1. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity Global 9 Chapter 5

2. educated Romans viewed Greek culture as superior to all others. educated Romans viewed Greek culture as superior to all others. from a small village, Rome grew into a super state (“Rome, the City and the World") expanding across the Mediterranean world to build a huge, ethnically diverse empire ruled by law. from a small village, Rome grew into a super state (“Rome, the City and the World") expanding across the Mediterranean world to build a huge, ethnically diverse empire ruled by law.

3. The Roman World Takes Shapes the virtues that the Romans admired; courage, loyalty, devotion to duty were the pillars on which Romans would build an empire. the virtues that the Romans admired; courage, loyalty, devotion to duty were the pillars on which Romans would build an empire.Geography: Rome began as a small city-state in Italy but ended up ruling the entire Mediterranean world. Rome began as a small city-state in Italy but ended up ruling the entire Mediterranean world. Italy is a peninsula that looks like a boot jutting centrally into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy is a peninsula that looks like a boot jutting centrally into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy is not broken up into small, isolated valleys and had the advantage of broad, fertile plains which supported a growing population. Italy is not broken up into small, isolated valleys and had the advantage of broad, fertile plains which supported a growing population. the Romans were an Indo-European people, their ancestors [the Latins] had migrated into Italy by about 800 B.C. the Romans were an Indo-European people, their ancestors [the Latins] had migrated into Italy by about 800 B.C. settled along the Tiber River in small villages where they herded and farmed. settled along the Tiber River in small villages where they herded and farmed.

4. Building a Republic in 509 B.C. the Roman state was founded where officials were chosen by the people, called a republic, and was meant to keep any individual from gaining too much power. in 509 B.C. the Roman state was founded where officials were chosen by the people, called a republic, and was meant to keep any individual from gaining too much power. between 509 B.C. and 133 B.C. they developed the military power to conquer the entire Mediterranean world. between 509 B.C. and 133 B.C. they developed the military power to conquer the entire Mediterranean world. the most powerful governing body was the senate whose 300 members were all patricians (members of the landholding upper class) senators served for life and made the laws the most powerful governing body was the senate whose 300 members were all patricians (members of the landholding upper class) senators served for life and made the laws

5. in the event of war, the senate might choose a dictator who has complete control over a government, granted emergency powers to rule. in the event of war, the senate might choose a dictator who has complete control over a government, granted emergency powers to rule. Rome elected other officials to oversee finances, justice, city government, and religious matters. Rome elected other officials to oversee finances, justice, city government, and religious matters. at first, the Plebeians[farmers, merchants, artisans, and traders]made up the bulk of the population but had little influence. at first, the Plebeians[farmers, merchants, artisans, and traders]made up the bulk of the population but had little influence. in 450 B.C. the government had the laws of Rome inscribed on 12 tablets(Law of the Twelve Tables) which made it possible for plebeians to appeal a judgement handed down by a patrician judge. in 450 B.C. the government had the laws of Rome inscribed on 12 tablets(Law of the Twelve Tables) which made it possible for plebeians to appeal a judgement handed down by a patrician judge. the plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials(tribunes) to protect their interests; they could veto, or block, those laws that they felt were harmful the plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials(tribunes) to protect their interests; they could veto, or block, those laws that they felt were harmful the common people gained access to power and won safeguards for their rights, and 2,000 years later the US Constitution would adapt ideas like the senate, the veto, and checks on governmental power. the common people gained access to power and won safeguards for their rights, and 2,000 years later the US Constitution would adapt ideas like the senate, the veto, and checks on governmental power.

6. Expansion: by about 270 B.C. Rome occupied all of Italy, their success was due to skillful diplomacy and its efficient, well-disciplined army. by about 270 B.C. Rome occupied all of Italy, their success was due to skillful diplomacy and its efficient, well-disciplined army. armies consisted of citizen soldiers who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons, the basic unit was the legion of about 5,000 men. armies consisted of citizen soldiers who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons, the basic unit was the legion of about 5,000 men. Rome generally treated its defeated enemies with justice, conquered peoples had to acknowledge Roman leadership, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for the Roman army. Rome generally treated its defeated enemies with justice, conquered peoples had to acknowledge Roman leadership, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for the Roman army. Rome let them keep their own customs, money, and local governments, and to a few privileged groups Rome gave the highly prized right of full citizenship. Rome let them keep their own customs, money, and local governments, and to a few privileged groups Rome gave the highly prized right of full citizenship. generous treatment created support for Rome, to protect its conquests Rome posted soldiers through the land, built a network of all-weather military roads to link distant provinces. generous treatment created support for Rome, to protect its conquests Rome posted soldiers through the land, built a network of all-weather military roads to link distant provinces.

