Vocabulary: Diocletian – Emperor of the Roman Empire around 284 A.D. Divided the empire into 2 regions, (east and west) He kept the wealthier eastern region. Constantine – Succeeded Diocletian as Emperor in 312 A.D. Built new capital called Constantinople and center of the eastern empire. Huns – Nomads from Central Asia who moved into eastern Europe by 350 A.D.. Visigoths – Germanic people displaced by invading Huns. They moved to safety in the western portion of the Roman empire. Alaric – Visigoth general who conquered Italy. Attila – Hun Leader who conquered much of Europe. Odoacer – Germanic leader who ousted the emperor in Rome in 476 A.D. Inflation: The rapid rise of prices. Mercenary: Foreign soldiers serving for pay.
Graphic Summary: The Long Decline: ▪ Military Causes: ▪ Visigoths and other Germanic peoples invade the empire. ▪ Roman army lacks training and discipline. ▪ Romans forced to hire foreign soldiers to defend borders. Economic Causes: Heavy taxes necessary to support the government. Farmers leave land. Middle Class disappears Romans use to much slave labor.
Political Causes: Government becomes to strict. People stop supporting government. Many corrupt officials. Divided empire becomes weak. Social Causes Population declines because of disease and war. People become selfish and lazy