1. Do Now Write in Agenda Get out homework Make a stack at table.
Listen For Directions

2. Next….. Achievement groups
Be ready to pass forward the group rubric sheet with everyone’s names on it
Each group will have a total of 1 minute to narrate and perform their achievement

3. Topic: Restructuring & Religion
EQ: How did Diocletian and Constantine’s actions affect the Roman Empire?

4. 3rd Century Crisis
By the 3rd century, the Roman Empire was in serious trouble
Feuding- Military leaders fought one another for power, causing civil war
Factions- Conquered territories Gaul, Spain, and Britain declared independance

5. Think-Pair-Share
Think about: After 200 years of defense what two major contributions to the Roman Empire may be lacking?
Write it down……
Pair with your table and discuss!!!
Be prepared to share your answers.

6. 3rd Century Crisis Cont.
Funds- Lacking funds, emperors created more money making it less valuable
Foreigners- Germanic tribes allied together to raid and pillage Roman cities
Freaky Disease- The empire became plagued by disease
Antonine Plague mass grave found in Gloucester, England. Photo Credit:

7. II. Diocletian
In 284 CE, Diocletian came to power and wanted to save the dying empire
Reforms the military to be more effective against the Germanic tribes
Increased the value of coins, and established set prices for certain goods
In 286 CE, Diocletian decides the empire is too large to efficiently control and needs to be split in half
The Western and Eastern halves will have their own emperors
The Eastern Empire would be known as the Byzantine Empire
Diocletian is able to stabilize the empire and save it from collapse
Belltower at Diocletian’s Palace- Split, Croatia. Photo Credit: Mrs. Larson

9. III. Christian Persecution
Christianity was declared illegal in the Rome Empire
Christians would not accept the Roman gods, or the divinity of the Roman Emperors so they were considered a threat to the state
Christians were arrested, tortured, and publicly executed for entertainment
Christians were often blamed for many of Rome’s problems
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE

10. IV. Constantine Constantine was emperor of Rome from 305-337 CE
Before an important battle he had a vision of the Christian God
He was shown a cross and told, “Through this sign, you shall conquer”
The soldiers painted the cross on their shields when they went into battle
Constantine was victorious and credited the Christian God for his success
In 313, Issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity in the empire
Christianity spread quickly due to the empire’s large size and common language
Eventually Christianity would become the official religion of the Roman Empire

11. Watch the video and list 3 important facts

13. In Conclusion
In 324, Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople
The Byzantine Empire was more stable and wealthier than the West
The Byzantine Empire grew stronger while the West continued to decline

14. Work at your table to answer:
What challenges did the Roman Empire struggle with during the 3rd century?
What did Diocletian do to address these challenges?
How were Christians treated by the Roman Empire?
How did Constantine change Christianity in the Roman Empire?
Homework:
3 main points, highlighted and in your own words in the left column.
Answer the essential question in 4-5 sentences using your main points