Transcript Unit 3: Roman and byzantine Empires TEMPLATE

Monday 10/7:
Fall of the Roman Empire



Objective: Examine the reasons for the fall of
the Roman Empire.
Turn in your worksheet and video questions from
Friday.
Bell Work #18: page 161 “Invasions into the
Roman Empire” Map
 Answer
the 2 skillbuilder questions
What were the causes of each
condition that led to the decline
of the Roman Empire?
Disruption of Trade

Raids from hostile tribes and pirates in the
Mediterranean
Gold and Silver Drain


Frequent and expensive wars
Lavish spending by the wealthy
Inflation

To pay off debts, Government raised taxes
and coined more money with less silver
Decline of Loyalty and
Discipline in Military


Recruitment of foreign mercenaries
Fighting among military commanders for the
throne
Citizen indifference and loss of
patriotism


Declining economic, military and social
conditions
High personal cost of holding political office
(assassination)
Diocletian’s Steps to Restore
Order and Reform the Empire





Doubled armies
Fixed Prices
Ordered farmers and workers to remain in
jobs
Claimed descent from Roman gods
Divide empire to 4 emperors
Constantine’s Reforms




Extended reforms of Diocletian
Restored concept of single ruler
Moved capital from Rome to Byzantium
Conversion to Christianity
Final Collapse of the western
Roman Empire




Worsening internal conditions
Invasions by Germanic tribes and Huns
Separation of western empire for wealthier
eastern part
Final emperor steps down from power in
Rome in 476 AD