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Vocabulary Diocletian Constantine Huns Visigoths Attila Inflation
mercenary
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The Long Decline Foreign invasions, along with political, social, and economic problems, led to the fall of the Roman Empire.
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The Slow Decay The Roman Empire did not suddenly collapse
It was a decay that took centuries In the late 200’s, Empire was divided into two parts Each ruled by a co-emperor Complex problems led to the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
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Crisis and Reforms Marcus Aurelius died in 180 A.D.
Marking the end of the Pax Romana For the next 100 years, political and economic turmoil rocked the Roman World. Marcus Aurelius
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Struggles for Power Emperors were overthrown repeatedly
In one 50 year period – 26 emperors reigned Political instability and violence ruled Rather than order and efficiency
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Economic and Social Problems
High taxes to support military and bureaucracy Heavy burden on businesses and farmers Farmland over-cultivated Famers moved onto large estates as workers Not allowed to leave the land
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Emperor Diocletian 284 B.C., Diocletian divided the Empire into two parts Keeping the wealthier Eastern portion for himself Appointed a co-emperor to rule the western half Answerable to Diocletian Diocletian retained absolute power
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Diocletian Increased prestige of Emperor
Wore purple robes embroidered with gold Crowns encrusted with jewels Approach the throne – you had to kiss his robe
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Economic Decay To slow inflation
Fixed prices for goods and services Forced farmers to remain on their land Sons were required to follow their father’s occupation To ensure a steady production of goods and food.
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Emperor Constantine 312 A.D. – took the throne
Continued Diocletian’s reforms Changed European history Granted toleration to Christians Guaranteed success of Christianity Built a new capital – Constantinople On the Bosporus – strait between the Black and Mediterranean Seas
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Constantine He made the Eastern Roman empire the center of power
Eastern Empire had more people Prospered for centuries after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
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Mixed Results Reforms revived the economy and increased power of the government Held empire together for another century Long-term decline continued
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Foreign Invasion Rome had always faced invasion
Legions had always held off attackers Germanic tribes along the borders allied with Rome and learned Roman culture
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Germanic Tribes
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Impact of the Huns Huns – nomadic tribe from East Asia
Fierce fighters who dislodged the Germanic peoples Visigoth, Ostrogoth, and other Germanic people crossed into Roman territory for safety. With Empire in decline – Roman legions could not stop the advance. Surrendered : Britain, Spain and France
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Rome Defeated 378 B.C.- Rome is defeated by Visigoths
By 410 B.C. – Rome is plundered Gradually more Germanic tribes occupy the Western Empire 434 B.C. – Attila the Hun led campaign across Europe “scourge of God” by Christians as punishment for sin.
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Rome Defeated 476 B.C. – Germanic leader ousted the Roman Emperor
Date seen as the “fall” of Rome Roman power in the west had ended before that.
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Causes of the Fall of Rome
Rome ‘fell’ because of several causes: Military Political Economic Social This was a major turning point in Western Civilization.
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Military Causes Germanic Invasions
Legions lacked the proper training of past Roman armies. Rome hired mercenaries – paid soldiers Felt little loyalty to Rome
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Political Causes Government became oppressive and authoritarian
Lost support of the people Corruption was rampant Constant battling by rival armies to have their commander named emperor Dividing the empire when it was under attack Weakened it beyond repair Richer Eastern Empire did little to help west
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Economic Causes Heavy taxes to support military and bureaucracy
Reliance on slave labor discouraged innovation Farmers abandoned their land Middle class sank into poverty Population decline because of war and diseases.
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Social Causes Decline of the Romans values
Patriotism, discipline, and devotion to duty Upper class no longer provided leadership Devoted themselves to self-indulgence “bread and circuses” Costly to the government Made people reliant on the government instead of being self-reliant
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Did Rome Fall? The city of Rome ‘fell’ in 476 A.D.
The Roman Empire continued in part for another 1,000 years Byzantine Empire People of the Western Roman Empire Continued to live as they had – just under new rulers Christian Church preserved elements of Roman civilization.
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Essay Question for Classical Era Test
Discuss the fall of the Roman Empire. 25% of test grade Essay format Minimum six paragraphs Open Four causes Closing Homework – complete an outline for your test essay!
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