1. The Fall of Rome End of Pax Romana – 180 C.E.
After Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperors struggled to control such a great empire
Economy weakens
3rd century – hostile tribes and pirates disrupt trade
Government raises taxes
Inflation – prints more money than they should, value of coins drops
Agriculture suffers from overused land, damage from years of war
Food shortages

2. Continued… Military problems Political unrest Attempts at reform
Soldiers less disciplined and loyal
Use of mercenaries
Political unrest
Average citizens less loyal to empire
Attempts at reform
Diocletian rules strongly, limits freedom
Doubles size of army
Set fixed prices of goods to curb inflation
Claims to be descendant of Roman gods
Believes empire is too big to rule, divides in 2
Greek-speaking East
Latin-speaking West

3. Continued… Constantine The West crumbles
Gains power in 312 C.E., reunites empire in 324 C.E.
Moves capital to Byzantium, Anatolia in 330 C.E.
Power shifts from West to East
Renamed Constantinople
After death, empire is divided again
The West crumbles
Germanic invasions
Fleeing the Huns (Mongol invaders), Germanic people push into Roman territory
410 C.E. – Germanic people plunder city of Rome for 3 days

4. Concluded.
Attila the Hun
Led 100,000 soldiers to terrorize both sides of Roman empire
Over 70 cities attacked
Disease and famine prevented Attila’s forces from overtaking Rome
Last emperor
14-year old Romulus Augustulus was kicked out by Germans in 476 C.E.
No emperor tried to replace him
East becomes known as Byzantium Empire, lasts another 1000 years