The Fall of Rome End of Pax Romana – 180 C.E. After Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperors struggled to control such a great empire Economy weakens 3rd century – hostile tribes and pirates disrupt trade Government raises taxes Inflation – prints more money than they should, value of coins drops Agriculture suffers from overused land, damage from years of war Food shortages

Continued… Military problems Political unrest Attempts at reform Soldiers less disciplined and loyal Use of mercenaries Political unrest Average citizens less loyal to empire Attempts at reform Diocletian rules strongly, limits freedom Doubles size of army Set fixed prices of goods to curb inflation Claims to be descendant of Roman gods Believes empire is too big to rule, divides in 2 Greek-speaking East Latin-speaking West

Continued… Constantine The West crumbles Gains power in 312 C.E., reunites empire in 324 C.E. Moves capital to Byzantium, Anatolia in 330 C.E. Power shifts from West to East Renamed Constantinople After death, empire is divided again The West crumbles Germanic invasions Fleeing the Huns (Mongol invaders), Germanic people push into Roman territory 410 C.E. – Germanic people plunder city of Rome for 3 days

Concluded. Attila the Hun Led 100,000 soldiers to terrorize both sides of Roman empire Over 70 cities attacked Disease and famine prevented Attila’s forces from overtaking Rome Last emperor 14-year old Romulus Augustulus was kicked out by Germans in 476 C.E. No emperor tried to replace him East becomes known as Byzantium Empire, lasts another 1000 years