The Year of the Five Emperors Lesson
Learning objectives
In this lesson, students will the Year of the Five Emperors (AD 193), exploring how the assassination of Commodus triggered a succession crisis in which the imperial throne was auctioned, bought, and fought over by rival claimants. Learners will analyse how the absence of a formal succession law allowed military commanders to override the authority of the Senate, and how the resulting civil wars weakened Rome's political institutions and confirmed that armed force, rather than legal tradition, determined who ruled the empire. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading and research options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.
How would you like to learn?
Option 1: Reading
Step 1: Download a copy of the reading questions worksheet:
Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the webpage below:
Option 2: Internet research
Download a copy of the research worksheet and use the internet to complete the tables.
Test your learning
Extension activities
Resources for subscribers
