1. The Decline and Fall of Rome

2. The Decline AD 180-Marcus Aurelius, last of the 5 good emperors, dies
Period of conflict, confusion, and civil wars follow
Problems and Upheavals
Political upheavals and civil wars
After a series of civil wars, a military govt. under the Severan rulers restored order until 235 A.D.
“Pay the soldiers, and ignore everyone else.”
A.D.: Roman throne occupied by whoever had military strength to seize it
22 emperors during this period, all who died violently
Empire also troubled by series of invasions
In east: Sassanid Persians attacked Roman territory
Germanic tribes poured into Balkans, Gaul, and Spain
Plague: epidemic disease
Caused labor shortage that affected military recruiting and economy
Decline in trade, industry, farm production
By mid-third century, state had to hire Germans to fight
Had no loyalty to empire or emperors

3. Attempts At Reform
At end of third and beginning of fourth centuries, Roman Empire gained new lease on life through efforts of two emperors: Diocletian and Constantine
Empire changed into new state-The Late Roman Empire
Included new government structure, rigid economic and social system, new state religion-Christianity

4. Diocletian Ruled from 284-305 A.D.
Believed empire had grown too large for single ruler
Divided Rome into 4 units, each with its own ruler
Diocletian’s military power allowed him to hold ultimate authority

5. Constantine Ruled from 306-337
Continued and expanded the policies of Diocletian
Biggest project was construction of new capital city in east, on site of Greek city Byzantium.
Eventually renamed Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey)
Developed for defensive reasons
Strategic location provided protection of the eastern frontier

6. Problems with Diocletian and Constantine’s Reforms
Political and military reforms enlarged 2 institutions-the army and the civil service-which drained public funds
Population not growing so taxes could not pay for everything
Roman money began losing value
Caused inflation: rapid increase in prices
Overall, economic and social policies of Diocletian and Constantine were based on control and coercion
Had temporary success but failed in the long run

7. The Fall
Restored empire of Diocletian and Constantine managed to survive for more than a century
Empire continued to be divided into western and eastern parts
Capital of Western Roman Empire remained in Rome
Capital of Eastern Roman Empire was Constantinople
The Western Roman Empire came under increasing pressure from migrating Germanic tribes

8. Germanic Tribes
Major breakthrough of Germanic tribes into the west came in the second half of the fourth century
The Huns, who came from Asia, moved into eastern Europe and put pressure on Germanic Visigoths
Visigoths moved south and west to avoid the Huns, crossing the Danube River into Roman territory, and settling down as Roman allies, until they revolted.
Romans attempted to stop revolt in 378, but were defeated by the Visigoths.
Increasing numbers of Germans now crossed frontiers
410: Visigoths sacked Rome
Another group, the Vandals, poured into southern Spain and Africa
Crossed into Italy from northern Africa and in 455 also sacked Rome
Words vandal and vandalize come from this ruthless tribe
476: western emperor Romulus Augustulus is deposed by Germanic head of army, this marks fall of Western Roman Empire
A series of German kingdoms replace the Western Roman Empire
The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive with its center at Constantinople