The Long Decline5.5

Objectives

• Explain how and why the Roman empire divided.

• Describe how waves of invaders contributed to the decline of the Roman empire.

• Identify the various types of problems that led to the fall of Rome.

Pax Romana

• Period of Peace in the Roman Empire• 27 B.C. to 180 AD (after the civil wars)• Cultural achievements (Hadrian’s Wall, Roads

etc..)• Strong, professional army on the boarders

prevented massive conflict • More importantly, Rome was united under

one ruler.

Overview

• The end of the “good times”– Massive Inflation– From 235-285 there were 26 emperors (only 1

died of natural causes). – Mercenaries and loss of pride/service coupled

with border issues. – Diocletian divides empire into East/West

The Roman Empire Divides

Diocletian Shares Power

• 284 A.D. , Diocletian divided the empire into two parts– He ruled the wealthy East– Maximian ruled the West

• Looked to slow inflation– Fixed prices

Constantine

• 312 -337 A.D.• Declared a new Capital• Byzantium

-He later renamed it Constantinople-Became new economic and social center of the empire.

Invaders Threaten the Roman Empire• As the Huns invaded eastern Europe,

Germanic tribes fled toward Rome for safety• Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and other Germanic

tribes

The Huns

• Arrived in Europe around 370 AD• Attila comes on the scene in 434• Attacked Rome when they did not pay all of

their tribute (“Scourge of God”)• By 453 Attila had died but damage done

Rome is Sacked “The End”

• The Vandals– Sacked Rome in 455 leaving it in shambles

• By mid 5th Century German Chiefs not Roman Emperors held all real power– 476 AD Odoacer became the first Germanic King

of Italy (Romulus Augustus last Emperor in West)– Only half of empire left.

Causes for Rome’s fall

Weakened army– Barbarization (changes perception of people)– Legions to the borders/civil war

• Oppressive government– Gap between rich and poor– Corrupt/inept emperors– Christianity’s message contradicts “Roman Ideals”

Political Causes

• Government lost support of the people• Throne was constantly changing• Empire was divided (East/West)

Economic Weakness

• Relied on slave labor• Heavy taxes• Shrinking middle class

Internal - Social Decay

• Decline in traditional values (patriotism, discipline, and devotion to duty)

• Examples?

Grouping the Causes• External:

-Military attacks- Splitting the Empire-Huns/Barbarians-Disease reaching the empire (?)-Growing weakness of the military (mercenaries v. citizen soldiers)

• Internal:-Political Turmoil-Economic Weakness-Social Decay