The Fall of Rome 476 c.e.

Learning Targets I can list the 4 threats to the Roman empire around 200C.E. I can identify the date traditionally viewed as the “fall of Rome” I can describe why Rome didn’t really “fall” on this date and give the name of the civilization that carried on in its place

The Roman Empire Faces Problems Multiple threats plague the Roman Empire beginning around the year 200 C.E. Economic issues Foreign Invaders Decline in values End of Pax Romana Death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius – 180 ACE

The Roman Empire Divides Emperor Diocletian makes a bold political move to try and resolve the problems In 284 CE, he divides the empire: WEST EAST Maximian Diocletian Poorer Unprotected from invasion Wealthier More protected

Emperor Constantine Makes More Reforms Takes the throne in 312 CE In Eastern Empire Grants religious toleration to Christians Edict of Milan 313 CE He creates a new Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople More power to the Eastern Empire

The Reforms Are Temporary The reforms created by Diocletian and Constantine work, but are a short-term fix Preserved the empire for another hundred years They were like putting a band-aid on a bullet hole

Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire Wars going on in East Asia are going to ultimately lead to the fall of Rome These wars push the Huns, a nomadic people towards Europe. The Huns are fierce fighters and attack the Germanic tribes living on the edge of the Roman Empire, forcing them to move into the empire Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, etc… The Roman Legions (army) are weakened by poor funding and a lack of loyalty and unable to stop the Germanic invasions

Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire

Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire In the year 378 CE, the city of Rome is sacked Signals that the end is near The entire western Roman Empire is soon overrun. Attila the Hun is particularly responsible for pushing into the empire as he expanded his own empire across western Asia and eastern Europe Brutal attacks upon Germanic tribes

                                                                                             

476 CE – The Year Rome Fell One Roman province fell after another as the Germanic tribes were pushed into the empire Finally, in 476, the Western Roman Emperor was killed by a Visigoth leader named Odoacer, who then proclaims himself King of Italy This marks the “fall” of Rome and the beginning of the close of the ancient world What Caused Rome to Fall? No Single Factor is responsible for the collapse of Rome, but it was rather a combination of four different factors

Romulus Augustulus Surrenders To Odoacer

Military Causes No discipline Mercenaries Civil wars

Social Causes Values decline Devotion to luxury Loss of self-reliance

Political Causes No government support Division of Empire East does not help West

Economic Causes Heavy taxes Population Decline High inflation

Did Rome Really Fall? Rome only actually collapsed in the West It would eventually be divided into many different kingdoms

Did Rome Really Fall? The eastern Empire was not affected by the Germanic invasions and will become known as the Byzantine Empire and remain a dominant force for another 1,000 years