Chapter 8 The Byzantine Empire and Emerging Europe

Chapter 8 The Byzantine Empire and Emerging Europe LESSON 1 – The First Christians LESSON 2 – THE DECLINE OF ROME LESSON 3 – THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LESSON 4 – THE AGE OF CHARLEMAGNE LESSON 5 – THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

THE DECLINE OF ROME Decline of the Western Roman Empire was a slow and gradual decline that resulted in the sacking of Rome in 476 CE

THE DECLINE OF ROME The problems were numerous and over time chipped away at the strength and very foundations of the Western Roman Empire 1) Civil Wars - After the death of the last of the "five good emperors" Marcus Aurelius 2) No workable political system: A) Overthrow of Emperors (22 in 50 yrs) B) Military interference with government

THE DECLINE OF ROME 3) *Outside Invasions: From the east: Persians From the west: Germanic people

THE DECLINE OF ROME 4) Population decline: plagues decreased workers and soldiers for the army 5) inflation: rapid increase in prices 6) tax increases: people had less and less money to live on

THE DECLINE OF ROME 7) traditional values declined: people became lazy and dependent on government 8) lack of technological advancement: due to dependence on slavery 9) vast size: made communication and protection difficult

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine Made significant changes to try to save the Roman Empire Thought the empire had grown too large for one ruler: Diocletian: 1) **divided the empire into 4 parts called prefectures 2) each had a different ruler This was known as a tetrarchy: rule by four people Diocletian had ultimate authority

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine: It would be easier to protect the frontier, moved the capital to Byzantium This "New Rome" was eventually renamed Constantinople in his honor

THE DECLINE OF ROME Reforms by Diocletian and Constantine These changes brought some temporary relief, but because of ALL the problems, over many years, the empire fell in the west Invaders from Europe sacked Rome in 476 CE This is the date for the fall of the western part only The Eastern part would continue for almost 1, 000 years (Byzantine Empire)