12/17 Focus- Events and conditions inside and outside the Roman Empire weakened it and led to its collapse in 476 AD. Do Now: Identify the role Paul of Tarsus played in the establishment of the early Christian church.
Review Fill in the Venn diagram by identifying the characteristics that are unique to Judaism and Christianity on the left or right and the similar characteristics in the center. Monotheistic Torah New Testament Bible Salvation by following the teachings of Jesus 10 Commandments Formed from the beliefs of the Hebrews
Ancient Rome The Fall of Rome
The Fall of Rome Pax Romana comes to end when Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies Weak leadership could not solve problems facing the empire Economic crisis Increasing threats of invasion from eastern and western borders 20 Emperors between 235 -284 AD All but 1 died violently
Attempts at Reform Emperors Diocletian and Constantine attempt to reform Rome and slow its decline Diocletian Constantine
Division of the Empire The Emperor Diocletian divides the Empire into the East and West Appoints a co-emperor to run the west Wanted to make the empire easier to manage by reducing its size Increases his own power over the government and society Tax increases and manufacturing activities geared toward defending the empire
Moving the Capital The Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan Makes Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire Located in modern day Turkey Eastern Empire was richer from trade and better protected from barbarian invasions
Reasons for the Fall of Rome Social Political Economic Military
Political Causes Government became too strict and oppressive People did not support the government Civil War and unrest Division of the empire weakened Rome Imperialism Roman expansion increased number of enemies
Social Causes People not interested in public affairs Apathy Decline in patriotism and loyalty to Rome Rise of Christianity People started to follow the church leaders rather than government
Economic Decline Did not have riches from war plunder very high taxes on people Needed to support the government and defend the empire Inflation Dramatic rise in prices and devaluing of currency Heavy reliance on slave labor High unemployment of the working class Could not compete with low cost of goods from foreign trade Plebs became dependent on assistance from the government
Military Rome became too big to defend Roman army became undisciplined and lacked training Romans forced to hire foreign mercenaries Soldiers who fight for whoever will pay them rather than loyalty to a country or idea Invasions by Germanic tribes and Huns(375-410 AD) Romans referred to them as barbarians 476 AD Germanic tribes attack Rome and overthrow the Roman Emperor This is marked as the end of the Roman Empire
Closure Identify two ways that Diocletian and Constantine attempted to slow the decline of Rome. What can we learn as a powerful nation in the world from the fall of the Roman Empire?