Italy - Section 5

Fall of Roman Empire

Germanic tribes began invading the west; Pax Romana ended after 180 AD, leading to political instability.

Economic Decline

Wars disrupted production and trade; farmland destroyed → food shortages; inflation rose as prices increased and money lost value.

Emperors trying reforms

Diocletian and Constantine tried to stop the empire’s decline; reforms preserved the eastern empire.

Diocletian (284 AD)

Edict of Prices froze wages and set prices; slowed inflation but failed due to illegal trade.

Constantine

Made jobs hereditary; allowed landowners to chain workers; moved capital to Constantinople at Europe-Asia junction, ideal for trade and protected naturally.

Theodosius

Divided empire after death: east became Byzantine Empire; west remained Roman Empire.

Germanic Tribes

Invaded for warmer climate and better grazing; were unified by common language.

Problems in 200s Rome

Germanic attacks, political upheaval with assassinated emperors, food shortages, inflation.

192–284 Rome

28 emperors in succession, minted more coins to pay soldiers, repeated Germanic attacks.

Legacy of Rome

Law

Legacy of Rome

Architecture

Legacy of Rome

Language

Legacy of Rome

Christianity

Legacy of Rome

Engineering

Reasons for Decline

• Political Weakness: corrupt/ineffective emperors often killed by guards

• Military Decline: reliance on mercenaries, Romans lived in luxury, less loyal troops

• Economic Problems: high taxes, inflation, unemployment drained resources

• Invasions: constant attacks by tribes like Goths from Northern Europe/Central Asia