The DECLINE & FALL OF ROME

1. The DECLINE & FALL OF ROME CH.5 SEC.5

2. PROBLEMS & UPHEAVALS • LIFE AFTER “5 GOOD EMPERORS” • Civil wars were fought for control of Rome • Military govts became the only way to take and control power • Over the next 50 years, Rome had 22 emperors! (235 – 284 A.D.) • An economic collapse and plagues further weakened Rome

3. DioCletian Ruled from 284 – 305 A.D. Divided Roman Empire into 4 parts (tetrarchy) Able to hold ultimate power because of his military might

4. Constantine Ruled from 306 – 337 A.D. Unified the empire again for a short time Built a new great city in E. Rome (Byzantinium, then Constantinople, then Istanbul) Helped make Christianity a major religion in Rome

5. Problems & Upheavals • Legacy of Diocletian & Constantine • Used military might as the main way to keep control • Large bureaucracies caused inflation in the Empire • Created laws that forced workers to remain in their trade, making jobs hereditary • Strict control helped Rome remain stable for another 100 years

6. The Fall of rome • Fall of Rome • East & Western Rome did not stay unified over time • Germanic tribes began attacking Western Roman Empire (Huns, Visigoths, Vandals) • Because of no military strength, Rome was plundered and occupied by many different tribes • The capture of Emperor Romulus Augutus marks the fall of W. Roman Empire • The E. Roman lasted another 1000 years

7. The Fall of rome • Reasons for Rome’s Fall • Rise of Christianity weakened Rome’s “military mindset” • Roman unity & culture declined as more and more non-Italians became a part of the Empire • Lead poisoning was widespread and caused a mental decline • Plagues wiped out 1/10 of Rome’s population • Rome relied too much on slavery and didn’t advance technologically • Rome could not stick to a workable govt system