Weakness of the Western Roman Empire

Question 1

Why did Rome’s problems with its people lead to its downfall?

Answer 1

• civil war

- leaves borders open for attack

Question 2

Who was the last ruler of the Roman Empire and how many were before him?

Answer 2

Diocletian

27

Question 3

Define Conquest

Answer 3

taking control of country or city

Question 4

What on the Military end contributed to fall of Rome? (9-ish)

Answer 4

-use of mercenaries
-overthrowing too many new territories
-leaves borders unprotected
-killed most of the 28 emperors that rule
-gov. under army approval for new ruler
-needed more soldiers to defend boundary
-to pay them drowned economy
-enlisted barbarians
=disloyal army

Question 5

Arianism

Answer 5

belief that Jesus is not equal to God the Father

Question 6

What on the Social end contributed to fall of Rome?

Answer 6

-decline in morals
-mandate of christianity as official religion
Diocletian
-polytheistic state -> monotheistic state
-> Christianity
-The Great Persecution
-8 yrs emperors forbade Christianity
Constantine
-major controversy over relationship
between Jesus and God
-unorthodox belief = a heretic
-Arianism divided church
Theodosius I
-ignored rights of non-Christians
-made Christianity state religion
-destroyed other religions paraphernalia

Question 7

What on the Political end contributed to the fall of Rome?

Answer 7

• political corruption and instability

- relationship of mistrust between gov. and people

Question 8

What on the Economic end contributed to the fall of Rome?

Answer 8

wars
overspending
taxation
growing gap between wealthy and poor
-Diocletian forced citizens to do things
     = lose "small independent farmer"
           (a class that had made Rome great)