7. Rivalry with Carthage Carthage was a city-state on the northern coast of Rome spread into the Mediterranean, conflict became inevitable. Carthage was a city-state on the northern coast of Rome spread into the Mediterranean, conflict became inevitable. between 264 B.C. and 146 B.C. Rome fought three wars against Carthage, the Punic Wars between 264 B.C. and 146 B.C. Rome fought three wars against Carthage, the Punic Wars in the First Punic War Rome defeated Carthage, but 23 years later, led by a general named Hannibal sought revenge. in the First Punic War Rome defeated Carthage, but 23 years later, led by a general named Hannibal sought revenge. Hannibal dedicated his life to the destruction of Rome after he was selected as leader of the Carthaginian army. Hannibal dedicated his life to the destruction of Rome after he was selected as leader of the Carthaginian army. in 218 B.C. Hannibal, setting out from Spain, led his troops with dozens of war elephants in a march across the Pyrenees through France and over the Alps into Italy. in 218 B.C. Hannibal, setting out from Spain, led his troops with dozens of war elephants in a march across the Pyrenees through France and over the Alps into Italy. the trek across the Alps cost Hannibal nearly half his army, but the Romans expected an invasion from the south and the bold attack caught them off guard. the trek across the Alps cost Hannibal nearly half his army, but the Romans expected an invasion from the south and the bold attack caught them off guard.

8. for 15 years Hannibal moved across Italy winning battles in the, Second Punic War, but was never able to capture Rome. for 15 years Hannibal moved across Italy winning battles in the, Second Punic War, but was never able to capture Rome. the Romans outflanked Hannibal by sending an army to attack Carthage, led Hannibal to return to Carthage to defend where he was defeated. the Romans outflanked Hannibal by sending an army to attack Carthage, led Hannibal to return to Carthage to defend where he was defeated. Carthage gave up all its land, had to pay a huge tribute, or tax, to Rome. Carthage gave up all its land, had to pay a huge tribute, or tax, to Rome. the Romans allowed Hannibal to remain free and Carthage made a rapid recovery, but Romans still feared him and accused of plotting. the Romans allowed Hannibal to remain free and Carthage made a rapid recovery, but Romans still feared him and accused of plotting. Hannibal fled and took poison, and Rome destroyed Carthage, killed or sold survivors into slavery, poured salt on the land so nothing would grow. Hannibal fled and took poison, and Rome destroyed Carthage, killed or sold survivors into slavery, poured salt on the land so nothing would grow. Rome expanded into the eastern Mediterranean and took Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor, later allied with Egypt. Rome expanded into the eastern Mediterranean and took Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor, later allied with Egypt.

9. Expansion victories put them in control of busy trade routes, and riches flooded in from loot, taxes, and commerce. victories put them in control of busy trade routes, and riches flooded in from loot, taxes, and commerce. a class of wealthy Romans emerged and they bought huge estates worked by slaves captured in war. a class of wealthy Romans emerged and they bought huge estates worked by slaves captured in war. Slave labor hurt small farmers who were unable to produce food as cheaply, grain from the conquered lands drove down grain prices. Slave labor hurt small farmers who were unable to produce food as cheaply, grain from the conquered lands drove down grain prices. farmers fell into debt and had to sell their land, flocked to Rome for jobs but found unemployment instead, led to wider gap between rich and poor. farmers fell into debt and had to sell their land, flocked to Rome for jobs but found unemployment instead, led to wider gap between rich and poor. wealth increased corruption, greed and self interest replaced hard work and devotion to duty. wealth increased corruption, greed and self interest replaced hard work and devotion to duty.

