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Transcript
The Decline of Rome’s Empire The Empire at its height, c 250 Emperor Nerva r 96-98 • He initiated the adoptive system to provide for competent rulers Marcus Aurelius r 161-180 • He broke the adoptive pattern of succession by naming his son, Commodus as his heir and next emperor Commodus r 180-192 • His rule was one of debauchery, paranoia and insanity • Had Rome renamed as colonia Commodiana • Believed he was Hercules reborn • Most infamous act: slaughtered physically handicapped people dressed up as mythical enemies of the gods The Crisis of the 3rd Century: Anarchy and Disorder: • From 235-285, there were 26 Soldier Emperors, 25 of whom died violent deaths • Referred to as “Barracks emperors” their power was derived from the military which sold itself to the highest bidder. • Military mutinies and civil wars replaced protection of the borders. Two Emperors who tried to contain the awesome forces of disintegration: • Both Diocletian (285-305) and Constantine (306-337) faced the problem of threats to the borders from the Germans and from Persia • They also had to deal with the on-going economic crises that was eroding the high standard of living which characterized the Pax Romana Diocletian • To insure production of goods, farmers, artisans and unskilled workers had to hold their job for life and pass it on to their children • Fixed prices on all goods grown or manufactured Diocletian, The Tetrarchy, 285-305 Constantine, 306-331 • The first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity, turning the empire into a Christian state In 324, Constantine moves East The Germanic Tribes c. 362 Turning point: Battle of Adrianople, 378 • Rome faced its worst defeat since the Battle of Cannae (Hannibal) • The Emperor Valens was captured and killed • The Goth cavalry was superior over the Roman foot soldiers • Significance: Rome could no longer secure its borders against new tactics of warfare Theodosius, 379-385 The last Emperor to who could claim to rule both East and West. Upon his death, the empire was divided between his two sons, Arcadius (East) and Honorius (West) • Visigoth chief Alaric was the first non-Roman to rule the city in 800 years. He left in three days, after highlyorganized, but relatively non-violent looting. End of an Empire: 476 • Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman Emperor was deposed by a German chieftan named Odoacer who claimed the western crown for himself. Rome’s last gasps… Theodoric the Great 489-526 • - Ostrogoth king ruled Italy from Rome… after killing Odoacer • His rule was enlightened, peaceful and just- praised by Romans & barbarians. • Retained the Roman Senate, civil service and schools. Old, aristocratic families still held high positions in the government The real end of Rome… • By 544 Totila had established control of northern Italy at Ravenna. In 546, his Gothic army sacked Rome, destroying baths, sewers, aqueducts, temples and government buildings.