Fall of the Roman EmpireMs. Carmelitano

CrisisThe 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 problemsBy the 3rd century, AD Rome

began facing problems◦Within and outside of the Empire

1. PoliticalThe 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

2. SocialHarvest in western Europe became

meager◦Overworked soil◦Years of war destroyed farmland◦Food shortages and disease lowered the

size of the populationDecline Morals of Romans

◦Disloyalty and lack of patriotism and corruption among the citizens

◦Growing contrast between rich and poor

3. Economy WeakensPirates on the Mediterranean

disrupted sea tradeNo 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

4. Military TurmoilRoman 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

Attempt at ReformRome 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

The Roman Empire DividesDiocletian 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

http://riversfromeden.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/tetrarchy-map.jpg

Rise of ConstantineDiocletian 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

ConstantineGained control of the western

portion of the empire in 312 ADGained control of the east, restored

the empire in 324 AD330 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

5. Outside Invasion: The West FallsGermanic 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

Attila the Hun444 AD all Huns united under

Attila100,000 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

Romulus Augustus14 year old emperor Ousted by German forces in 476

ADWestern power fellEastern half, now called

Byzantine flourished