1. 12/17 Focus-
Events and conditions inside and outside the Roman Empire weakened it and led to its collapse in 476 AD.
Do Now:
Identify the role Paul of Tarsus played in the establishment of the early Christian church.

2. Review
Fill in the Venn diagram by identifying the characteristics that are unique to Judaism and Christianity on the left or right and the similar characteristics in the center.
Monotheistic
Torah
New Testament
Bible
Salvation by following the teachings of Jesus
10 Commandments
Formed from the beliefs of the Hebrews

3. Ancient Rome
The Fall of Rome

4. The Fall of Rome
Pax Romana comes to end when Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies
Weak leadership could not solve problems facing the empire
Economic crisis
Increasing threats of invasion from eastern and western borders
20 Emperors between AD
All but 1 died violently

5. Attempts at Reform
Emperors Diocletian and Constantine attempt to reform Rome and slow its decline
Diocletian
Constantine

6. Division of the Empire
The Emperor Diocletian divides the Empire into the East and West
Appoints a co-emperor to run the west
Wanted to make the empire easier to manage by reducing its size
Increases his own power over the government and society
Tax increases and manufacturing activities geared toward defending the empire

7. Moving the Capital The Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan
Makes Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire
Located in modern day Turkey
Eastern Empire was richer from trade and better protected from barbarian invasions

8. Reasons for the Fall of Rome
Social
Political
Economic
Military

9. Political Causes Government became too strict and oppressive
People did not support the government
Civil War and unrest
Division of the empire weakened Rome
Imperialism
Roman expansion increased number of enemies

10. Social Causes People not interested in public affairs
Apathy
Decline in patriotism and loyalty to Rome
Rise of Christianity
People started to follow the church leaders rather than government

11. Economic Decline Did not have riches from war plunder
very high taxes on people
Needed to support the government and defend the empire
Inflation
Dramatic rise in prices and devaluing of currency
Heavy reliance on slave labor
High unemployment of the working class
Could not compete with low cost of goods from foreign trade
Plebs became dependent on assistance from the government

12. Military Rome became too big to defend
Roman army became undisciplined and lacked training
Romans forced to hire foreign mercenaries
Soldiers who fight for whoever will pay them rather than loyalty to a country or idea
Invasions by Germanic tribes and Huns( AD)
Romans referred to them as barbarians
476 AD Germanic tribes attack Rome and overthrow the Roman Emperor
This is marked as the end of the Roman Empire

14. Closure
Identify two ways that Diocletian and Constantine attempted to slow the decline of Rome.
What can we learn as a powerful nation in the world from the fall of the Roman Empire?