UNIT 1 – GREECE AND ROME Chapter 5 – Greece Chapter 6 – Rome

SECTION 1 SECTION 2 The Roman Republic The Roman Empire The Fall of the Roman Empire CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6 SECTION 4 Internal problems and innovations spur the division and decline of the Roman Empire.

 The Empire Declines  Pax Romana ends in A.D. 180 with death of Marcus Aurelius  Subsequent emperors unable to govern giant empire  #1 Weak Economy  Hostile tribes disrupt trade  Raise taxes - Reached the limit of expansion, needed revenue  Inflation — drop in value of money and rise in prices -Minted coins with less silver  Overworked soil leads to food shortages -Famine and disease led to population decline

REASONS FOR DECLINE (CONT…)  #2 Weak Military Soldiers loyal to commanders, not Rome Commanders fought amongst themselves for throne Government hires mercenaries — foreign soldiers they pay to fight; cannot recruit Roman citizens  Outsiders felt no loyalty to Rome  #3 Political Problems Citizens lose patriotism/interest in the affairs of Rome Past Romans sacrificed lives to protect the Republic Low confidence, corruption, office seen as burden Military interference in politics

AFTER 200 AD THE ROMAN EMPIRE FELL INTO CONFUSION. The empire was running short of money and facing increasing pressure from raiders pushing in from the borders. The empire was running short of money and facing increasing pressure from raiders pushing in from the borders. In one 50-year period, 26 emperors reigned, and only one of them died of natural causes. In one 50-year period, 26 emperors reigned, and only one of them died of natural causes.

 In A.D. 284 Emperor Diocletian restores order, divides empire in two Two emperors in Greek-speaking East, Latin-speaking West In A.D. 305 Diocletian retires Civil war breaks out; 4 rivals compete for power  Diocletian Reforms the Empire Ruled harshly to restore order Limited personal freedoms Doubled size of Roman army Set prices for goods

CONSTANTINE THE GREAT

He established Constantinople as the capital of the stronger eastern part of the Roman Empire, ruling both parts from there. Rome remained capital of the weaker west. Although Christianity had long been outlawed in the empire, Constantine legalized Christianity. Although Christianity had long been outlawed in the empire, Constantine legalized Christianity. He ended the blood sports and gladiatorial games. He ended the blood sports and gladiatorial games.

THE FALL OF ROME

REASONS FOR DECLINE Factors included a terrible plague, the decline of agriculture, heavy taxes, and a decadent upper class devoted to luxury and greed. Factors included a terrible plague, the decline of agriculture, heavy taxes, and a decadent upper class devoted to luxury and greed. Perhaps the more important question is not why Rome fell, but why it lasted so long. Perhaps the more important question is not why Rome fell, but why it lasted so long. Factors: Loss of Trade & Loyalty, Inflation Main Cause: Invasion

Germanic Invasions Mongol nomads from Asia, the Huns invade northern borders of empire This forces Germanic tribes to flee the Huns and enter Roman lands. The Visigoths sack Rome in 410 AD. Attila — unites the Huns in A.D. 444 – attacks Rome in 452 plunders 70 cities in East famine and disease prevents victory over Rome

 The Vandals East Germanic tribe Poland but moved to Carthage plundered Rome in 455, and “vandalism” comes from their name  Last Roman emperor falls to Germanic tribes in 476 This invasion is the end of the Western Empire East thrives for another thousand years (Byzantine Empire)

Which one of these was NOT a reason for the decline of the Roman Empire? A.The huge amount of money spent on defense, coupled with inflation B.The invasions by Germanic tribes and by the Huns C.The disruption of trade D.The rise of powerful emperors Why did Germanic peoples invade the Roman Empire? A.Anger over Roman Senators’ power and wealth B.Fear of attacks by the Huns C.Famines in western Europe D.A desire to settle the frontier regions

Which one of these was NOT a reason for the decline of the Roman Empire? A.The huge amount of money spent on defense, coupled with inflation B.The invasions by Germanic tribes and by the Huns C.The disruption of trade D.The rise of powerful emperors Why did Germanic peoples invade the Roman Empire? A.Anger over Roman Senators’ power and wealth B.Fear of attacks by the Huns C.Famines in western Europe D.A desire to settle the frontier regions

ROME FALLS  History Channel – Mankind Story of Us Disk 1 – Video #4 “Warriors Section 1 “Breaking Point” 1 st segment - 9 minutes in length