1. FALL OF THE WESTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
P. 3O-35

2. Problems in the Empire
Germanic warriors (barbarians) on northern borders
Persian warriors in the east
German communities (invited by emperor to farm) ignored emperor
Disease
Government increased taxes

3. Division of Empire Diocletian divided empire & ruled Eastern half
Constantine reunited. Moved capital to Constantinople

4. Early Barbarian Invasions
Huns from central Asia invaded southeast Europe, including Goths.
Goths fled into Roman empire
Romans paid Goths not to fight, but when Romans stopped paying, Goths sacked Rome.

5. Empire in Chaos
Vandals invaded Spain & Africa, bringing much destruction
Angles, Saxons, & Jutes invaded Britain
Franks invaded Gaul (king Clovis most powerful German king)
Huns led by Attila raided east (Constantinople, Greece, Gaul, N. Italy)

6. End of Western Roman Empire
400s emperors weak
476 barbarian general overthrow last emperor, naming himself king of Italy

7. Other Factors in Rome’s Fall
Too big – communication difficult
Political corruption (leaders use threats & bribes & don’t look out for the people)
Wealthy left city further weakening empire
Private landowners created own army (to protect their land) which was used to take power from emperors
Rome’s population decreased
Schools closed
Taxes and prices rose (leaving many poor)

8. Fall of the Western Roman empire (p. 30-33)
1) What were major problems in the empire? (5) 2) Who divided the empire? 3) Who reunited it? Where was the new capital 4) How did the Huns impact the Goths and therefore Romans? 5)How did the Romans deal with the Goths) 6) Who were the barbarians & where did they come from?( 7) 7) What marked an end to the empire? 8) What were other factors of the fall? (7)