will also look at its heirs, such as the Franks, the Goths and the Byzantines. Was the fall of Rome indeed the catastrophic event it’s often made out to be, plunging Europe into an age of darkness, or should we place more emphasis on continuity and gradual transformation? Finally, we will discuss the iconic role of Rome’s 'decline and fall' in cultural memory, where it still haunts our collective imagination to the present day.The course will consist of one lecture and one seminar per week. Students are expected to attend and engage actively in group discussions.Assessment will take place through an essay (40%) and a written exam (60%). The resit regulations regarding the assignments are specified in the course manual.Various articles and book chapters, as well as ancient sources.This course is part of the specialisation Ancient History for 2nd BA Students of Ancient Studies. The course is part of the minor Highlights of the Ancient World and is open to all students with an interest in ancient Roman history, even if they are not enrolled in a Humanities programme.ACASA students must register via UvA https://glass.uva.nl VU students who would like to follow this course as an elective need to request a guest registration at the UvA. See for more information: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/other-programmes/electives/electives.html Please note:Course registration periods between VU and UvA differ.This course is scheduled at the University of Amsterdam.This course is part of a joined programme by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). It is taught at a UvA location. For the course schedule see https://rooster.uva.nl/No prior knowledge is required. Students who are completely unfamiliar with the history of the Later Roman Empire, or would like to refresh their memories, could benefit from reading the final chapter of De Blois & Van der Spek, An Introduction to the Ancient World (especially from p349 onward). For a more detailed account, see Mitchell, A History of the Later Roman Empire, chapters 3 and 4 (especially up to p125).