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The Fall of the Roman
Empire
The major causes for collapse
Two Important Leaders
Diocletian
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Roman General,
implemented very strict
laws
Realized the Roman
Empire was too big for
one person to manage,
so he split the empire in
two
Diocletian ruled the
eastern part, his coemperor ruled the west
Constantine
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Diocletian’s son; also ruled the eastern half
of the Roman Empire; eventually ruled the
whole empire
Created the city of Constantinople, the
capital of the eastern empire
Most important: supported the spread of
Christianity throughout the Roman empire
The Causes for Decline
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Military
Social
Economic
Political
Military
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Armies from Germania
invaded, were stronger
than roman army
Defending the empire
was really expensive
because it was so huge
Military became less loyal
to Rome, tried to
interfere in the
government
Social
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Rome became split between
the really rich and the really
poor
Bread and circuses: rather
than address the problems of
the poor, the government
gave them free food and
public entertainment
Romans lost faith in their
government and pride in
their empire
Economic
 Taxes were very high
 Inflation was high; money
lost its value
 Rome stopped conquering
areas and lost its war loot
 Less farming meant less
food trading
 Less manufacturing meant
fewer jobs less trading
Political
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Empire was split in
two, hard to manage
Eastern Empire
became more
powerful than
Western Empire
Government became
very corrupt
Weak emperors
Military constantly
trying to take control
Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
The important Question
Answer in your notes (you will probably
see this question again)
 Which of the four causes was the most
important for the decline of the Roman
empire? Why?
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