The Decline of the Roman Empire

1. Rome’s Economy Declines During the Pax Romana: Roman Peace• Trade flourished• Gold and silver taken from conquered

territories added to Rome’s wealth• Surplus of food with much grain coming in from the Roman

province of Egypt

Rome’s Economy Declines

That all changed in the 3rd century A.D.

1.Trade was disrupted

2. Wars were frequent and a financial drain

3. Wealthy overspent on luxury items like silk from China

4. Gold and silver mines were depleted

5. No new sources of precious metals

Rome’s Economy Declines

In and effort to cover expenses the Roman Government decided to

a. Raise TAXES

b. Mint coins containing less silver

This caused massive Inflation.

Rome’s Economy Declines Food sources dwindled:

a. Western harvests meager due to

overworked soil

b. Farmland destroyed by warfare

c. High taxes forced small farmers to

give up their land

d. Cheap slave labor discouraged technological

improvements

2. Rome Faces Military Upheaval

Military crisis contributed to economic woes• Roman armies were constantly at war

with invaders, “barbarians”• Use of mercenaries caused collapse in

loyalty to the empire.

3. Roman Politics

1. Incompetent Leadership

2 There was no clear rule for succession when an emperor died. This caused instability.

The Empire Splits• In the late 3rd century, the

Empire’s life was prolonged by emperors who divided it.

4. Invaders Overrun the Western Empire

The Roman Empire had been in decline for many years. What were the reasons for the FINAL collapse in the year 476 AD?

a. Internal problems

b. Separation of West from East

c. Invasions

The Huns Move West

German invasions were result of the Huns (from Asia) moving into Europe –The Huns were already coming from the East but saw resistance in the Eastern Empire so decided to keep moving West

Germanic Invasions

Winter 406 – Rhine River froze allowing

barbarians to cross on ice.

410 – Alaric crosses Alps to attack Rome. Rome recovers somewhat.

476- Odoacer sacks Rome for the final time.

SUMMARY

Economic, military, and political decay as well as outside invaders brought down the Western Roman empire. The Eastern half survived for another 1000 years as the Byzantine Empire with its capital of Constantinople (present day Istanbul Turkey)

.