1. Attila the Hun- late 300s
One of the most successful barbarian rulers of the Hun Empire.
Attacked lands from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean
Spread fear throughout Roman Empire

2. Alexander the Great King of Macedonia from 336 to 323 BC United Greece
Conquered the Persian Empire
Blended cultures and inspired many new inventions and knowledge

3. Avidius Cassius Son of a servant to Hadrian
Directed operations during the Parthian War
Marcus Aurelius made him governor of Syria
Declared himself emperor when he falsely heard Marcus had died- he was assassinated: head taken to Marcus
***brings with him an emmigrant

4. After the collapse of the Roman Empire
Who took control?
The Byzantine Empire and the Church

5. Julius Caesar Reforms economic improvements across the empire
Gave land to veterans
Marshes south of Rome were drained, business districts were improved, and new theaters and temples were built.
He proposed construction projects for improving trade by sea and for improving harbors.
began enlisting men of talent into public service, and he saw the need for improvement in the organization of municipal governments throughout Italy.
He started standardizing and streamlining local governmental operations.
He sought to bind citizens in the provinces closer to Rome by doing away with laws that made distinctions between them and the citizens of Rome.
He gave Roman citizenship to Gauls who had fought alongside him when he was governor there.
reduced Jew’s taxes, exempted them from having to serve in Rome's armies, and he allowed them freedom again to worship

6. Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius
Made the idea of Christianity easier to believe
Stoics believe that one’s goal in life is to live a life of great moral worth and free of conflict and strife.
The following are basic tenants of Stoicism:
Do ones duty
Look to the highest power of reason (Think before you act!)
Pursue a good life based on rational thinking
Pleasure or pain will not overpower you
Accept good and bad events (We cannot understand the significance of the events because of our limited way of thinking!)

7. Marcus Aurelius Problems: Barbarians invaded from the North
Plague killed many farmers and soldiers
Avidius Cassius becomes popular and threatens his leadership