10. Reform: patrician brothers named Tiberius and Gaius Grachus led a reform movement which called for: patrician brothers named Tiberius and Gaius Grachus led a reform movement which called for: the state to distribute land to poor farmers. the state to distribute land to poor farmers. the use of public funds to buy grain to feed the poor. the use of public funds to buy grain to feed the poor. extension of full citizenship to Rome's allies. extension of full citizenship to Rome's allies. The reforms angered the Senate which saw them as a threat to its power, the brothers were eventually killed. The reforms angered the Senate which saw them as a threat to its power, the brothers were eventually killed. this showed that the republic couldn't resolve its problems this showed that the republic couldn't resolve its problems led to civil wars for the next 100 year led to civil wars for the next 100 year

11. Julius Caesar an ambitious commander who dominated politics in Pompey and a brilliant general, set out in 59 B.C. to make new conquests. an ambitious commander who dominated politics in Pompey and a brilliant general, set out in 59 B.C. to make new conquests. eventually led his army into Rome, as civil war erupted he swept around the Mediterranean proclaiming "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - "I came, I saw, I conquered." eventually led his army into Rome, as civil war erupted he swept around the Mediterranean proclaiming "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - "I came, I saw, I conquered." forced the senate to make him dictator, absolute ruler of Rome. forced the senate to make him dictator, absolute ruler of Rome.Reforms from 48 B.C.-44 B.C. he pushed through reforms including a program of public works to employ the jobless and gave public land to the poor. from 48 B.C.-44 B.C. he pushed through reforms including a program of public works to employ the jobless and gave public land to the poor.

12. Granted Roman citizenship to more people, and introduced a new calendar based on Egyptian science, the Julian calendar, which is still used today. Granted Roman citizenship to more people, and introduced a new calendar based on Egyptian science, the Julian calendar, which is still used today. Caesar's enemies worried that he planned to make himself king so they plotted against him. Caesar's enemies worried that he planned to make himself king so they plotted against him. in 44 B.C. a fortune-teller warned Caesar to "beware the ides of March” [March 15], and his enemies stabbed him to death in 44 B.C. a fortune-teller warned Caesar to "beware the ides of March” [March 15], and his enemies stabbed him to death this plunged Rome into civil war where- Mark Antony [Caesar's chief general] and Octavian [Caesar's grandnephew] joined forces to hunt down the murderers. this plunged Rome into civil war where- Mark Antony [Caesar's chief general] and Octavian [Caesar's grandnephew] joined forces to hunt down the murderers. the men soon came to odds until, in 31 B.C., Octavian finally defeated Antony and his powerful ally Queen Cleopatra of Egypt the men soon came to odds until, in 31 B.C., Octavian finally defeated Antony and his powerful ally Queen Cleopatra of Egypt the triumphant Octavian Augustus, or exalted one, declared himself priceps, or first citizen and exercised absolute power and named a successor. the triumphant Octavian Augustus, or exalted one, declared himself priceps, or first citizen and exercised absolute power and named a successor. under Augustus, who ruled from 31 B.C.-A.D. 14 the 500 year old republic came to an end, but he helped Rome recover from civil war and laid the foundation for a stable government. under Augustus, who ruled from 31 B.C.-A.D. 14 the 500 year old republic came to an end, but he helped Rome recover from civil war and laid the foundation for a stable government.

13. Imperial Rome Augustus created an efficient, well-trained civil service charged with enforcing the laws. Augustus created an efficient, well-trained civil service charged with enforcing the laws. He cemented the allegiance of cities and provinces to Rome by allowing them a large measure of self- government. He cemented the allegiance of cities and provinces to Rome by allowing them a large measure of self- government. To make the tax system more fair, he ordered a census, or population count, to be taken in the empire, set up a postal system and issued new coins to make trade easier. To make the tax system more fair, he ordered a census, or population count, to be taken in the empire, set up a postal system and issued new coins to make trade easier. he put the jobless to work building roads and temples and to farm the land. he put the jobless to work building roads and temples and to farm the land. Two early emperors, Caligula and Nero, were evil and insane; Caligula appointed his favorite horse as consul, Nero viciously persecuted Christians. Two early emperors, Caligula and Nero, were evil and insane; Caligula appointed his favorite horse as consul, Nero viciously persecuted Christians. between A.D. 96 and A.D. 180 there was a series of good emperors; Hadrian codified Roman law, making it the same in all provinces. between A.D. 96 and A.D. 180 there was a series of good emperors; Hadrian codified Roman law, making it the same in all provinces. he had soldiers build a wall across Britain to hold back attackers, known as Hadrian's Wall he had soldiers build a wall across Britain to hold back attackers, known as Hadrian's Wall

