1. World History & Geography Unit 2
IB Question: How and Why do societies fail or succeed?
Chapter 8
The Rise of Europe,

2. The “Fall” of Rome
What cultural achievements made Rome great? Go to page 141 of the textbook.
What could cause such a great civilization to collapse?

3. The Largest Extent of the Roman Empire
What problems might arise from being so large?

4. Roman Empire in Crisis
Political Problems
Too many military generals overthrown by rival commanders
2. Social and Economic Problems
High taxes on business & small farms
Farmers forced to leave land and live and work for wealthy land owners on large estates

5. The End of Greatness: Can it be Prevented?
Emperor Diocletian Divides Roman Empire to Maintain More Control
Western Empire: many rulers responsible to Diocletian
Eastern Empire: Diocletian rules alone

6. Rome Split in Two (Eastern Empire and Western Empire)

7. “New Rome,” 330
Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Constantinople in the East
Constantine was tolerant of Christians, which enabled the growth of Christianity

8. Barbarian Invasions, 4th-5th Centuries

9. The “Fall of Rome”
This was not a dramatic collapse.
This was “a long, slow process of change from one way of life to another.”
In Italy, way of life was pretty much the same as before.
Eastern Empire continues for another 1,000 years.
German culture starts to dominate in Western Europe.

10. Causes for Rome’s Demise
Take 10 minutes to look at the map on p.150, and read “The End of Greatness” on p. 151.
While you are reading take notes on the causes for the demise of Rome. Look at military, political and economic, and social causes.

11. Military Causes for the demise of Rome.
Army lacked discipline and training
Germanic invasion
Corrupt officials
Mercenaries lacked loyalty
Too big to protect
Infighting among the generals

12. Political and Economic causes for Rome’s Demise
Govt. became oppressive
Loss of support from the common man
Corrupt officials
Co-emperors disagreement
High taxes, inflation,
Farmers abandon land

13. Social Causes for Rome’s Demise
decline of values, patriotism, devotion to country
Self obsessed nobles (upper class)
Middle class got poorer

14. Middle Ages
Middle Ages is the time period in Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire AD
Life for the average European was filled with death, destruction, lawlessness, and a lack of overall order in society
Historians have labeled the early part of the Middle Ages as the Dark Age

15. Dark Ages
During the Dark Ages, the main goal for the average European was survival and protection.
Society declined due to lack of education and barbarian invasions.
Middle Ages Art
The concept of the overall decline in the lives of Europeans is best represented in artwork from the time period
For each of the following pieces of artwork, describe what it reveals about the lives of Europeans during the Dark Ages

16. Dark Ages Artwork

17. Dark Ages Artwork

18. Dark Ages Artwork

19. Dark Ages Artwork

20. Dark Ages Artwork

21. Quiz
1. What were the benefits of feudalism?
2. What were the drawbacks?
3. In your own words, paint a picture (describe) of what life was like for the Lords verses the peasants.
4. What did you learn today - what stood out the most to you?