Rise and FallAncient Rome - Lesson 5

Important PeopleCommodus - Ancient Roman emperor who succeeded his father, Marcus Aurelius, and began the decline of the Roman Empire (161 - 192)

Diocletian - Ancient Roman emperor who restored order and strengthened the economy of the Roman Empire, divided it into two parts (245 - 316)

Important PeopleRomulus Augustulus - Last emperor of the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 476 at the age of 12 and reigned for only eleven months (464 - ?)

How was Commodus different from his father?

Marcus was caring, whereas his son was more concerned with spending and disliked governing.

Why do you think Marcus Aurelius chose Commodus to succeed him?

He was Marcus’ son, he thought he would be a good warrior and protect the empire.

Summary:The Empire Declines

The Roman Empire entered a period of decline after the death of Marcus Aurelius. Marcus’ son Commodus, was the first of many weak leaders.

Explain why the army had control over the government.

If the soldiers didn’t like what an emperor was doing, they would kill him and replace him with someone who would represent their needs.

Why did the mercenaries not stop the raids on border towns in the Roman Empire?

They had little loyalty to the Roman Empire

What caused the powerful Roman army to become weaker as a fighting force?

Generals fought against each other and Roman citizens refused to serve, causing the army to hire mercenaries.

Summary: Emperors for Sale

The army gained control of the government by overthrowing and replacing emperors. Eventually the army became weak.

What problems faced Rome in the century after Marcus Aurelius died?

★ Emperors had become tools of the army.★ Army units fought each other to gain control of

the government

How did Diocletian try to restore order to the empire?

He divided the Empire into two parts, and had a co-emperor rule with him.

Summary:The Empire Divides

As the Roman Empire declined, a strong ruler finally came into power. Diocletian introduced many reforms and divided the Empire to make it easier to rule.

What effect did Constantine’s reign have on the Roman Empire?

He reunited the empire, but moved the capital.

Explain how Constantinople changed over time.

The city was the capital of the Byzantine Empire until 1453, when the Ottoman Turks captured it and renamed it Istanbul.

Summary:The City of Constantine

Constantine united the Roman Empire and built a new capital city, which was eventually named Constantinople. After Constantine’s death, the Empire was again split, and the eastern half became stronger than the western half.

How did the differences between the Christian religion in the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire affect the church?

The church split into two parts.

● Byzantine Orthodox Church● Roman Catholic Church

Compare and contrast the inside and outside of the Rock Churches.

★ Beautifully decorated

★ Inviting

Inside

★ Very rough★ Foreboding

Outside

What was the most important difference between the Byzantine Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches?

Who was in charge of the church

● Emperor - Byzantine Orthodox● Pope - Roman Catholic

Summary:Christianity Divides

As the Empire was split in two, the Christian religion was also divided. The emperor was the head of the Byzantine Orthodox Church, while the pope was the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

What made the Western Roman Empire weak enough for outsiders to attack?

The strength of the empire had shifted to the east. Leadership was poor and the armies had been weakened.

Why did Visigoth forces not attack Rome the first time they reached the gates to the city?

Wealthy Romans paid off their leader, Alaric.

Summary:The Final Days of Rome

Invasions by various forces weakened the Western Roman Empire. Rome was pillaged and destroyed.

Map Skill: How many years passed between the Huns moving into Europe and the Visigoths looting Rome?

About 37 years.

Map Skill: What direction(s) did the barbarians come from?

North, South, and East

Why was Orestes killed?

He refused to give control of part of the Roman Empire to a German ruler.

Why did Constantinople become the center of Roman power?

Because Rome fell in the western empire.

Summary:The Fall

Romulus Augustulus was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire. As the western empire fell, the Byzantine Empire became even more prosperous.

Why did the Romans hire foreign mercenaries to serve in the army?

Roman citizens refused to fight

What happened to the Roman Empire after the death of Constantine?

It divided again, with most of its power in the eastern part of the empire in Constantinople.

How did the Roman government change over time?

They were first a monarchy, then a Republic, an aristocracy, and finally an Empire.