Chapter 17, Student Web Activities, Human Heritage: A World History, Glencoe, 2001-03

Student Web Activity

Chapter 17: The Germans
"The Germanic Tribes"

Introduction
As you read in this chapter, the downfall of the Roman Empire in the West was due in large part to the migrations of the Germanic tribes. The Goths, a Germanic tribe from the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, managed to overrun the Romans and establish vast terrritories. Eventually, Germanic kins ruled these territories, which led to the creation of Europe. To learn why Germanic tribes were successful in seizing Roman land, go to the Germanic Heritage Page Web site.

Destination Title: The Germanic Heritage Page

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
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Directions
Start at the Germanic Heritage Page Web site.

Scroll down and click on "History and Culture."
Scroll down and click on "The Germanic Tribes."
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. According to Tacitus, what were some of the admirable qualities of the Germanic tribes?

2. What were some of the reasons why the Germanic tribes invaded Roman territory?

3. Who fought in the battle of Adrianople, and what was the outcome of this battle?

4. List at least three possible reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire.

5. Imagine you are a reporter for the BBC (Barbarian Broadcasting Company) covering the recent invasion of Rome by Alaric. Prepare a brief report as to the reasons for the invasion and why the barbarians have been successful so far in their conquest of Roman territories. Prepare cue cards for your broadcast on separate sheets of paper. Deliver your broadcast to your classmates.