The Long Decline
Political & Economic Problems High taxes Inflation: A rise in prices caused by a decrease in the value of money
Diocletian Had co-emperor to help stabilize empire Priorities: Defense and security of the empire Individual freedom Civil War
Constantine Ended persecution of Christians through the Edict of Milan Constantinople New capital city in east Converted to Christianity on his death bed
Foreign Invaders Visigoths 476 AD Tribes from Germany Odoacer- Ger. leader who ousted the last emperor of Rome
Foreign Invaders Attila- Leader of Huns Huns: nomads from Asia who lived by raiding and plundering Attila- Leader of Huns
Causes of Fall Military Political Invaders Loss of soldiers’ loyalty to Rome Division of empire Corrupt leadership
Causes of Fall Economic Social High taxes High inflation Slave labor Growing division between rich and poor
Legacy of the Roman Empire Roman Law Christianity Bridges & Roads