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Published byAngela Patterson Modified over 9 years ago
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Ancient Rome: The Fall of the Roman Empire
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Second Century CE After Hadrian came a succession of emperors, both good and bad. Diocletian became emperor in 284 CE. Considered himself above all laws. Spread armies along the frontiers and among the provinces in order to quell any internal disturbances. Continual and significant recruitment of non- Roman, Germanic immigrants.
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More Changes Attempted to eradicate the Christian faith by burning churches and scriptures. –Told to sacrifice to Diocletian or die. –Many Christians became martyrs for their faith. Constantine –Emperor after Diocletian. –The first Christian emperor. –Issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE that freed all Christians from persecution.
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Constantine Established a capital in the Eastern Empire known as Constantine’s City or Constantinople (modern Turkey). –In 359 CE given same authority as Rome. Increased taxes to supply armies. Allowed German tribesmen to enlist in Roman army (mercenaries).
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Theodosius the Great The last Roman emperor to rule before empire was divided. Permitted the Visigoths (German tribe) to seek safety from the Huns (Asia) in the Roman Empire. Visigoths became powerful in army. Romans sent army against them, but were defeated. 393 CE - banned all pagan worship and had pagan temples closed. –Even banned the Olympic games because they honoured a pagan god.
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Division After Theodosius, empire divided in the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. There were now two senior emperors, called Augusti, for each division. German generals ruled the western part. 476 CE – Odacer (German) overthrew last Roman emperor (Romulus Augustulus) and proclaimed himself ruler of Rome –1200 years after Rome was founded. Eastern empire lasted another 1000 years
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Barbarians The last years of the Western Roman Empire were marked by migrations of barbarians from the north. –Goths (Visigoths and Ostrogoths) –Alans –Franks –Suebi –Vandals –Huns Rome had to learn how to accommodate and settle them.
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Main Factors in Rome’s Fall Mercenaries – hired soldiers from other lands whose loyalty was questionable. Money Government – followed no orderly pattern. Moral standards declined – corruption and favouritism in government.
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Money Problems Money was not circulating. Those who had it were hoarding it. When the barbarians invaded they stole the money in the treasury. Trade deficit - importing more goods than they were exporting. Inflation - the price of goods was increasing. –Tried to reform this by creating a law that established maximum prices and wages. Couldn’t finance the empire. –Couldn’t get money through taxes because the people had no money.
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