Chapter 8 The Byzantine Empire and Emerging Europe LESSON 1 – The First Christians LESSON 2 – THE DECLINE OF ROME LESSON 3 – THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LESSON 4 – THE AGE OF CHARLEMAGNE LESSON 5 – THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME Decline of the Western Roman Empire was a slow and gradual decline that resulted in the sacking of Rome in 476CE www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME The problems were numerous and over time chipped away at the strength and very foundations of the Western Roman Empire Civil Wars - After the death of the last of the "five good emperors" Marcus Aurelius No workable political system: A) Overthrow of Emperors (22 in 50 yrs) B) Military interference with government Emperor Valerian 259 defeated and captured by the Persians Made to be a foot rest for the Persian King until his death his corpse was stuffed with straw and preserved for ages as a trophy in a Persian temple www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME 3) *Outside Invasions: From the east: Persians From the west: Germanic people What caused the movement or migrations of people? Huns a) better living conditions (drought, famine, plague) b) Other…. Huns – wore tunics sewn together with the skins of field mice never bathed Attila called himself the scourge of god "God's whip with which to punish the nations" The Visigoths asked permission to enter the empire, Merchants sold them dog meat or spoiled meat for Visigoths children Vandals-reputation for rape and pillaging gave meaning to the word vandalism www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME 4) Population decline: plagues decreased workers and soldiers for the army 5) inflation: rapid increase in prices 6) tax increases: people had less and less money to live on www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME traditional values declined: people became lazy and dependent on government lack of technological advancement: due to dependence on slavery vast size: made communication and protection difficult www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine Made significant changes to try to save the Roman Empire Thought the empire had grown too large for one ruler: Diocletian: 1) **divided the empire into 4 parts called prefectures 2) each had a different ruler This was known as a tetrarchy: rule by four people Diocletian had ultimate authority www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine Constantine: It would be easier to protect the frontier, moved the capital to Byzantium This "New Rome" was eventually renamed Constantinople in his honor Constantinopolis or Constantine’s City English – Constantinople Held the Cross that Jesus was crucified as well as Moses’s staff Did Constantine really see a vision? Historians argue his embracing of Christianity was political 1) Constantine saw the Christians as a way to unify the Empire 2) He did not convert until late in life 3) He did not outlaw pagan religions www.glscott.org

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine These changes brought some temporary relief, but because of ALL the problems, over many years, the empire fell in the west Invaders from Europe sacked Rome in 476CE This is the date for the fall of the western part only The Eastern part would continue for almost 1,000 years (Byzantine Empire) Over the next 1,000 years the Persians, Muslims and Mongol Empires could not bring down the Byzantine Empire What NEW technology would eventually bring down the Byzantine Empire? --Gunpowder, canons took a month and a half of pounding to break through the walls-- Does the date 476CE signify the Fall of the Roman Empire? or did it just change? Caesar – Changed from a family name to a title (associated with Descended Divinity) Caesar in Russia – Czar Caesar in Germany - Kaiser 88 emperors 29 met violent deaths, worst case: -1185 fallen emperor beaten, teeth pulled out, tied to the rear of camel with diarrhea, rinsed with boiling water, blinded and finally stabbed in the gut and left to die 13 fled and claimed refuge in the church www.glscott.org

QUESTION ANSWER: JEWISH What religion did Jesus belong? www.glscott.org

QUESTION ANSWER: Zealots What Jewish group called for the violent overthrow of Roman rule? ANSWER: Zealots www.glscott.org

QUESTION ANSWER: Christianity would be officially tolerated What did the Edict of Milan proclaim? ANSWER: Christianity would be officially tolerated www.glscott.org

QUESTION ANSWER: Pontius Pilate Who ordered the execution of Jesus? www.glscott.org

QUESTION the reign of Nero? ANSWER: Why were Christians persecuted during the reign of Nero? ANSWER: They were blamed for starting the fire that destroyed much of Rome www.glscott.org

QUESTION ANSWER: Constantine Who was the first Christian emperor? www.glscott.org

QUESTION Bible is called? ANSWER: New Testament What is the second part of the Christian Bible is called? ANSWER: New Testament www.glscott.org

QUESTION province called? Answer: procurator What is a Roman official in charge of a province called? Answer: procurator www.glscott.org