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Transcript
Section III: The Empire Declines (Pages 138-143) This section is about: Problems in Rome's government and social structure that weakened the empire. Fifty years of turmoil in the Roman Empire. Fifty years of order restored by Diocletian and Constantine. Rome having more of the same problems and finally being overrun by invaders in the fifth century. Let’s start by looking at how all this ends – on page 143 (top right). It also asks the question: How was the fall of the Roman Empire linked to economic problems within the empire? Does this have anything to do with the U.S. today? Leisure Time in Rome Most of the time in Rome, there was a big difference in the lives of rich and poor. So… Rome provided free entertainment. Theaters: Comedies and Dramas. Chariot Races at Circus Maximus. Entertainment at the Coliseum (women in the top rows / slaves standing) – battles between wild animals and humans, or gladiators – all usually ending in a death. Rome's Colossally Cool Colosseum The Emperor Commodus was more interested in entertainment than government. He liked to fight as a gladiator. He ruled as a tyrant (like his hero Hercules). When the government was short on money, he’d have citizens murdered and take their wealth. It was a time of great inflation. Rulers were becoming more and more brutal and the army was growing stronger. When prices rise sharply and quickly In 192 AD, Commodus was assassinated. There was a civil war, his son (Septimius) got power, and there was peace for a while. Septimius’ son Caracalla did 2 big things: built some beautiful baths, and gave citizenship to almost all free residents of the empire. Two more rulers take over after him, but both were weak (only 14 when they took over). In the next 50 years, there were 20 different rulers (only 2 died a natural death) The army was so involved in who new leaders were going to be, it neglected to protect the Roman Empire’s borders. Gaul, the Goths, and Persians all defeated the Romans in battles. Because of all the wars and some disease, populations declined. The army was working harder to defend Rome and wanted more money. So, the people were charged higher taxes. And, more inflation and less trade/commerce/industry. Rome was ready to collapse (but… Diocletian came along) As emperor, he made 2 big decisions right away (saved Rome for 200 more years). 1. He divided the leadership of the Roman Empire. He had a co-emperor, and each had an assistant (called a tetrarchy). 2. He split the empire into an eastern and western half. This tetrarchy was successful (it helped that all 4 men were good at their jobs). Group of 4 people who are in charge Diocletian also: Doubled the size of the army (to half a million men). He organized the provinces into smaller territories. He improved the tax rates. He fixed prices for goods and services. Changed what he was called to “dominus.” Surrounded himself with great ceremony. And, in 305 AD, he abdicated. Quit his position areas of land – like a state After Diocletian ”retired” You know what happens – civil war breaks out. Two people fight for control – Constantine wins and becomes sole emperor. Constantine In the middle of one of his biggest battles of that civil war, Constantine had a vision. He saw a Christian cross in the sky with the words “In this sign you will conquer.” At that point, he became a Christian – and soon gave the freedom to worship to all citizens of his empire. Constantine became the first Christian Emperor of Rome. He also: re-united the two halves of the Empire, founded a new city (Constantinople), which for the first time made the capital of Rome on the eastern half of their empire. When Constantine died… the Roman Empire began to fall apart Now that the empire was growing weak, Germanic tribes (from the north), were starting to be successful when they attacked Roman troops. Theodosius was the last Roman emperor to rule over the entire empire. When he died, the western half of the Roman Empire fell apart. In 410 AD (for the first time) Rome fell to a foreign invader 410: 429: 455: 460: 476: The Visigoths (led by Alaric) The Vandals (in northern Africa) The Vandals (in Rome) The Angles and Saxons (in England) The Ostrogoth’s (Odoacer) forced Rome to surrender This is called “the Fall of the Roman Empire” A Tour Through Ancient Rome Horrible Histories: Gladiator School Horrible Histories: Gladiator Blindfold Horrible Histories: The Fall of the Roman Empire