1. The Roman Empire Notes III

2. Christianity Spreads Christianity appeared in Rome in 100’s AD Christianity appeared in Rome in 100’s AD Some officials tried to stop its spread Some officials tried to stop its spread Many ‘disappeared’ for believing in Christianity Many ‘disappeared’ for believing in Christianity In the 300’s a Roman emperor became a Christian In the 300’s a Roman emperor became a Christian Support increased until it became the official religion of Rome Support increased until it became the official religion of Rome

3. The Beginning of the End The Roman Empire stretched from England to Egypt at its height The Roman Empire stretched from England to Egypt at its height Emperors lost territory and threats began Emperors lost territory and threats began Diocletian split the empire in two (East/West)- helped divide power Diocletian split the empire in two (East/West)- helped divide power Capital moved to East-Constantinople Capital moved to East-Constantinople West lost power to East West lost power to East Barbarians Attack!! (Goths, Huns, Vandals) Barbarians Attack!! (Goths, Huns, Vandals)

4. The Problems Continue Diseases spread wildly Diseases spread wildly 476AD a barbarian general overthrew the last emperor – ROME FALLS!! 476AD a barbarian general overthrew the last emperor – ROME FALLS!! East would become the ‘Byzantine Empire’ and thrive, while the West crumbled. East would become the ‘Byzantine Empire’ and thrive, while the West crumbled.

5. Attila the Hun!!!! Attila the Hun!!!! When people saw Attila and his men coming they went running!!! Attila was known for spreading rumors about himself to scare people in local town and villages!!! Attila was given huge sums of gold and silver NOT to attack….the rumors were working!!!

6. Attila was known for spreading rumors about himself to scare people in local towns and villages!!! Create a wild and bloodthirsty rumor about Attila that would terrorize towns into paying huge bribes to Attila. “I heard that Attila…..”

7. The Fall of Rome Directions: After each problem is discussed you will individually come with 2 solutions to the problem: Problems: 1. Vast size made govt. hard (too big) 1. Vast size made govt. hard (too big) 2. Communication was lacking and slow 3. Corruption in Rome’s govt. and military 4. Wealthy Roman citizens fled 5. Lack of work for citizens-heavy slave use 6. High taxes/prices = Poor Romans 7. Diseases 8. Barbarians