Fall of the Roman EmpireMs. Carmelitano
CrisisThe start of the decline of the
Roman Empire is blamed on Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD)◦His reign ended Pax Romana◦Emperors failed to control the large
empire with increasing problemsBy the 3rd century, AD Rome
began facing problems◦Within and outside of the Empire
1. PoliticalThe Military began to fight over the
throne◦Causing much civil war and unrest
The emperor had difficulties controlling the massive empire◦Political office seen as a burden◦Division within the Empire
Citizens became less loyal to government◦Romans had cared so much for the Republic
that they would have sacrificed their life for it◦As citizens lost respect for the empire, they
became indifferent to its fate
2. SocialHarvest in western Europe became
meager◦Overworked soil◦Years of war destroyed farmland◦Food shortages and disease lowered the
size of the populationDecline Morals of Romans
◦Disloyalty and lack of patriotism and corruption among the citizens
◦Growing contrast between rich and poor
3. Economy WeakensPirates on the Mediterranean
disrupted sea tradeNo new resources of Gold and
Silver◦Because Rome ceased to expand◦Government had to raise taxes◦Started minting coins that had less
silver in order to make more coins This resulted in inflation: a drastic drop in
the value of money coupled with rising prices
4. Military TurmoilRoman military began to decline
◦Soldiers were less disciplined and loyal
◦Allegiance was given to commanders not Rome
◦Commanders were constantly fighting for the throne
Government recruited mercenaries◦Foreign soldiers fighting for money◦Not as loyal
Attempt at ReformRome would survive another 200
years after Marcus Aurelius Diocletian Reforms
◦284 AD◦Diocletian was a strong willed military
leader and new emperor Reforms:
Doubled size of army Gained control of inflation by setting fixed prices
for goods Claimed descent from ancient Roman Gods and
created new ceremonies
The Roman Empire DividesDiocletian divided the empire in to 2 halves
with 4 total parts by 293 AD◦ “tetarchy” – means: rule by four
He felt it had become too large for one person to Control
There were two rulers in the west and 2 in the east The 2 were expected to rule their halves as partners
East: Greek Speaking◦ Anatolia, Greece, Syria, Egypt◦ Diocletian acted as Emperor
West◦ Italy, Spain, western Europe◦ Not as wealthy as the east
Rise of ConstantineDiocletian retired in 305 AD
because of illness◦Civil War broke out between the
remaining rulers Constantine, Maximian, Galerius
311◦Constantine was victorious at the
Battle of Milivan Bridge
ConstantineGained control of the western
portion of the empire in 312 ADGained control of the east, restored
the empire in 324 AD330 AD moved capital from Rome to
Greek city of Byzantium – in what is now Turkey◦He named the Capital Constantinople ◦Surrounded the city with protective walls
Would again divide after Constantine's death
5. Outside Invasion: The West FallsGermanic invasions
◦370 AD Mongol Nomads from Asia, the Huns, began to attack the western part of Rome Germanic people fleeing moved into
Roman lands barbarians – into Gaul, Spain, and North Africa Franks Visigoths Vandals Huns
Attila the Hun444 AD all Huns united under
Attila100,000 soldiers
◦Attacked east and western Rome Could not get over the high walls of
Constantinople 452 AD famine and disease kept them
out
◦Attila died in 453 AD, but the Germanic invasions continued
Romulus Augustus14 year old emperor Ousted by German forces in 476
ADWestern power fellEastern half, now called
Byzantine flourished
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