1. What factors contributed to the Downfall of Rome? Can an Empire survive without a stable form of government? Why did the Eastern Roman Empire survive after the fall?

2.  Polytheistic  But tolerant of other religions  Rome takes over Judaea.  Judaism (Jews) reside here  Turns into Christianity.

3.  Christianity is a world religion,  A “Western” religion  The largest world religion today (about 2 billion)  It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ (Messiah) & the “Son of God.”

4.  Spread the teachings of Christianity  His preaching was controversial.  Some saw him as a revolutionary  Finally turned over to Rome for crucifixion.  Jesus not the only Christian Persecuted.  All Christians face persecution.  Christianity grows anyway.  Christianity and its followers were too strong.  Rome adapts Christianity  Constantine (1 st Christian Emperor)

5. The Spread of Christianity

6.  Last of good or peaceful emperors dies  Civil War breaks out  Weak rulers  Invasions  These uncertain times cause the economy to decline again  Plague

7.  Diocletian  Broke Rome into 4 parts.  Each had their own leader  Diocletian’s military control allowed him to be the leader of the four units.  Constantine  Expanded on Diocletian’s reforms  Made new capital (Constantinople) AKA New Rome  Reforms  Focus on military and public service  Used a lot of money  Economy not looking good

9.  Invasion by other Germanic Tribes  Into Western Rome  Christianity weakened military virtues  Lead poisoning through water lead to a mental decline in population  Plague wiped out 1/10 of population  Did not advance technologically  Political instability  Went through many rulers.. Not effective

11.  Western Rome Falls apart  Eastern Rome still stands  Evolves into Byzantine Empire (modern Russia)  Justinian was the Emperor Wanted to re-establish the empire But died suddenly Coded Roman laws After his death his empire is taken over by Islamic tribes