Rome 4

March 25, 2011

Diocletian- a strong-willed army leader and son of a slave, became an emperor
Constantine- a dashing young commander competing for power after the retirement of Diocletian
Eastern Empire- the best side of the empire, held more of a "city" type structure; where trading took place
Western Empire- soon became the middle of nowhere, not the "middle of everything" anymore, Rome, etc.
Edict of Milan- Costantine made it illegal to persecute Christians
Constantinople- The new capital of Eastern Rome, named after a city of Constantine
Huns- nomadic people from central Asia
Attila- New leader of the Huns, a short man with a flat nose and thin, graying beard
Leo I- First truly powerful pope of Rome

1.  What economic problems did the empire face in the third century?
Rome experienced inflation in their trade, products and silver.  They were trading with Asia, but Asia had no want in any of their "simple" products.

2. By the third century, how had Rome's army changed since the days of the republic?
Rome's army fought only for money.  They were not loyal and couldn't be trusted.  Usually the emperors tried to find only barbarions because they would fight for a lower amount.

3. A) What important religious change did Constantine bring about in the empire?
Constantine brought Christianity into the empire.
B) What political change did he bring about?
He split the empire into a Western and Eastern half because Rome was so large.  Also, he changed the capital to the eastern side being "Constantinople."

4. A) Why did Germanic tribes invade the empire in the 400's?
The Germanic tribes invaded the empire because they were easy to take over and were easy to "loot."
B) Why was the empire unable to drive the invaders out?
The empire was too weak and didn't have a large enough military.

5. A) List three reasons why Diocletian should be considered a successful emperor.

B) List three reasons why he might be considered a failure.