1. Fall of the Empire
CHW 3M

2. The Big Question
How does the strongest, most stable empire in history collapse?
If Rome can fall, is any civilization truly “infallible”? (America? Russia? Canada?)
The years between 180 and 476 marked a slow/steady decline in the Roman Empire.

3. Crisis of the Third Century
After Marcus Aurelius came a time known as “The Anarchy”
26 emperors – only 1 dies natural death
“Barracks emperors” – used army to take control
Constant barbarian attacks
Plagues and famines common
Taxes and inflation rise
Very difficult time for common people
Empire almost collapsed!
Two emperors saved the day...

4. Temporary Relief Diocletian (284AD)
Great organizer – heavy-handed approach restored order
Divided empire into 2 halves (with 2 emperors) to reduce possibility of revolt (Augustus and Caesar)
Reorganized and expanded army to protect against barbarians (500,000 soldiers)
Annual taxes introduced (Nice for citizens - regularity)
Death led to civil war between two empires
Constantine (306AD)
Restored order – another heavy-handed organizer
Increased army even more (600,000)
Hired many barbarian tribes (why? Good idea?)
Moves capitol to Byzantine (Constantinople)
More power/order, but furthers split between East and West

6. The Barbarian Invasions
(4th and 5th Centuries)
The Hun Threat: Mongolian Huns began to move West, attacking Rome and scaring/threatening other Barbarian tribes
Causes more attacks/migrations into Rome
Goths: “Let us join you or we will fight our way in”
Made into private Roman army, but mistreated
Turned on Rome – surprise attack kills Eastern emperor and destroys army
Opens the way for more barbarian attacks
410AD: Sacked Rome – world grieves
Vandals: Push through Western Empire and Africa
455AD: Sacked Rome for 2 weeks (“vandalism”)
Attila the Hun: Mighty warrior, ransomed East Empire before turning to West
Pope Leo I persuades Huns to leave without attacking Rome (more menace than actual threat)

7. End of the Empire
While the Huns left, Germanic barbarians remained within, and controlled, Rome.
Franks, anglo/saxons, settle in Europe
476AD: West Roman Emperor is a German – end of Roman Empire
WHAT HAPPENED?
Dozens of theories – but three main factors include:
Army issues
Failure to industrialize economy
Final economic failure

8. Army Issues
Consistent problem: Government could not control the army – the army controlled the government
Rooted in imperialism:
Since empire grew faster than government could support, army needed to maintain order
Corruption: army gradually degenerated
Mercenaries and thugs increasingly ran military
Led to armed revolutions

9. Failure to Industrialize Economy
Rome was not producing as much goods as it should have, because it was technologically weak.
This was due to:
Steady supply of slaves: Discourages technological innovations (why bother?)
Education system: Science downplayed in favour of arts/rhetoric (sciences seen as vulgar)
Less production = less $$$
This meant much more taxes needed to support empire, armies

10. Economic Collapse
Everyone became poor – economy could no longer sustain empire/armies
Large army = huge taxes
Upper class gave exemptions to richest classes – common people pay all the taxes
Common people literally went broke
Led to inflation, rising prices
Economy collapsed
Empire could no longer fund anything (like army)
CHAOS