The Decline of the Roman Empire

A Century of Crisis The reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) marks the end of Pax Romana Emperors that followed him had no idea of how to deal with the giant empire and its growing problems

Political Political offices seen as a burden, not a reward Military interfered in politics Civil war and unrest Division of the empire Moving of the capital from Rome to Byzantium

Social Decline in interest in public affairs Low confidence in the empire Disloyalty, lack of patriotism, corruption Contrast between rich and poor Decline in population due to disease and food shortage

Economic Poor harvests Disruption of trade No more war plunder coming in Gold and silver drain Inflation Crushing tax burden Widening gap between rich and poor and increasingly impoverished Western Empire

Military Low funds for defense Threat from northern European tribes Low funds for defense Problems recruiting Roman citizens; recruiting of non- Romans (mercenaries) Decline of patriotism and loyalty among soldiers

Emperors Attempt Reform Diocletian Restored order and increased Rome’s strength at the cost of personal freedom Doubled the size of the Roman army Tried to control inflation by setting fixed prices for goods Realized the Empire was too big and divided it in half The Latin-speaking West The Greek-speaking East which he ruled (far wealthier than the West) After his death, civil war broke out

Emperors Attempt Reform Constantine gained control of the western empire in 312 A.D. He continued many of the same social and economic policies In 324 he secured control of the East as well In 330 he moved the capital from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium in present day Turkey After his death, the West would fall to the Huns (476 A.D.) but the East would survive as the Byzantine Empire