1. Late Roman Empire

2. Pax Romana –“Roman Peace” 27BC to 180AD –Roman Empire in its prime. Series of good emperors. –Characterized by the Romanization of much of the western world. Following the Pax Romana, Rome had a series of emperors who were generals. –Barracks Emperors (200’s AD) 17 emperors over 50 years. Seized power through force and violence. Two emperors will breathe new life into Rome before its collapse –Late Roman Empire

3. Diocletian Effective control was reestablished by Diocletian (Late 200s AD) –Divided the Empire into four districts Ruled by himself, a co- emperor, and two "caesars.“ Permanently divided the Empire.

4. Constantine Constantine (Early 300s AD) expanded upon Diocletian’s policies. –Built an entirely new capital – Byzantium. Rome = west. Byzantium = east. –Declared tolerance of Christianity. Edict of Milan Council of Nicea First Christian Emperor

5. So why did the Roman Empire decline and fall?