End of the Roman Empire

Today in class we started another PowerPoint. We have a test on Wednesday, adding to our knowledge a bit more about the end of the Roman Empire/Byzantine Empire. Next week we will start feudalism/ Mid Evil Times. Here are our notes from class. 

Two Emperors:

• Diocletian:
• Rules from 284-303
• It is cool to persecute Christians
• Rome needs a big army (400,000)
• Hired barbarians would turn on Rome when the going got tough.
• Rome needs a big government (20,000 officials)
• Divided Roman Empire into two parts each with their own army, emperor, etc., the Byzantine-richer, more secure trade routes
• Constantine:
• Rules from 306-337
• It is cool to be a Christian
• Conversion to Christianity(a cross in the sky)
313. His Edict of Milan proclaims freedom of wisdom
• Built a new capital in the East.
• Byzantium, soon to be known as Constantinople

Edict of Milan:

• Proclamation of religious tolerance to Christians in the Roman Empire.
• The property stolen from you before, was returned.
• Fixing of some of the problems.
• Built churches and could worship in public, could stop hiding
• You can worship whatever you want.

The struggle of the peasants:

• Life in the fourth century
• Country dwellers are getting bankrupt by endless tax collections
• New farming system: peasants for elite landlords on large farms.
• Peasants can avoid paying taxes, but they are getting hit just as hard by landlord.
• Paying off debts and being allowed to live on the land, in exchange for endless back-breaking work.
• Landowners hold local power as counts and bishops, wielding more real power than the faraway empire.
• Foreshadowing feudalism.

The Western Empire Crumbles

• Rome's power is decreasing, nomadic barbarians gain power.
• Western empire is too poor, begins to be neglected
• Visigoths capture and loot Rome in 410

End of an Era:

• From the beginning…

500 BC- The monarchy is abolished

• 450 BC- the Twelve Tables are established

• …Through the Glory Days..
• 44 BC- end of the line of Julius Caesar
• 27 BC- 18- AD- The Roman Peace (Pax Romana)
• To the bitter end…
• Constant fifth century invasions by barbarian tribes left the Western Empire shattered and crumbled
• The last emperor was a teenage boy installed by his father
• Barbarians deposed Romulus Augustulus without bothering to kill him