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The Decline & “ F all ” of Rome

The Decline & “ F all ” of Rome. Review. The republic phase of Roman history ended after the failure of the Second Triumvirate. This began the empire phase of Roman history.

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The Decline & “ F all ” of Rome

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  1. The Decline & “Fall” of Rome

  2. Review • The republic phase of Roman history ended after the failure of the Second Triumvirate. This began the empire phase of Roman history. • The early empire was governed by the five good emperors. These emperors enacted political, social, and legislative reforms. Many of these emperors also spared no expense in improving Roman cities. • The last of the good emperors, Marcus Aurelius, died in 180 A.C.E. After Aurelius’ death, Roman history is marred by political, economic, and social upheaval.

  3. Political Upheaval Septimius Severus (193-211) • After the reign of Marcus Aurelius, Rome succumbed to a paralyzing cycle of civil wars. • During this period (235-284), the Roman throne was held by whoever had the military might to seize it. • There were 22 emperors in this 49 year time span. “Pay the soldiers, and ignore everyone else.”

  4. Economic Upheaval • Decline in trade & small industry • Farm production declined • Labor shortages due to plague • Led to lack of money

  5. Military Upheaval • Invasions and civil wars • Plague affected military recruiting • No money torecruit • Rome was forced to resort to enlisting Germanic tribes into military service, but Germans had no understanding of Roman and little loyalty for the emperors or Rome.

  6. New Life • Diocletian (284-305) • Believed the empire had become too large for one ruler. • Divided the empire into 4 sections • Each section had a “little” emperor • Diocletian retained supreme control Diocletian

  7. New life • Diocletian also enacted reforms that were aimed at combating the issues facing Rome’s weakening army and her ever dwindling economy • Constantine (306-337) -Continued Diocletian’s policies • Centered his focus on the creationof a new city: Constantinople

  8. A quick word The reforms of Diocletian and Constantine failed! The empire is consolidated into two halves. Constantinople becomes the capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire

  9. The “Fall” • Floods of PNB’s invade the Western Roman Empire, especially beginning in the latter half of the fourth century. • Rome is unable to withstand the strain. In 476 A.C.E., Romulus Augustulus, is deposed by the head of his army, a German. This marks the end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire survives for another 1,000 years.

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