Istanbul is not Constantinople

Contributing Factors to the Fall of Rome

• Weak government (many poor leaders, weak military)

• Failing economy (little $, inflation)

• Social problems (plague, civil wars, Germanic Tribes invading)

Western Roman Empire

Part of the Roman Empire which could not survive the constant invasions. This empire ended up falling and small, regional governments took over.

Eastern Roman Empire

Also known as the Byzantine Empire. This was the successful empire and was known as both a cultural and a trade center along the Silk Road. The empire stretched through different parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Germanic Tribes

Groups such as the Ostrogoths, Vandals, Angles, and Franks which came from parts of northern Europe. These groups continually invaded Rome and weakened the empire.

Constantinople

The former city of Byzantium and new site of the Byzantine capital. At this time, the city became one of the world's greatest and most successful.

Inflation

The increase in prices of goods/services due to the decrease of the value of money. The Romans put less gold in their coins devaluing their value and causing people to have to spend more.

Bater

The exchange of goods and services for other goods and services. This was used in place of a money system.

Markets

Larger populations of people concentrated in cities and towns along with increased demand for goods caused these to develop. These also encouraged money-based systems instead of trading/bartering.

Specialization

The production of goods and services in an area due to the specific resources available.

Interdependence

When countries or regions rely on each other for resources, goods and services, etc. often using money based systems.

Roman Catholic Church

One of the earliest forms of Christianity. During the Byzantine Empire this remained the dominant form of Christianity in western Europe (the Western Roman Empire).

Eastern Orthodox Church

The church of the eastern region of the empire. This form of Christianity was based on cultural traits of the Greeks and broke away from the ideas of the Roman Catholic Church.