1. The Fall of the Rome Empire
Chapter 6
section 4

2. Key Terms
Inflation
Mercenary
Diocletian
Constantinople
Attila

3. The Empire Weakens Weak Leaders
No strong leaders
Civil wars
Increased threat of invasion in east and the west
Empires demands and military cause economic crisis

4. The Empire Weakens Empire became military dictatorship
Deposed emperors and put in their own leaders
20 emperors ruled between

5. Economic Troubles Robbery and piracy increased
No conquests no new wealth
Minted coins with less silver
Inflation-dramatic rise in prices

6. Military and Political Turmoil
Third century AD military in disarray
Became less disciplined and loyal
Allegiance was to commander not Rome
Mercenaries-foreign soldiers who fought for money
Feelings of loyalty weakened amongst the citizens

7. Attempts at Reform Diocletian 284 BC
Changed emperor to absolute monarchy
Ruled accountable to no one
Divided empire in two
He ruled eastern
Both emperors called Caesars

8. Attempts at Reform Diocletian Forced society into rigid order
Sons follow trades and social positions of their father
Peasants permanently tied to the land
Increased the army
Defense received the most attention

9. Attempts at Reform Economy under state control New tax system
Saved empire from economic collapse

10. Constantine Constantine Decided to abdicate 305 BC
312 BC restored order
Kept state control
Supported Christianity
Built capitol to Constantinople
Better able to defend was richer

11. Invasion and Fall Germanic tribes raided Rome’s frontiers
300’s the Huns came from the east
Huns formed vast empires
Visigoths were frightened
410 King Alaric sacked Rome

12. Invasions and Fall Huns pushed more tribes towards roman Empire
Vandals attacked Rome 450
Destroyed everything in their pathAttila led

13. Invasion and Fall Attila led attack on Gaul
Roman Army allied with the Visigoths
Defeated Huns in 451
Attila withdrew from Gaul turned to Rome
Pope Leo persuaded Attila to avoid Rome

14. Fall of the West Germanic tribes ruled the western provinces
Odoacer overthrew the last emperor
14 year old boy Romulus Augustus
Eastern Empire still strong
Became Byzantine Empire