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FALL OF ROME

FALL OF ROME. Roman Empire at its height 117 C.E. Problems cause Rome to split the empire. Emperor Diocletian splits the empire into East and West – too large Each half is ruled by an “Augustus” who was assisted then replaced by a “Caesar” – helped to stop civil wars.

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FALL OF ROME

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  1. FALL OF ROME

  2. Roman Empire at its height 117 C.E.

  3. Problems cause Rome to split the empire • Emperor Diocletian splits the empire into East and West – too large • Each half is ruled by an “Augustus” who was assisted then replaced by a “Caesar” – helped to stop civil wars

  4. Diocletian’s plan seems good but shortly after his reign, CONSTANTINE – • Became sole emperor • Moved the capital to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople) • Converted to Christianity

  5. ROME CAN’T BE SAVED

  6. Internal Forces 3 Main Categories: Political Economic Social External Forces - Invaders, also called barbarians The Fall of Rome

  7. Political • Corruption in government • Empire too large to control • Emperors plotted against each other for control instead of uniting • Civil wars • Government lost loyalty as patricians moved to villas and stopped caring about government • Army deteriorates

  8. Economic • Slavery = Laziness • Welfare system • Taxation • Decrease in trade

  9. Social • Christianity • Loss of citizen’s confidence and loyalty • Population declines • Contrast between rich and poor • Too many cultures • Bread and circuses • Plague

  10. External Forces Invaders, also called barbarians, began to invade in the 3rd century. Germanic tribes from northern Europe crossed the Roman frontier and invaded Greece, Italy, Spain, and coastal areas of Asia Minor. The warmer climate, rich farmlands, and wealth of the Roman lands attracted the Germanic tribes. By the 5th century, the Roman Empire was overrun by barbarians.

  11. GERMANIC TRIBES • 1. Visogoths = early victories (378) and sack of Rome (410). Most important tribe in bringing down Rome. • 2. Vandals = invade Gaul and Spain then take N. Africa. They disrupt trade. 3. Angles and Saxons = Britain • 4. Franks = Gaul

  12. The Fall of Rome Once the Roman army could no longer defend its borders, Germanic tribes began pouring into Europe. One Roman province fell after another. In 476 A.D., the Western Roman emperor was overthrown. Odoacer was then proclaimed king of Italy. The ancient world was drawing to a close.

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