The Roman Empire & the Fall of Rome OBJECTIVE: TO UNDERSTAND WHAT LED TO THE FALL OF ROME

Transcription

1 The Roman Empire & the Fall of Rome OBJECTIVE: TO UNDERSTAND WHAT LED TO THE FALL OF ROME

2 The Emperors After Augustus, his stepson Tiberius became ruler. Tiberius was an capable administrator and excellent general. Caligula, Claudius, and Nero were all part of Caesar s dynasty. Titus reigned during the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Rome s borders expanded into Wales during the reign of Domitian.

3 Internal Policies The treasury was increased under Tiberius, Vespasian, and Domitian. Trade prospered Public works and building activities expanded. Additional aqueducts and marble palaces, temples, and theaters were constructed during Claudius s reign. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

4 Religion Worship of traditional Roman gods and the emperor was required on everybody as a sign of loyalty to the state. This failed to satisfy everyone s search for a more ethical life. Judaism was important because as traders and financiers, the Jews influenced the economy of Rome. They often resisted integration into the Roman Empire.

5 Christianity Followers of Jesus the Nazorean, started to spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. St Peter and St Paul were two followers of Jesus who were important in spreading Christianity throughout Rome. Christianity was popular among the poor because it promised a better life after death. Christians were often persecuted for not worshipping the Roman gods until the reign of Constantine.

6 Five Good Emperors Under Trajan and Hadrian, the Empire extended into northern England, Aribia, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. Revolts in Judaea and the Black Sea were quickly suppressed. Roads were built and postal services established to the new provinces. The Pax Romana remained and few troops were needed to maintain it. The last of the Good Emperors was Marcus Aurelius. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

7 The Decline of Rome Starting with Commodus, the Roman empire began to shrink. Corruption was common among political leaders, law and order were no longer maintained, and piracy and highway robbery increased. The decline of public life and morals occurred along with inflation. Not enough grain was produced to feed the lower class. Public events such as circuses were sponsored to keep their minds off of politics.

8 The Split of the Empire Diocletian divided the empire because revolts began to break out in many of the outlying provinces. Civil war broke out and Constantine defeated the other contenders to reunite the Empire. Constantine granted toleration to the Christians and was believed to have converted to Christianity. In 324 AD, Constantine chose a new capital in the eastern part of the Empire which he named Constantinople.

9 Fall of the Roman Empire With the death of emperor Theodosius in 395 AD, the empire was divided into the Western and Eastern empires. Rome remained the capital for the western half while Constantinople was the capital for the eastern half. The economic gap grew further apart between the rich landholders and the middle class who received heavy taxation.

10 Fall Continued. Invading groups such as the Huns and Germanic tribes started to weaken the empire. In 476 AD, the German leader Odoacer disposed of the last emperor Romulus Augustulus. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

11 Assignment Write ½ page on which civilization of the Ancient World you would want to be a part of and why.