The Long Decline of the Roman Empire

FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE  Pax Romana comes to an end after death of Marcus Aurelius  This meant that the golden age was starting to end and the lives of the plebeians was getting worse

Fall of the Roman Empire  Empire was failing socially, politically, and economically society politics economics society politics economics

Fall of the Roman Empire  Emperors Diocletian and Constantine attempt reform Diocletian Constantine Diocletian Constantine

Fall of the Roman Empire  Diocletian divides the Empire into the East and West  He wanted to make the empire smaller so it would be easier to control, but instead it backfired. Neighbors saw this as a sign that he was weak

Fall of Roman Empire  Constantine issues Edict of Milan  Constantine makes east center of Roman power  This was done as a last attempt to take all the money and trade to the east, and leave the west for the barbarians to fight over

 The Dark Ages - Part 1 - The Sacking of Rome The Dark Ages - Part 1 - The Sacking of Rome The Dark Ages - Part 1 - The Sacking of Rome

FALL OF ROME  Foreign Invasions -Once small barbarian tribes saw Rome start to fall they were no longer threatened by the once powerful empire

FALL OF ROME  Military Causes 1. Rome gets too big to defend 1. Rome gets too big to defend - More money more problems 2. Roman army hires mercenaries 2. Roman army hires mercenaries -Paid solders who only fought for money and not for the love of their country 3. Germanic and Hun invasions 3. Germanic and Hun invasions -Neighboring tribes were no longer scared of the Roman army

FALL OF ROME  Political Causes 1. Imperialism 1. Imperialism - taking over too much land and making too many enemies 2. Government becomes oppressive and authoritarian 2. Government becomes oppressive and authoritarian - People start to resent the roman government and not like their rulers 3. Uncontrolled immigration - too many people flocking to cities causing population to increase and take the jobs of Roman citizens

Fall of Rome  Social Causes 1. decline in patriotism 1. decline in patriotism - citizens no longer take pride in being roman 2. APATHY!!!! 2. APATHY!!!! -People do not care what happens to Rome or its government because it had become too corrupt 3. Rise of Christianity 3. Rise of Christianity - People start to follow the church and question the government

FALL OF ROME  Economic Causes 1. High Taxes 1. High Taxes - People paying more but making less money than ever before 2. Use of Slave Labor 2. Use of Slave Labor - Slaves start to take the jobs of citizens and this helps the economy crumble 3. Means of production move outside of Empire - Cost too much to make things in Rome so they start to buy things from other empires

CLOSURE  Explain the geography of Rome  Explain the difference between a Democracy and Republic  What was the Pax Romana  Describe the lifestyles of Plebian's and Patricians  What caused the Roman Empire to fall  Why were roads important to Rome?