14. The Roman Peace the 200-year span that began with Augustus and ended with Marcus Aurelius is known as the Pax Romana or "Roman Peace" characterized by peace, order, unity, and prosperity. the 200-year span that began with Augustus and ended with Marcus Aurelius is known as the Pax Romana or "Roman Peace" characterized by peace, order, unity, and prosperity. trade flowed freely to and from distant lands in Africa, India, and China, from India came spices, cotton, and precious stones, as silk came down the Silk Road. trade flowed freely to and from distant lands in Africa, India, and China, from India came spices, cotton, and precious stones, as silk came down the Silk Road.

15. Family and Religion: the family was the basic unit, under Roman law the male head of the household, the father, had absolute power. the family was the basic unit, under Roman law the male head of the household, the father, had absolute power. he enforced strict discipline and demanded total respect, his wife to his authority. he enforced strict discipline and demanded total respect, his wife to his authority. The ideal woman was loving, dutiful, dignified, and strong; most worked at home raising a family, spinning, and weaving. The ideal woman was loving, dutiful, dignified, and strong; most worked at home raising a family, spinning, and weaving. Girls and boys learned to read and write, even lower-class Romans, many wealthy Romans were hiring private tutor. Girls and boys learned to read and write, even lower-class Romans, many wealthy Romans were hiring private tutor. Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of the Greeks, like the Greek god Zeus and the Roman god Jupiter. Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of the Greeks, like the Greek god Zeus and the Roman god Jupiter. Neptune god of the sea, was the same as the Greek god Neptune god of the sea, was the same as the Greek god the calendar was full of feasts and other celebration which inspired a sense of community. the calendar was full of feasts and other celebration which inspired a sense of community.Entertainment The Circus Maximus, Rome's largest racecourse, saw fans betting on chariot races, also hosted gladiator contests The Circus Maximus, Rome's largest racecourse, saw fans betting on chariot races, also hosted gladiator contests the amusement was a way to control the city's restless mobs, government provided free grain to feed the poor, thus the policy of bread and circuses. the amusement was a way to control the city's restless mobs, government provided free grain to feed the poor, thus the policy of bread and circuses.

16. Section III: Roman Accomplishments Through war and conquest Caesar spread the Latin language and carried Roman civilization to distant lands. Through war and conquest Caesar spread the Latin language and carried Roman civilization to distant lands. Greco-Roman Civilization Rome absorbed ideas from Greek colonists, Greek art, literature, philosophy, and scientific genius represented the height of cultural achievement. Rome absorbed ideas from Greek colonists, Greek art, literature, philosophy, and scientific genius represented the height of cultural achievement. the blending of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman traditions produced the Greco-Roman civilization. the blending of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman traditions produced the Greco-Roman civilization. from England to Spain to North Africa to the Middle East you can see Roman buildings that combine both Greek and Roman elements and ideas, using columns that emphasized grandeur. from England to Spain to North Africa to the Middle East you can see Roman buildings that combine both Greek and Roman elements and ideas, using columns that emphasized grandeur. they improved on the arch and the dome, the most famous was the Pantheon, a temple to all Roman gods. they improved on the arch and the dome, the most famous was the Pantheon, a temple to all Roman gods. engineering skills were also perfected roads, bridges, and harbors, built aqueducts- bridgelike stone structures that brought water from the hills into Roman cities. engineering skills were also perfected roads, bridges, and harbors, built aqueducts- bridgelike stone structures that brought water from the hills into Roman cities.

17. the availability of fresh water was important, so wealthy homes had water piped in, and most cities had public baths where people gathered to exchange gossip. the availability of fresh water was important, so wealthy homes had water piped in, and most cities had public baths where people gathered to exchange gossip. left scientific research to the Greeks, but Alexandria, Egypt remained a center of learning. left scientific research to the Greeks, but Alexandria, Egypt remained a center of learning. the astronomer-mathematician Ptolemy proposed the theory that the Earth was the center of the universe. the astronomer-mathematician Ptolemy proposed the theory that the Earth was the center of the universe. advanced the frontiers of medical science by insisting on experiments to prove a conclusion. advanced the frontiers of medical science by insisting on experiments to prove a conclusion.

