1. What caused the decline of the Roman Empire? Notes #24

2. By the middle of the 3rd century, the Roman Empire was becoming too large to maintain.

3. Invasions of the empire by Germanic tribes and the Huns resulted in Rome spending huge amounts of money on defense and raising taxes.

4. These invasions also disrupted Rome’s trade and, combined with raised taxes, created unhappiness among Rome’s people.

5. Roman Praetorian Guard
Political corruption within Rome’s government created instability, whch further contributed to Rome’s decline.
25 Roman emperors were
assassinated by the
Praetorian Guard over
a 100 year span
Roman Praetorian Guard

6. By 285, Emperor Diocletian decided to divide the Roman Empire in an attempt to make control of the empire more efficient.

7. The division of the empire left the Western Roman Empire too weak and resulted in its eventual collapse by 476.

8. Dark Ages (or Middle Ages)
As a result of Rome’s decline, Western Europe entered a period of chaos and disorder.
Dark Ages (or Middle Ages)

9. Meanwhile, the Eastern Roman Empire was able to live on and later became known as the Byzantine Empire.