1. Who are martyrs? List 1 example of a martyr.

2. The Decline of the Roman Empire

3. Setting the Scene
In 180 AD the Pax Romana comes to an end with the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Political and economic turmoil for the next 100 years.

4. Struggles for Power Disruptive political pattern emerges.
Emperors were overthrown by ambitious generals who had support from their troops.
In a 50 year span Rome went through 26 emperors.
Civil Conflict and weak administration

5. Economic and Social Problems
High taxes to support the army and government burdened business people and small farmers.
Farmland lost its productivity. Poor farmers had to leave their land and work for wealthy landowners.
Cost of Roman Army and devaluation of currency

6. Geography & Military Problems
Rome’s land became too large to defend.
The Roman army began accepting non-Romans which led to a decline in discipline.

7. Moral Decay & Invasion
As the government declined people lost faith in Rome.
Rome also faced attacks on their borders by barbarians.

8. Emperor Diocletian In 284 he divides the Roman Empire into two parts.
Diocletian controls the wealthier eastern part and appoints a co- emperor to rule the western provinces.

11. Emperor Diocletian
Increases the prestige of the emperor by creating ceremonies for himself.
Fixed prices for goods and services. Tried to ensure steady production of foods and other goods.
Farmers were forced to remain on the land. Sons were required to follower their father’s occupations.

12. Emperor Constantine Becomes emperor in 312.
Continued Diocletian’s reforms with two new additions.

13. Emperor Constantine
Granted toleration to Christians which led to rapid growth of Christianity within the empire.
Built a new capital in Constantinople. This made the eastern portion of the empire the center of power. (Byzantine Empire)

14. Mixed Results Economy was revived.
Helped hold the empire together for another century.
The reforms failed to stop the long-term decline. In 476 A.D. the Western Roman Empire ends when it ceased to have a Roman Emperor.

15. Foreign Invasions The Huns (Nomadic people): Skilled riders.
Roman legions were unable to halt the invading Huns.
Roman empire surrendered Britain, France, and Spain.

16. Rome Defeated New waves of invaders attacked the Roman Empire.
The Visigoths overran Italy and destroyed Rome.
The Vandals attacked through France and Spain into North Africa.

17. Rome Defeated
Attila (Hun leader) led a savage conquest across much of Europe in The Hun invasion sent Germanic peoples into the Roman Empire.