1. The Decline of the Roman Empire
Political Instability:
Emperors were corrupt and often assassinated
Unpopular new emperors
Civil wars – a conflict between people of the same land
Western Rome vs. Eastern Rome

2. The Decline of the Roman Empire
Financial Problems
Too much money is being spent on protecting the Empire.
Inflation-an economic situation in which more money circulates, but the money has less value.
Basically coin/paper money becomes worthless.
High taxes are being charged by patricians
Many people could barely survive

3. The Decline of the Roman Empire
Size of the Empire:
The Roman empire had grown to large.
Many of the conquered territories regained their independence.
The Roman army spent to much time defending its empire instead of conquering.
Result: the empire shrank.

4. The Decline of the Roman Empire
Foreign enemies
Romans are too busy fighting civil wars among themselves
Foreigners invade and rule the land