1. Key Terms Emperor Diocletian Emperor Constantine Barbarian Invaders Coach Smith

2. The Romans had conquered a vast empire.

3.  In 284 A.D., the Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman empire into two parts: an eastern section and a western section.  Diocletian felt the Roman Empire was too big for one person to effectively govern.  Ruling such a vast empire was difficult. Coach Smith

4. Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman empire into two parts.

5.  In 306 A.D., the emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium in Asia Minor.  Constantine renamed his new capital Constantinople.  Constantinople had a good location for trade. Coach Smith

6. Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Constantinople.

7. Coach Smith Can you find Constantinople on this map?

8.  For hundreds of years, Germanic tribes invaded the Roman Empire.  The Romans called these Germanic tribesmen Barbarians.  The term “Barbarian” was ethnocentric and insulting. Coach Smith

9. The Roman army even built a wall trying to prevent the Barbarians from invading.

10.  When the Huns (a central Asian tribe) attacked the Germanic tribes, the Germanic tribes were pushed into the Roman Empire.  At first, the Romans let the Visigoths (a Barbarian tribe) move within their empire.  However, the Visigoths had to promise not to bring their weapons. Coach Smith

11. However, the Visigoths did not keep their promise.

12.  In 378 A.D. at the Battle of Adrianople, the Roman army was defeated by the Visigoths.  It was the first time, Rome could not defend itself.  In 476 A.D., the western Roman empire fell. Coach Smith

13. Barbarian invaders, corrupt emperors, and high taxes were just some of the reasons for the fall of Rome.

14.  Who was Diocletian and what did he do to the Roman Empire?  Where did Constantine move the capital and why did he move the capital?  Define Barbarians.  Why is the Battle of Adrianople important?  List three factors for the fall of Rome.  When did Rome fall? Coach Smith

15.  Making Connections:  Some historians say that the United States is on the same path of the Roman Empire. Do you see patterns that can help you draw a conclusion?  In a 3-4 paragraph essay discuss whether or not you believe the U.S is following in Rome’s footsteps. Coach Smith