1. Fall of the Roman Empire Ms. Carmelitano

2. Crisis The start of the decline of the Roman Empire is blamed on Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) ◦ His reign ended Pax Romana ◦ Emperors failed to control the large empire with increasing problems By the 3 rd century, AD Rome began facing problems ◦ Within and outside of the Empire

3. 1. Political The Military began to fight over the throne ◦ Causing much civil war and unrest The emperor had difficulties controlling the massive empire ◦ Political office seen as a burden ◦ Division within the Empire Citizens became less loyal to government ◦ Romans had cared so much for the Republic that they would have sacrificed their life for it ◦ As citizens lost respect for the empire, they became indifferent to its fate

4. 2. Social Harvest in western Europe became meager ◦ Overworked soil ◦ Years of war destroyed farmland ◦ Food shortages and disease lowered the size of the population Decline Morals of Romans ◦ Disloyalty and lack of patriotism and corruption among the citizens ◦ Growing contrast between rich and poor

5. 3. Economy Weakens Pirates on the Mediterranean disrupted sea trade No new resources of Gold and Silver ◦ Because Rome ceased to expand ◦ Government had to raise taxes ◦ Started minting coins that had less silver in order to make more coins  This resulted in inflation: a drastic drop in the value of money coupled with rising prices

6. 4. Military Turmoil Roman military began to decline ◦ Soldiers were less disciplined and loyal ◦ Allegiance was given to commanders not Rome ◦ Commanders were constantly fighting for the throne Government recruited mercenaries ◦ Foreign soldiers fighting for money ◦ Not as loyal

7. Attempt at Reform Rome would survive another 200 years after Marcus Aurelius Diocletian Reforms ◦ 284 AD ◦ Diocletian was a strong willed military leader and new emperor  Reforms:  Doubled size of army  Gained control of inflation by setting fixed prices for goods  Claimed descent from ancient Roman Gods and created new ceremonies

8. The Roman Empire Divides Diocletian divided the empire in to 2 halves with 4 total parts by 293 AD ◦ “tetarchy” – means: rule by four  He felt it had become too large for one person to Control  There were two rulers in the west and 2 in the east  The 2 were expected to rule their halves as partners East: Greek Speaking ◦ Anatolia, Greece, Syria, Egypt ◦ Diocletian acted as Emperor West ◦ Italy, Spain, western Europe ◦ Not as wealthy as the east

10. Rise of Constantine Diocletian retired in 305 AD because of illness ◦ Civil War broke out between the remaining rulers  Constantine, Maximian, Galerius 311 ◦ Constantine was victorious at the Battle of Milivan Bridge

11. Constantine Gained control of the western portion of the empire in 312 AD Gained control of the east, restored the empire in 324 AD 330 AD moved capital from Rome to Greek city of Byzantium – in what is now Turkey ◦ He named the Capital Constantinople ◦ Surrounded the city with protective walls  Would again divide after Constantine's death

12. 5. Outside Invasion: The West Falls Germanic invasions ◦ 370 AD Mongol Nomads from Asia, the Huns, began to attack the western part of Rome  Germanic people fleeing moved into Roman lands barbarians – into Gaul, Spain, and North Africa  Franks  Visigoths  Vandals  Huns

13. Attila the Hun 444 AD all Huns united under Attila 100,000 soldiers ◦ Attacked east and western Rome  Could not get over the high walls of Constantinople  452 AD famine and disease kept them out ◦ Attila died in 453 AD, but the Germanic invasions continued

14. Romulus Augustus 14 year old emperor Ousted by German forces in 476 AD Western power fell Eastern half, now called Byzantine flourished