18. Roman Law the greatest legacy of Rome was its commitment to the rule of law and to justice. the greatest legacy of Rome was its commitment to the rule of law and to justice. developed a system of law, known as the civil law, that applied to its citizens, as Rome expanded it ruled many foreigners. developed a system of law, known as the civil law, that applied to its citizens, as Rome expanded it ruled many foreigners. led to a second system of law, known as the law of nations which applied to all people, citizens or non- citizens. led to a second system of law, known as the law of nations which applied to all people, citizens or non- citizens.

19. The rule of law fostered unity and stability. The rule of law fostered unity and stability. Certain basic principles evolved: Certain basic principles evolved: people of the same status are equal before the law. people of the same status are equal before the law. An accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. An accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The accused should be allowed to face his or her accuser and defend against the charge. The accused should be allowed to face his or her accuser and defend against the charge. Guilt must be established clearer than daylight through evidence Guilt must be established clearer than daylight through evidence Decisions should be based on fairness, allowing judges to interpret the law. Decisions should be based on fairness, allowing judges to interpret the law.

20. Section IV: Christianity early in the Pax Romana, a new religion, Christianity, sprang up in a distant corner of the Roman empire. early in the Pax Romana, a new religion, Christianity, sprang up in a distant corner of the Roman empire. the new faith grew and by A.D. 395 it had been declared the official religion of the Roman Empire. the new faith grew and by A.D. 395 it had been declared the official religion of the Roman Empire. Christianity reshaped Roman beliefs, when the Roman empire fell the Christian Church took over. Christianity reshaped Roman beliefs, when the Roman empire fell the Christian Church took over.

21. Jews and the Roman Empire generally, Rome tolerated varied religions traditions as long as citizens showed their loyalty. generally, Rome tolerated varied religions traditions as long as citizens showed their loyalty. among the peoples in the empire were the Jews, by 69 B.C. the Romans had conquered Palestine where many Jews lived. among the peoples in the empire were the Jews, by 69 B.C. the Romans had conquered Palestine where many Jews lived. among the Jews religious ferment was creating deep divisions, reformers called for strict obedience to Jewish laws and traditions. among the Jews religious ferment was creating deep divisions, reformers called for strict obedience to Jewish laws and traditions. Jews, called zealots called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent Israel Jews, called zealots called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent Israel believed that a messiah. or savior sent by God, would soon appear to lead the Jewish people to freedom. believed that a messiah. or savior sent by God, would soon appear to lead the Jewish people to freedom. in A.D. 66 rebellion flared and Roman forces crushed the rebels, captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. in A.D. 66 rebellion flared and Roman forces crushed the rebels, captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. in A.D. 135 they drove the Jews out of their homeland and forbade them to return. (Ex. Masada @ right) in A.D. 135 they drove the Jews out of their homeland and forbade them to return. (Ex. Masada @ right)

22. Life of Jesus As turmoil engulfed the Jews of Palestine, a new religion rose which was founded by a Jew named Jesus. As turmoil engulfed the Jews of Palestine, a new religion rose which was founded by a Jew named Jesus. what little we know about him comes from the Gospel, he was born around 4 B.C. in Bethlehem to a family descended from King David, an angel had told Jesus mother Mary, that she would give birth to the messiah. what little we know about him comes from the Gospel, he was born around 4 B.C. in Bethlehem to a family descended from King David, an angel had told Jesus mother Mary, that she would give birth to the messiah. Jesus followed Jewish law and at the age of 30 he began preaching and word spread that he had performed miracles of healing. Jesus followed Jewish law and at the age of 30 he began preaching and word spread that he had performed miracles of healing. He and his disciples traveled to Jerusalem to spread his belief in one God, the Ten Commandments, and strict obedience to the law of Moses. He and his disciples traveled to Jerusalem to spread his belief in one God, the Ten Commandments, and strict obedience to the law of Moses. he called himself the Son of God and declared that he was the messiah, his mission was to bring spiritual salvation and eternal life. he called himself the Son of God and declared that he was the messiah, his mission was to bring spiritual salvation and eternal life. he rejected the principle of "an eye for an eye," he preached forgiveness instead. he rejected the principle of "an eye for an eye," he preached forgiveness instead.

