The Decline of Rome

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The Decline of Romes Empire
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The Empire at its height, c 250
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Emperor Nerva r 96-98

• He initiated the adoptive system to provide for
  competent rulers

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Marcus Aureliusr 161-180

• He broke the adoptive pattern of succession by
  naming his son, Commodus as his heir and next
  emperor

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Commodus r 180-192

• His rule was one of debauchery, paranoia and
  insanity
• Had Rome renamed as colonia Commodiana
• Believed he was Hercules reborn
• Most infamous act slaughtered physically
  handicapped people dressed up as mythical
  enemies of the gods

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The Crisis of the 3rd Century Anarchy and
Disorder

• From 235-285, there were 26 Soldier Emperors, 25
  of whom died violent deaths
• Referred to as Barracks emperors their power
  was derived from the military which sold itself
  to the highest bidder.
• Military mutinies and civil wars replaced
  protection of the borders.

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Two Emperors who tried to contain the awesome
forces of disintegration

• Both Diocletian (285-305) and Constantine
  (306-337) faced the problem of threats to the
  borders from the Germans and from Persia
• They also had to deal with the on-going economic
  crises that was eroding the high standard of
  living which characterized the Pax Romana

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Diocletian

• To insure production of goods, farmers, artisans
  and unskilled workers had to hold their job for
  life and pass it on to their children
• Fixed prices on all goods grown or manufactured

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Diocletian, The Tetrarchy, 285-305
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Constantine, 306-331

• The first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity,
  turning the empire into a Christian state

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In 324, Constantine moves East
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The Germanic Tribes c. 362
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Turning point Battle of Adrianople, 378

• Rome faced its worst defeat since the Battle of
  Cannae (Hannibal)
• The Emperor Valens was captured and killed
• The Goth cavalry was superior over the Roman foot
  soldiers
• Significance Rome could no longer secure its
  borders against new tactics of warfare

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Theodosius, 379-385 The last Emperor to who could
claim to rule both East and West.Upon his death,
the empire was divided between his two sons,
Arcadius (East) and Honorius (West)
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• Visigoth chief Alaric was the first non-Roman to
  rule the city in 800 years. He left in three
  days, after highly-organized, but relatively
  non-violent looting.

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End of an Empire 476

• Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman Emperor was
  deposed by a German chieftan named Odoacer who
  claimed the western crown for himself.

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Romes last gasps Theodoric the Great 489-526

• - Ostrogoth king ruled Italy from Rome after
  killing Odoacer
• His rule was enlightened, peaceful and just-
  praised by Romans barbarians.
• Retained the Roman Senate, civil service and
  schools. Old, aristocratic families still held
  high positions in the government

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The real end of Rome

• By 544 Totila had established control of northern
  Italy at Ravenna. In 546, his Gothic army
  sacked Rome, destroying baths, sewers, aqueducts,
  temples and government buildings.