Download The Fall of Rome Slot Notes

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The Decline of the Roman Empire
November 24, 2008
Setting the Scene
In 180 AD the ____________________ comes to an end with the death of emperor
Marcus Aurelius.
Political and economic turmoil for the next 100 years.
Struggles for Power
Disruptive
Emperors
In
political pattern emerges.
were overthrown by ambitious generals who had support from their troops.
a __________ year span Rome went through __________ emperors.
Economic and Social Problems
High
taxes to support the army and government burdened business people and small
farmers.
Farmland
lost its productivity. __________________ had to leave their land and work
for ____________________.
Emperor Diocletian
In 284 he divides the Roman Empire into two parts.
Diocletian controls the wealthier _______________ part and appoints a co-emperor to
rule the western provinces.
Emperor Diocletian (Continued)
Increases the prestige of the emperor by creating ceremonies for himself.
Fixed prices for goods and services. Tried to ensure steady production of foods and
other goods.
Farmers were forced to remain on the land. Sons were required to follower their
father’s ___________________.
Emperor Constantine
Becomes emperor in __________.
Continued Diocletian’s reforms with __________ new additions.
Emperor Constantine (Continued)
Granted
toleration to _____________________which led to rapid growth of
Christianity within the empire
 Built a new capital in ____________________. This made the eastern portion of the
empire the center of power.
Economy was revived.
Mixed Results
Helped hold the empire together for another ____________________.
The reforms failed to stop the long-term decline.
Foreign Invasions

The Huns (Nomadic people):
- ____________________.
- Roman legions were unable to halt the invading Huns.
- Roman empire surrendered Britain, France, and Spain.
Rome Defeated
New waves of invaders attacked the Roman Empire.
The Visigoths
overran Italy and destroyed Rome.
The _______________
attacked through France and Spain into North Africa.
Rome Defeated (Continued)
 ____________________ (Hun leader) led a savage conquest across much of Europe in
434. The Hun invasion sent Germanic peoples into the Roman Empire.
Odoacer
(Germanic leader) ousts the emperor of Rome in 476.
Causes of the Fall of Rome
Military causes: Rome hired ____________________ (foreign soldiers serving for
pay) who had no loyalty.
Political causes: Civil wars over who would be chosen as emperor.
Causes of the Fall of Rome (Continued)
Economic Causes: Increase in taxes. Farmers abandoned their land. Middle class sank
into poverty. Population declined because of __________ and _______________.
Social Causes: Decline in patriotism, discipline, and devotion to duty.