The Third-Century Crisis Class 11 – Concept, MCQs & Notes PDF

Topic covered: The Third-Century Crisis class 11 notes and MCQs questions: An Empire Across Three Continents (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 11th about “The Third-Century Crisis“ from the NCERT history notes for class 11th chapter 2 “An Empire Across Three Continents”.

Download the NCERT History for Class 11th Chapter 2 An Empire Across Three Continents Notes PDF

NCERT History Class 11 Chapter 2 notes are prepared to help students study more effectively and revise faster. This chapter, An Empire Across Three Continents, introduces to the rise and expansion of a powerful empire that spread across Asia, Europe, and Africa, shaping political, cultural, and administrative systems. This chapter plays an important role in building a strong foundation in Class 11 History.

At E-book NCERT, the Class 11 History Chapter 2 notes are created to support focused and exam-oriented study. Students can download the NCERT History notes PDF anytime for quick revision and better understanding. This chapter explores the growth of a vast empire, its administration, economy, military organisation, and cultural integration across three continents. It also discusses important archaeological and literary sources that help us understand how such empires functioned and influenced the ancient world.

The Third-Century Crisis

1. Contrast Between Early Centuries:

• First and second centuries were marked by peace, prosperity, and economic expansion.
• Third century signaled the beginning of internal strain within the empire.

2. External Pressures on the Empire:

• From the 230s, Rome had to fight on multiple fronts at the same time.
• A new aggressive Iranian dynasty, the Sasanians, emerged in 225.

3. Rise of the Sasanians:

• Sasanians expanded rapidly towards the Euphrates within 15 years of their rise.
• Shapur I claimed to have destroyed a Roman army of 60,000.
• He also claimed to have captured Antioch, the eastern Roman capital.
• His achievements were recorded in a trilingual rock inscription.

4. Germanic Tribal Attacks:

• Several Germanic tribal confederacies attacked Roman frontiers.
• Key groups included the Alamanni, the Franks, and the Goths.
• Invasions occurred repeatedly from 233 to 280.
• Affected regions stretched from the Black Sea to the Alps and southern Germany.

5. Roman Territorial Losses:

• Rome had to give up large areas beyond the Danube.
• Emperors spent much of their time in military campaigns against groups they called “barbarians.”

6. Political Instability:

• Rapid change of rulers indicated severe internal stress.
• 25 emperors ruled in just 47 years during the third century.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE History Class 11 Chapter 2: An Empire Across Three Continents

MCQs on NCERT History Class 11 Chapter 2 Topic – The Third-Century Crisis Class 11

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “The Third-Century Crisis Class 11” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. The first and second centuries of the Roman Empire are described as a period of:

a) Continuous warfare
b) Political instability
c) Peace, prosperity and economic expansion
d) Administrative decline

Answer: c) Peace, prosperity and economic expansion

Question 2. The first major signs of internal strain in the Roman Empire appeared in the:

a) Second century
b) Early third century
c) Late third century
d) Fourth century

Answer: b) Early third century

Question 3. From which decade did the Roman Empire start fighting on several fronts simultaneously?

a) 210s
b) 220s
c) 230s
d) 240s

Answer: c) 230s

Question 4. A new aggressive dynasty emerged in Iran in:

a) 200 CE
b) 215 CE
c) 225 CE
d) 250 CE

Answer: c) 225 CE

Question 5. The Iranian dynasty that emerged in 225 CE called themselves the:

a) Parthians
b) Achaemenids
c) Seleucids
d) Sasanians

Answer: d) Sasanians

Question 6. Within how many years did the Sasanians expand rapidly towards the Euphrates?

a) 5 years
b) 10 years
c) 15 years
d) 25 years

Answer: c) 15 years

Question 7. Which Iranian ruler claimed to have defeated a Roman army of 60,000?

a) Ardashir I
b) Shapur I
c) Xerxes
d) Darius

Answer: b) Shapur I

Question 8. Shapur I made his claim in a rock inscription written in:

a) One language
b) Two languages
c) Three languages
d) Four languages

Answer: c) Three languages

Question 9. According to Shapur I, which Roman city was captured by the Sasanians?

a) Rome
b) Alexandria
c) Antioch
d) Carthage

Answer: c) Antioch

Question 10. The Roman city of Antioch was the:

a) Western capital
b) Religious centre
c) Eastern capital
d) Trade outpost

Answer: c) Eastern capital

Question 11. Which groups moved against the Rhine and Danube frontiers?

a) Persian armies
b) Nomadic tribes
c) Germanic tribal confederacies
d) Celtic clans

Answer: c) Germanic tribal confederacies

Question 12. Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a Germanic group?

a) Alamanni
b) Franks
c) Goths
d) Huns

Answer: d) Huns

Question 13. The period from 233 to 280 CE was marked by:

a) Administrative reforms
b) Peace treaties
c) Repeated invasions
d) Cultural expansion

Answer: c) Repeated invasions

Question 14. The invasions affected provinces stretching from:

a) Spain to Italy
b) Britain to Gaul
c) Black Sea to the Alps and southern Germany
d) Egypt to Syria

Answer: c) Black Sea to the Alps and southern Germany

Question 15. During this period, the Romans were forced to abandon territories beyond the:

a) Rhine
b) Alps
c) Euphrates
d) Danube

Answer: d) Danube

Question 16. Roman emperors of the third century were mostly:

a) Governing from Rome
b) Engaged in administration
c) Constantly in the field
d) Focused on trade

Answer: c) Constantly in the field

Question 17. The Romans referred to their external enemies as:

a) Invaders
b) Foreigners
c) Barbarians
d) Nomads

Answer: c) Barbarians

Question 18. The rapid succession of emperors in the third century indicates:

a) Strong leadership
b) Political stability
c) Internal strain
d) Economic growth

Answer: c) Internal strain

Question 19. How many emperors ruled in the Roman Empire during the 47 years of the third century crisis?

a) 10
b) 15
c) 20
d) 25

Answer: d) 25

Question 20. The rule of 25 emperors in 47 years mainly reflects:

a) Efficient governance
b) Expansion of empire
c) Political instability
d) Cultural diversity

Answer: c) Political instability

Question 21. Which frontier regions faced maximum pressure during the third century?

a) Nile and Red Sea
b) Rhine and Danube
c) Tigris and Euphrates
d) Alps and Pyrenees

Answer: b) Rhine and Danube

Question 22. The third century crisis was marked by all EXCEPT:

a) External invasions
b) Rapid change of emperors
c) Military pressure on frontiers
d) Complete economic collapse

Answer: d) Complete economic collapse

Question 23. The Sasanians were more aggressive than the earlier Iranian rulers because they:

a) Avoided warfare
b) Expanded rapidly westwards
c) Focused on trade
d) Allied with Rome

Answer: b) Expanded rapidly westwards

Question 24. The third century crisis mainly began due to:

a) Religious conflicts
b) Multiple simultaneous wars
c) Decline in trade
d) Urban revolts

Answer: b) Multiple simultaneous wars