The Fall of the Rome Empire

Inflation Mercenary Diocletian Constantinople Attila

Weak Leaders› No strong leaders› Civil wars

Increased threat of invasion in east and the west

Empires demands and military cause economic crisis

Empire became military dictatorship

Deposed emperors and put in their own leaders

20 emperors ruled between 235-284

Robbery and piracy increased

No conquests no new wealth

Minted coins with less silver

Inflation-dramatic rise in prices

Third century AD military in disarray

Became less disciplined and loyal

Allegiance was to commander not Rome

Mercenaries-foreign soldiers who fought for money

Feelings of loyalty weakened amongst the citizens

Diocletian› 284 BC› Changed emperor

to absolute monarchy

› Ruled accountable to no one

› Divided empire in two

› He ruled eastern› Both emperors

called Caesars

• Diocletian– Forced society into

rigid order– Sons follow trades

and social positions of their father

– Peasants permanently tied to the land

– Increased the army – Defense received

the most attention

Economy under state control

New tax system Saved empire from

economic collapse

Constantine› Decided to

abdicate 305 BC› 312 BC restored

order› Kept state control› Supported

Christianity› Built capitol to

Constantinople› Better able to

defend was richer

• Germanic tribes raided Rome’s frontiers

• 300’s the Huns came from the east

• Huns formed vast empires

• Visigoths were frightened

• 410 King Alaric sacked Rome

Huns pushed more tribes towards roman Empire

Vandals attacked Rome 450

Destroyed everything in their pathAttila led

Attila led attack on Gaul

Roman Army allied with the Visigoths

Defeated Huns in 451

Attila withdrew from Gaul turned to Rome

Pope Leo persuaded Attila to avoid Rome

Germanic tribes ruled the western provinces

Odoacer overthrew the last emperor› 14 year old boy

Romulus Augustus Eastern Empire still

strong Became Byzantine

Empire