1. The Fall of the Roman Empire The major causes for collapse

2. Two Important Leaders

3. Diocletian Roman General, implemented very strict laws Roman General, implemented very strict laws Realized the Roman Empire was too big for one person to manage, so he split the empire in two Realized the Roman Empire was too big for one person to manage, so he split the empire in two Diocletian ruled the eastern part, his co- emperor ruled the west Diocletian ruled the eastern part, his co- emperor ruled the west

4. Constantine Diocletian’s son; also ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire; eventually ruled the whole empire Created the city of Constantinople, the capital of the eastern empire Most important: supported the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman empire

5. The Causes for Decline Military Military Social Social Economic Economic Political Political

6. Military Armies from Germania invaded, were stronger than roman army Armies from Germania invaded, were stronger than roman army Defending the empire was really expensive because it was so huge Defending the empire was really expensive because it was so huge Military became less loyal to Rome, tried to interfere in the government Military became less loyal to Rome, tried to interfere in the government

7. Social Rome became split between the really rich and the really poor Rome became split between the really rich and the really poor Bread and circuses: rather than address the problems of the poor, the government gave them free food and public entertainment Bread and circuses: rather than address the problems of the poor, the government gave them free food and public entertainment Romans lost faith in their government and pride in their empire Romans lost faith in their government and pride in their empire

8. Economic  Taxes were very high  Inflation was high; money lost its value  Rome stopped conquering areas and lost its war loot  Less farming meant less food trading  Less manufacturing meant fewer jobs less trading

9. Political Empire was split in two, hard to manage Empire was split in two, hard to manage Eastern Empire became more powerful than Western Empire Eastern Empire became more powerful than Western Empire Government became very corrupt Government became very corrupt Weak emperors Weak emperors Military constantly trying to take control Military constantly trying to take control

10. Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

11. The important Question Answer in your notes (you will probably see this question again) Answer in your notes (you will probably see this question again) Which of the four causes was the most important for the decline of the Roman empire? Why? Which of the four causes was the most important for the decline of the Roman empire? Why?