the fall of rome lp 2.5. the fall of rome for centuries after the rule of its first emperor, begun...

The Fall of Rome

LP 2.5

The Fall of Rome

For centuries after the rule of its first emperor, begun in 27 B.C., the Roman Empire was the most powerful state in the ancient world. Rome continued to expand to include 3 continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Roman Empire Expansion

Many factors cause the decline of Rome

By the second century, the Roman Empire seemed indestructible. Yet, by the end of the fifth century it had collapsed. Rome did not fall instantly.Instead the empire went through a long slow decline. Many conditions caused the fall of Rome including internal (inside) and external (outside) forces.

The Fall of Rome

Internal Forces

3 Main Categories:- Political - Economic- Social

External Forces

- Invaders, also called barbarians

Internal Forces

Political • Corruption in government• Plebeians had no rights• Empire too large to control• Emperors plotted against

each other for control instead of uniting

• Civil wars• Government lost loyalty as

patricians moved to villas and stopped caring about government

• Army deteriorates

Economic

• Slavery• Unemployment• Welfare system• Taxation• Forced labor• Decrease in trade

Social

• Christianity• Loss of citizen’s

confidence and loyalty• Population declines• Hierarchical classes• Too many cultures• Bread and circuses• Plague

Spread of Christianity

External Forces

External Forces

Invaders, also called barbarians, began to invade in the 3rd century. Germanic tribes from northern Europe crossed the Roman frontier and invaded Greece, Italy, Spain, and coastal areas of Asia Minor. The warmer climate, rich farmlands, and wealth of the Roman lands attracted the Germanic tribes. By the 5th century, the Roman Empire was overrun by barbarians.

Barbarian Invaders Map

Important People

Diocletian Attila the Hun

Odoacer Constantine

Diocletian

Odoacer

Attila the Hun

Constantine

The Fall of RomeOnce the Roman army could no longer defend its borders, Germanic tribes began pouring into Europe. One Roman province fell after another. In 476 A.D., the Western Roman emperor was overthrown. Odoacer was then proclaimed king of Italy. The ancient world was drawing to a close.

Social Problems

So…What were the major social problems of Rome?

Chaos in the Empire

Why was the Empire so Chaotic?

Constantine is now Emperor

How did Constantine try to settle the empire?

Time to Negotiate

What was the reason that Rome decided to negotiate with the Barbarians?

Negotiations fail….Rome falls

So… HOW DID ROME FALL?

Works CitedSlide 3- http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~atlas/europe/interactive/map26.html

Slide 4 map of roman empire atlas book

Slide 8- www.romanempire.net/graphics/senate.gif

Slide 9- http://myron.sjsu.edu/romeweb/economy/economy.htm

Slide 10- www.roman-empire.net/graphics/gladiator.gif

Slide 11- http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~atlas/europe/interactive/map31.html

Slide 12- www.roman-empire.net/graphics/small-cannae.gif

Slide 14- http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~atlas/europe/interactive/map21.html

Slide16- http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/6946/images/diocletian3.jpg

Slide 17- http://www.doser.org/his9/ancient_rome_pics/4.jpg-

Slide 18- odoacer

Slide 19-

http://encarta.msn.com/find/MediaMax.asp?pg=3&ti=00566000&idx=461515441

attila 3 of them

Slide 20- http://www.roman-emperors.org/constai.jpg