The Decline & Fall of Rome

ReviewThe republic phase of Roman history ended after the failure of the Second Triumvirate. This began the empire phase of Roman history. The early empire was governed by the five good emperors. These emperors enacted political, social, and legislative reforms. Many of these emperors also spared no expense in improving Roman cities. The last of the good emperors, Marcus Aurelius, died in 180 A.C.E. After Aurelius death, Roman history is marred by political, economic, and social upheaval.

Political UpheavalAfter the reign of Marcus Aurelius, Rome succumbed to a paralyzing cycle of civil wars.

During this period (235-284), the Roman throne was held by whoever had the military might to seize it.

There were 22 emperors in this 49 year time span.

Pay the soldiers, and ignore everyone else.Septimius Severus (193-211)

Economic UpheavalDecline in trade & small industryFarm production declinedLabor shortages due to plagueLed to lack of money

Military UpheavalInvasions and civil warsPlague affected military recruitingNo money to recruitRome was forced to resort to enlisting Germanic tribes into military service, but Germans had no understanding of Roman and little loyalty for the emperors or Rome.

New LifeDiocletian (284-305)Believed the empire had become too large for one ruler.Divided the empire into 4 sectionsEach section had a little emperorDiocletian retained supreme control

Diocletian

New lifeDiocletian also enacted reforms that were aimed at combating the issues facing Romes weakening army and her ever dwindling economyConstantine (306-337)-Continued Diocletians policiesCentered his focus on the creation of a new city: Constantinople

A quick wordThe reforms of Diocletian and Constantine failed! The empire is consolidated into two halves. Constantinople becomes the capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire

The FallFloods of PNBs invade the Western Roman Empire, especially beginning in the latter half of the fourth century.Rome is unable to withstand the strain. In 476 A.C.E., Romulus Augustulus, is deposed by the head of his army, a German. This marks the end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire survives for another 1,000 years.