23. Some Jews saw Jesus as dangerous; Jewish priests felt that he was challenging their leadership, to Roman authorities Jesus was a revolutionary. Some Jews saw Jesus as dangerous; Jewish priests felt that he was challenging their leadership, to Roman authorities Jesus was a revolutionary. Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested by the tried, condemned, and executed Roman-style- nailed to a cross and left to die. Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested by the tried, condemned, and executed Roman-style- nailed to a cross and left to die. Jesus had risen from the dead, commanded his Apostles to spread his teachings Jesus had risen from the dead, commanded his Apostles to spread his teachings Christianity remained a sect, or small group, within Judaism, until Paul began the wider spread. Christianity remained a sect, or small group, within Judaism, until Paul began the wider spread. Paul spread Jesus' teachings beyond Jewish communities to gentiles, or non-Jews; explaining and expanding Christian teachings. Paul spread Jesus' teachings beyond Jewish communities to gentiles, or non-Jews; explaining and expanding Christian teachings. he emphasized the idea that Jesus had sacrificed his life out of love for humankind, those who believed Jesus would achieve salvation, or eternal life. he emphasized the idea that Jesus had sacrificed his life out of love for humankind, those who believed Jesus would achieve salvation, or eternal life. Roman officials suspected Christians of disloyalty to Rome because they refused to honor Roman beliefs. Roman officials suspected Christians of disloyalty to Rome because they refused to honor Roman beliefs.

24. Roman rulers used Christians as scapegoats, blaming them for social or economic ills, many became martyrs- people who suffer or die for their beliefs. Roman rulers used Christians as scapegoats, blaming them for social or economic ills, many became martyrs- people who suffer or die for their beliefs. Christianity continued to spread because Jesus welcomed all people, especially the humble, poor, and oppressed. Christianity continued to spread because Jesus welcomed all people, especially the humble, poor, and oppressed. they found comfort in his message of love and of a better life beyond the grave. they found comfort in his message of love and of a better life beyond the grave. even persecution brought new converts because people were impressed by the strength of their beliefs even persecution brought new converts because people were impressed by the strength of their beliefs early Christian communities began to organize a formal Church, with its own priest under the authority of a bishop. early Christian communities began to organize a formal Church, with its own priest under the authority of a bishop. the church developed into a hierarchy, or organization in which officials are arranged according to rank, only men allowed. the church developed into a hierarchy, or organization in which officials are arranged according to rank, only men allowed. rivalry among the bishops led to division in the Church; the Latin speaking west accepted the bishop of Rome as pope, or head of the Roman Catholic Church. rivalry among the bishops led to division in the Church; the Latin speaking west accepted the bishop of Rome as pope, or head of the Roman Catholic Church.

25. as the church grew and evolved it imposed order and discipline on the scattered Christian communities. as the church grew and evolved it imposed order and discipline on the scattered Christian communities. put together the New Testament the 27 books of the Bible that contain the life and teachings of Jesus. put together the New Testament the 27 books of the Bible that contain the life and teachings of Jesus. they battled heresies or beliefs said to be contrary to official Church teaching, by sending out missionaries to convert people. they battled heresies or beliefs said to be contrary to official Church teaching, by sending out missionaries to convert people. Persecution of Christians ended in A.D. 313 when the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan granting freedom to worship. Persecution of Christians ended in A.D. 313 when the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan granting freedom to worship. 80 years later the emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire. 80 years later the emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.

26. Section V: The Decline 1,500 years ago the western half of the Roman empire stumbled into ruin, the end was catastrophic, but it did not happen overnight. 1,500 years ago the western half of the Roman empire stumbled into ruin, the end was catastrophic, but it did not happen overnight. Signs of Decline: After the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius in 180, the Pax Romana ended, led to 100 years of turmoil. After the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius in 180, the Pax Romana ended, led to 100 years of turmoil. Ambitious generals seized power, ruled and then were overthrown by rival military leaders. Ambitious generals seized power, ruled and then were overthrown by rival military leaders. High taxes to support the army and the bureaucracy placed heavy burdens on business people and farmers, many left their land and worked on huge estates. High taxes to support the army and the bureaucracy placed heavy burdens on business people and farmers, many left their land and worked on huge estates.

