1. The Empire Crumbles What do you remember about the Roman Empire? THINK ABOUT 6 th GRADE!!!!!!!!!!

2. 1. Weak and Corrupt Rulers a. Stole money from treasury b. Successful generals not politicians c. Gained throne by violence (assassination) HOW MANY ROMAN EMPERORS DO YOU THINK WERE ASSASSINATED?!?! 43

3. 2. Empire too Big a. difficult defending b. Army spent too much time defending, not enough time governing c. Gaps in borders left room for invaders d. Conquered territories fought and gained independence

4. 3. Economic Problems a.raised taxes b.Severe unemployment c.Inflation- An economic situation in which money circulates, but the money has less value (273)Inflation

5. 4. Mercenary Army a. Foreign soldiers who fought for pay b. Not loyal to Rome c. Motivated by money d. Switched sides for personal gain WHICH SIDE ARE THEY ON???

6. Diocletian Assassinated up to 3 emperors to reach the throne Created the “Tetrarchy” or Rule of Four –What do you think that means? –2 Augustus Rulers- one in East, one in West with 2 Caesars appointed and ruling with them, the Caesars would be successors –Was meant to improve government each Augustus would appoint their successor (Caesar) based on merit not relation

7. AFRICA EUROPE Mediterranean Sea Atlantic Ocean

8. Constantine (312-337) Constantine (312-337) Watch the video: What details did you learn about Constantine? Ruled the Roman Empire in the west Declared freedom of religion No longer persecuted Christians Christianity became official religion of Rome Founder of Constantinople, moved center of Roman Empire to the EAST (Byzantine)

9. The Byzantine Empire Eastern Rome Carries On Western Roman Empire Eastern Roman Empire