1. DECLINE AND FALL Big Idea: Germanic tribes help bring the empire to its end.

2. Problems and upheavals Pax Roma ends 100yrs instability civil wars- military government (22 emperors). Almost economic collapse. Reforms Diocletian empire west & east -4 co-emperors. Constantine new eastern capital Constantinople- Rome -western capital Christianity. Population not growing taxes couldn't fund army & gov. Inflation (decrease in money value =rise in prices) Diocletian- price edict, set wages & prices.

3. The Fall Germanic Tribes- threaten western empire. Huns (Asia) invade Europe Visigoths & Vandals -into Roman territory. In 476 A.D. Romulus Augustus was deposed of by Germans- Fall of the Western Roman Empire.

4. Theories of Decline -Western Roman Empire 1. Christianity -weakened Roman military virtues. 2. Traditional Roman values decline 3. Lead poisoning in water pipes &cups-mental decline in population. 4. Plague 5. Failed to advance technologically due to slavery 6. Couldn’t create workable political system. No single explanation can explain by itself.

5. 5-5 Section Review What was the epidemic disease? Plague Diocletian and Constantine did what? Enlarge the army, enlarge the civil service and force people to stay in jobs. What was Constantine’s capital? Constantinople The Western Roman Empire was besieged by what? Huns, Visigoths, and Germanic tribes

6. 5-5 Section Review Who deposed western emperor? Romulus Augustulus What were theories about why the Roman Empire declined? A decline of old values, Christianity, the plague What is a rapid increase in prices Inflation After the last “good emperor,” Marcus Aurelius, died in A.D. 180, what happened? Conflict and confusion followed

7. 5-5 Section Review Who sacked Rome in 455? The Vandals Diocletian dived the empire into what? Four units