The Fall of Rome

1. The Fall of Rome Chapter 6 section 5

2. Key Terms • Inflation • Diocletian • Attila

3. The Empire Weakens • Weak Leaders • No strong leaders • Civil wars • Increased threat of invasion in east and the west • Empires demands and military cause economic crisis

4. The Empire Weakens • Empire became military dictatorship • Deposed emperors and put in their own leaders • 20 emperors ruled between 235-284 • All but one died violently

5. Economic Troubles • Robbery and piracy increased • No conquests no new wealth • Minted coins with less silver • Inflation-dramatic rise in prices

6. Attempts at Reform • Diocletian • 284 AD • Changed emperor to absolute monarchy • Ruled accountable to no one • Divided empire in two • He ruled eastern • Both emperors called Caesars

7. Attempts at Reform • Diocletian • Forced society into rigid order • Sons follow trades and social positions of their father • Peasants permanently tied to the land • Increased the army • Defense received the most attention

8. Attempts at Reform • Economy under state control • New tax system • Saved empire from economic collapse

9. Constantine • Constantine • Decided to abdicate 305 AD • 312 AD restored order • Kept state control • Supported Christianity • Built capitol to Constantinople • Better able to defend was richer

10. Invasion and Fall • Germanic tribes raided Rome’s frontiers • 300’s the Huns came from the east • Huns formed vast empires • Visigoths were frightened • 410 King Alaric sacked Rome

11. Invasions and Fall • Huns pushed more tribes towards Roman Empire • Vandals attacked Rome 450 • Destroyed everything in their path

12. Invasion and Fall • Attila led attack on Gaul • Roman Army allied with the Visigoths • Defeated Huns in 451 • Attila withdrew from Gaul turned to Rome • Pope Leo persuaded Attila to avoid Rome

13. Fall of the West • Germanic tribes ruled the western provinces • Odoacer overthrew the last emperor • Eastern Empire still strong • Became Byzantine Empire