1. WARM UP: What are some political, military, economic, and social problems that the United States has faced in the past and/or is currently facing that may have led to its weakening? Looking back on what we have learned about Rome, what problems do you think led to its decline and fall?

2. THE DECLINE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE With the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Pax Romana ended. For the next 100 years, political and economic turmoil plagued the Empire.

3. CAUSES FOR THE DECLINE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE Geographic Size Economic Problems Problems in the Military/Invasio ns Political Problems/Loss of Morale The Empire was becoming too large to defend and govern. With the Empire continuing to grow, the cost of defense continued to go up. The value Roman currency began to go down. Army membership started to include non-Romans, resulting in decline of discipline. With a weaker military, there were more barbarian attacks at the borders. There were conflicts within the government (Emperor vs. Senate), which led to weak leaders and policies. People began to lose faith in the government and the Empire.

4. THE EMPIRE SPLITS In 285 A.D., Emperor Diocletian realized that the Empire had grown too large for one man to govern effectively. His solution was to split the Empire in half (Eastern and Western Empire) and have it ruled by two emperors. Diocletian kept the Eastern half to himself due to its greater wealth and trade.

5. THE EMPIRE SPLITS (CONT’D) Diocletian chose a military officer named Maximian to rule the western half of the Empire. Around 306 A.D., civil wars broke out in both halves. By 324 A.D., Constantine controlled both halves, meaning the Roman Empire once again had a single Emperor. Constantine moved the capitol from Rome to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople.

6. THE EMPIRE SPLITS (CONT’D) Constantine had planned for his three sons to rule parts of the Empire after his death, but competition between the sons led to another period of conflict. In 395 A.D., the Empire was once again divided, but this time it was permanent.

7. THE END OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE The Western Roman Empire was attacked by a barbarian tribe known as the Huns. This opened the borders of Rome to other barbarians. Rome is sacked in 410 A.D by another barbarian tribe known as the Visigoths and the last Emperor was defeated in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire.