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2. The Pax Romana ends in AD 180
Power taken by a series of short-lived emperors
High taxes on citizens
Poor farmers work for the wealthy in partial slavery

3. Ruled as Emperor from AD 284 – 305
Divided empire into two parts, east and west
Fixed prices to maintain the economy
Farmers stay on their land
All must follow their father’s job

4. Byzantium
Rome
Western Roman Empire
Eastern Roman Empire

5. Ruled as Emperor of Rome from AD 312 – 337
Issued the Edict of Milan which grants tolerance to Christians
Orders the building of Constantinople – a new capital on the eastern side of the Roman Empire

6. A series of Barbarian invaders from the North begin to terrorize Rome
Lasts from about AD
Includes the…

7. Migrated from central Asia
Led by the feared Attila, they raided the eastern empire
Terrorized Italy
Retreated bask to eastern Europe after Attila’s death
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8. Powerful Germanic tribe
Rebelled against Romans
Led by Alaric, they capture and sack Rome in AD 410

9. In AD 455, the Vandals become 2nd barbarian group to sack Rome
In AD 476, Germanic leader Odoacer overthrows the emperor of Rome
Marks the end of the Western Roman Empire

11. Many foreign invasions from various barbarian tribes
The Roman army began to lack training and discipline
Rome relied on mercenaries – foreign soldiers paid to serve Rome, but not as loyal

12. No rules of succession for the Emperor
Many corrupt public officials
Dividing the Empire weakened it
People less loyal to emperor, more to Christian Church

13. High taxes to support the army and government
The middle class becomes poorer, loses land
Reliance on slavery as a labor source
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14. Population declines due to disease and constant war
Moral decay – loss of values and loyalty
It was expensive to keep up the “bread and circuses” people relied upon

15. What do you feel had the single biggest impact on the collapse of the Roman Empire? Explain your choice!
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