Section 5: Decline & Fall

TargetsExplain why the Roman Empire gained a new lease on life under Diocletian and Constantine. Analyze how ferocious warriors from Asia and Germany finally brought an end to the Roman Empire.

I. The Decline180 A.D. a period of conflict & confusion

Political UpheavalsFrom 235 to 284, 22 emperors occupied the Roman throne20 of these emperors met violent deathSeries of invasions

Economic & Military ProblemsInvasions, civil wars & plague caused an economic collapse of the Roman EmpireDecline in trade & small industrylabor shortage

Economic & Military ProblemsPlague (epidemic disease) affected both military & economyFarm production declinedFinancial strains made it difficult to pay soldiers

II. The Reforms of Diocletian & ConstantineEnd of 3rd century & beginning of 4th two emperors helped the EmpireNew governmental structure, rigid economic & social system & new state religion, Christianity

The Reforms of Diocletian & ConstantineDiocletian divided the empire into four unitsBoth rulers strengthened & enlarged the administrative bureaucracies

The Reforms of Diocletian & ConstantinePolitical & military reforms greatly enlarged the army & civil serviceinflation - a rapid increase in prices

The Reforms of Diocletian & ConstantineConstantine constructed a new capital city in the east, the Greek city of Byzantiumrenamed it ConstantinopleCalled it his New Romebuilt large palaces & forum

The Reforms of Diocletian & ConstantineTemporally successful, such policies in the long run stifled the very vitality the Late Empire needed to revive its sagging fortunes

III. The FallCapital of the Western Roman Empire remained RomeConstantinople remained the capital of the Eastern Roman EmpirePressure from invading Germanic tribes

Maps and Charts 4

The FallThe Germanic Visigoths, crossed the Danube River378 Visigoths defeated the Romansin 410, the Visigoths sacked RomeVandals poured into Spain

Maps and Charts 4

The Fall455 the Vandals, sacked Rome476 the western emperor was disposedThe Eastern Empire or Byzantine Empire continued to thrive

IV. Why did Rome FallChristianitys spiritual kingdom weakened Roman military virtuesTraditional Roman values declined, as non-Italians gained prominence

Why did Rome FallLead poisoning in leaden water pipes caused mental declinePlague wiped out 1/10 of the populationFailed to advance technology because of slavery

Why did Rome FallUnable to put together a workable political system

Analyzing Maps and Charts

Augustus Marcus Aurelius almost a hundred years

the Western Empirethe Eastern EmpireIllyricumByzantium