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Fall of Rome. What factors contributed to the Downfall of Rome? Can an Empire survive without a stable form of government? Why did the Eastern Roman Empire survive after the fall?. Review of Roman Religion. Polytheistic But tolerant of other religions Rome takes over Judaea.
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Fall of Rome What factors contributed to the Downfall of Rome? Can an Empire survive without a stable form of government? Why did the Eastern Roman Empire survive after the fall?
Review of Roman Religion • Polytheistic • But tolerant of other religions • Rome takes over Judaea. • Judaism (Jews) reside here • Turns into Christianity.
What Is Christianity? • Christianity is a world religion, • A “Western” religion • The largest world religion today (about 2 billion) • It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ (Messiah) & the “Son of God.”
Jesus • Spread the teachings of Christianity • His preaching was controversial. • Some saw him as a revolutionary • Finally turned over to Rome for crucifixion. • Jesus not the only Christian Persecuted. • All Christians face persecution. • Christianity grows anyway. • Christianity and its followers were too strong. • Rome adapts Christianity • Constantine (1st Christian Emperor)
End of PaxRomana • Last of good or peaceful emperors dies • Civil War breaks out • Weak rulers • Invasions • These uncertain times cause the economy to decline again • Plague
Reforms • Diocletian • Broke Rome into 4 parts. • Each had their own leader • Diocletian’s military control allowed him to be the leader of the four units. • Constantine • Expanded on Diocletian’s reforms • Made new capital (Constantinople) AKA New Rome • Reforms • Focus on military and public service • Used a lot of money • Economy not looking good
Fall • Invasion by other Germanic Tribes • Into Western Rome • Christianity weakened military virtues • Lead poisoning through water lead to a mental decline in population • Plague wiped out 1/10 of population • Did not advance technologically • Political instability • Went through many rulers.. Not effective
West v East • Western Rome Falls apart • Eastern Rome still stands • Evolves into Byzantine Empire (modern Russia) • Justinian was the Emperor • Wanted to re-establish the empire • But died suddenly • Coded Roman laws • After his death his empire is taken over by Islamic tribes