The Split and Fall of the Roman Empire Why does the Roman Empire split? Why does the western half decline?

Read if absent for lecture Pax Romana (184) – Rome is attacked (187) stop at Why Did Rome Fall Take outline notes – 1 note per title Get vocabulary Teacher will demonstrate Take 1 note for each image/map/graphic

Lecture Listen, take notes, may abbreviate or reword.

Pax Romana Golden Age, peace and prosperity for 200 years Emperor Augustus in 27 B.C to Marcus Aurelius Rome continued to expand into 3 continents

Pax Romana Expansion brought increased trade from all over (musical instruments, silk, perfumes, weapons) Increased trade brought great wealth: Building projects—fire stations, healthcare centers Festivals—parades, theatre, Olympic-style athletic contests

Pax Romana Despite Rome’s wealth, the poor made up majority of population—poor living conditions, disease, crime, low pay, little time for fun; most Roman children did not live to be 10 years old Bread and Circuses: Roman leaders used gladiator events & chariot races to keep poor people happy

The Roman Empire Splits Problems brewing during Pax Romana Some saw the problems and decay, but couldn’t stop it Political Violence: ambitious generals seize power, then get overthrown by another (in 50 years there were 26 emperors) After ruling the Mediterranean for hundreds of years, problems brewing

B. Economic and Social Issues High taxes overused farm lands large, poor, homeless population

C. Emperor Diocletian Splits empire in two restore order, get better handle on challenge of governing huge empire He keeps wealthier eastern half Co-emperor Maximian rules weaker western half Diocletian fixes prices to slow inflation

D. Constantine New Capital: Constantine makes Byzantium the new capital and renames it Constantinople (Istanbul) Constantine grants toleration to Christians

E. Reforms fail and more invasions Some of economy revived Couldn’t stop long-term decline Migrating nomads attack/barbarian invasions

Exploring the Reasons for Rome’s Fall Read each theory (as a class) Partner up according to proximity, as directed by Ms. Summerville Examine political cartoons and complete the handout Do one as a class TCI 7.1.1.3

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon that make you think about what is happening? 1.3A

Maintaining an army to defend the borders from barbarian attacks drained money from the government. Left few resources for public housing, and roads and led to loss of desire to defend the Empire. Soldiers were hired to protect the city, but they were expensive. Taxes paid by businessmen and farmers were raised. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3B

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3C

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3D

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3E

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3F

What details, symbols, actions, and words do you see in this political cartoon the make you think about what is happening? 1.3G

In A.D. 186 they sold the throne to the highest bidder. Never created an effective system to determine emperor selection. Determined by old emperor, the Senate, the Praetorian Guard, and the army. In A.D. 186 they sold the throne to the highest bidder. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

The last 400 years of the Empire, the scientific achievements of the Romans were limited to engineering and organizing public services. Built roads, bridges, and aqueducts and established first system of medicine No new machines or technology were invented and important goods were unable to be produced for growing population. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

Inflation beginning after reign of Marcus Aurelius. No new land, no new gold. Gold used in coins decreased and coins became less valuable. Merchants raised prices on their goods sold and people began to barter. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

Latter stages of Empire, unemployment became a problem. Slave owners sold crops for lower prices and farmers lost and sold their farms. There were too many men and not enough jobs in the city. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

Most city dwellers in Rome were not wealthy. Lived in small, smelly rooms in apartment houses with 6 or more stories called islands. Higher your apartment, the cheaper your room. If rent could not be paid, you they were forced to move to the streets. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

Final years of Empire had a decline in morals and values. Crimes of violence made the streets unsafe. Emperors like Nero and Caligula wasted money on lavish parties. Gladiatorial combats became glamorized and Rome became passionate for cruelty. What are the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and America today on this issue?

Ten Theories On the Fall of Rome: Barbarian Invasions Decline in Moral Values Environmental and Public Health Problems Excessive Military Spending to Defend the Empire Inferior Technology Inflation Political Corruption Rise in Christianity Unemployment Urban Decay

2-3 sentences Answer Eqs Use some vocabulary Write your summary 2-3 sentences Answer Eqs Use some vocabulary