Chapter 6 Ancient Rome and Early Christianity

[Pages:21]Chapter 6 Ancient Rome and Early Christianity

Section 4 and 5

Section 4 The Decline of the Roman Empire

Rome declines after the rule of Marcus Aurelius. The rulers that followed were brutal and incompetent.

Raids from hostile tribes and pirates on the Mediterranean caused a disruption of trade

Fewer land were left to conquer so there was a resource and god and silver drain

Section 4 The Decline of the Roman Empire

To pay of debts Rome raised taxes, and they started minting coins that contained less and less silver, which created inflation.

Agriculture production decreased. Overworked soil lost fertility. Wars destroyed land. Higher taxes caused poor farmers to leave their farms.

Military troubles: Germanic tribes repeatedly overwhelmed the Roman legions, at the same time Persia threatened in Syria and Anatolia. Soldiers were loyal to commanders not to Rome because they were mercenaries who were paid to fight

Citizens became indifferent and a loss of patriotism because of the decline of the economy, military and social conditions.

Section 4: The Decline of the Roman Empire

Diocletian takes steps to restore order and reform the empire He doubled the size of the Roman army Fixed prices to control inflation Claimed to be a descent from Roman gods Divided the Roman Empire into the Eastern and Western

Constantine reforms empire

Extended the reforms started by Diocletian Restored the concept of single ruler Moved capital of Rome to Byzantium

Causes of the Final Collapse of Western Roman Empire

Worsening internal conditions Invasions by German tribes and Huns Separation of Western Empire from wealthier Eastern Empire Continued recruitment of non-Roman mercenaries help

cause a decline in patriotism and loyalty among soldiers. They were loyal to their commander not the empire. The Huns united under Attila and terrorized and plundered both parts of the empire

Attila the Hun

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