27. in 284 the emperor Diocletian, in order to make the empire easier to govern, divided it into two parts, he kept the wealthier eastern part in 284 the emperor Diocletian, in order to make the empire easier to govern, divided it into two parts, he kept the wealthier eastern part tried to increase the prestige of the emperor by surrounding himself with elaborate ceremonies. tried to increase the prestige of the emperor by surrounding himself with elaborate ceremonies. to slow the rapid rise of prices, he fixed prices for goods and services; forced farmers to remain on the land to ensure a steady production of food and other foods. to slow the rapid rise of prices, he fixed prices for goods and services; forced farmers to remain on the land to ensure a steady production of food and other foods. in 312 Emperor Constantine granted toleration to Christians and encouraged the growth of the religion, in 312 Emperor Constantine granted toleration to Christians and encouraged the growth of the religion, he built a new capital, Constantinople, on the Bosporus, the strait connects the Black and Mediterranean seas. he built a new capital, Constantinople, on the Bosporus, the strait connects the Black and Mediterranean seas. this made the eastern portion of the empire the center of power. this made the eastern portion of the empire the center of power. these reforms revived the economy and helped hold the empire together, but failed to stop the long-term decline. these reforms revived the economy and helped hold the empire together, but failed to stop the long-term decline.

28. Invasion: Rome had faced attacks from the Germanic peoples who lived along its northern borders. Rome had faced attacks from the Germanic peoples who lived along its northern borders. as the empire declined it was forced to give up its territories to Britain, Spain, and France. as the empire declined it was forced to give up its territories to Britain, Spain, and France. wars in East Asia set off a chain of events that would overwhelm Rome, as the Huns [a nomadic people] migrated across Central Asia. wars in East Asia set off a chain of events that would overwhelm Rome, as the Huns [a nomadic people] migrated across Central Asia. by 350 these skilled riders fought fierce battles to dislodge the Germanic peoples, Visigoths sought safety by crossing into Roman territory. by 350 these skilled riders fought fierce battles to dislodge the Germanic peoples, Visigoths sought safety by crossing into Roman territory. in 378 a Roman army tried to turn back the Visigoths but suffered a stunning defeat, and in 410 the Visigoths overran Italy and plundered Rome. in 378 a Roman army tried to turn back the Visigoths but suffered a stunning defeat, and in 410 the Visigoths overran Italy and plundered Rome. in 434 the Hun leader Attila embarked on a savage campaign of conquest across much of Europe. in 434 the Hun leader Attila embarked on a savage campaign of conquest across much of Europe.

29. he was known as the “scourge of God” because they believed his attacks were punishment for the sins of humanity. he was known as the “scourge of God” because they believed his attacks were punishment for the sins of humanity. in 476 Odoacer, a Germanic leader, ousted the emperor in Rome, the event that signaled the fall of Rome. in 476 Odoacer, a Germanic leader, ousted the emperor in Rome, the event that signaled the fall of Rome. The End Why did Rome “fall”? Why did Rome “fall”? Military Causes: the Germanic invasions succeeded because the Roman legions lacked discipline and training to meet its need for soldiers, Rome hired mercenaries, or foreign soldiers serving for pay, to defend its borders, felt little loyalty to Rome. the Germanic invasions succeeded because the Roman legions lacked discipline and training to meet its need for soldiers, Rome hired mercenaries, or foreign soldiers serving for pay, to defend its borders, felt little loyalty to Rome. as the government became more oppressive and authoritarian it lost the support of the people, corrupt officials undermined loyalty as the government became more oppressive and authoritarian it lost the support of the people, corrupt officials undermined loyalty

30. Political and Economic Causes: the empire suffered as heavier taxes were required to support the vast government bureaucracy and huge military the empire suffered as heavier taxes were required to support the vast government bureaucracy and huge military the wealth of the empire dwindled as farmers abandoned their land, population declined due to war and epidemic diseases. the wealth of the empire dwindled as farmers abandoned their land, population declined due to war and epidemic diseases. Social Causes the upper class, which once provided leaders, devoted itself to luxury and self interest; providing "bread and circuses” undermined self-reliance. the upper class, which once provided leaders, devoted itself to luxury and self interest; providing "bread and circuses” undermined self-reliance. an emperor ruled the eastern Roman empire which later became known as the Byzantine empire. an emperor ruled the eastern Roman empire which later became known as the Byzantine empire. the fall of Rome was a long, slow process of change from one way of life to another, and the Christian Church preserved elements of Roman civilization. the fall of Rome was a long, slow process of change from one way of life to another, and the Christian Church preserved elements of Roman civilization.