Chapter 5 Section 5

The Decline of Rome

The Problems in Rome

During the third century A.D. all three sources of prosperity that existed during Pax Ramana disappeared.

Trade collasped Loss of money Farms were falling apart and grain was

no longer being produced.

Rome Tried to Fix the Issues

Raised taxes to try to get more money Started minting coins with less silver Led to inflation -Money value goes

down, prices of goods go up

More Problems in Rome

Lack of fertility in farms Farmers begin to abandon farms

because of the high taxes Slave labor discourages the use of

technology Food Shortages War Lack of loyalty in the military

The Military Falls Apart

Discipline and loyalty collapse

Soldiers were no longer loyal to Rome

Government begin to recruit

Mercenaries – foreign Soldiers which fought for money. They accepted little money for their services but were not loyal to Rome.

Politics Falls Apart

Romans once believed holding a political office was an honor

Fewer Romans chose to serve in the Government

Only the military remained interested in the Government

In a 50 year period, 50 generals served as Emperors of Rome

Rome Hangs OnFor 200 years Rome hung on

with the Help of ReformersDiocletian

Governed as absolute ruler – No Freedoms

Doubled the size of the military

Set fixed prices of goods to stop inflation

Ordered farmers and other workers to stay at their jobs for life

Prosecuted Christians Divided Rome in half – East

and West because he felt Rome was to big to control

Constantine Gained control of

Diocletian western empire Continued many of

Diocletian reforms In 330 A.D. he moved the

Capital east from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium

The move helped stabilize trade

He renamed the city after himself – Constantinople

Germanic Tribes Invade

Germanic tribes were moving away from invading Huns

Fleeing from the Huns the Germanics pushed into Roman territory

Who were the Huns Fierce Mongol nomads form Central

Asia They began invading the regions of the

Rhine Danube Rivers around 370 A.D. destroying all in their path

Attila was the Huns powerful Chieftain

Rome's last Emperor

Was a 14 Year old boy named Romulus Augustulus

In 476 A.D. He was deposed by a German general named Odoacer

(oh-doh-ey-ser )and sent into exile

How Rome was divided after is fall

What were the economic and military problems that led to the decline of Rome?