Roman Empire: Fall of the Western Empire

Impact of Division on the Western Empire

• The division of the Roman Empire significantly weakened the Western Roman Empire, leading to its decline.

Constantine and the Capital

• Constantine relocated the capital from Rome to Byzantium, located on the Bosporus strait.

Reasons for Choosing Byzantium as Capital

• Byzantium featured a natural harbor, enhancing trade and defense.
• Its geographic position provided better defensive capabilities.
• It offered greater access to key trade routes.

Invasions of the Western Roman Empire

• Rome was a more vulnerable target compared to Constantinople.
• Vandals from Sweden sacked Rome but failed to hold it for an extended period.
• Attila the Hun was a notable general known for his political and military strategies.

Germanic Invasions Motives

• The Germanic tribes invaded Rome primarily to secure living space and agricultural land.

Consequences of the Western Empire's Fall

• The fall resulted in a significant decrease in trade and urban populations.
• The Eastern Roman Empire thrived for an additional millennium after the Western fall.
• Divergent religious and cultural traditions emerged in Western and Eastern Europe.

Civil Wars Consequences

• Civil wars contributed to the Western Roman Empire’s weakness, undermining military strength.

Taxation in Eastern vs. Western Empire

• The Eastern Roman Empire successfully collected more taxes due to its larger population.

Shift to Greek Language

• Transitioning the official language from Latin to Greek fostered a distinct culture in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Effects of Enemy Invasions

• Ongoing invasions resulted in a weakened military for the Western Roman Empire.

Economic Impact of Division

• The Western Roman Empire's economy suffered as it became isolated from key trade routes found in the Eastern Roman Empire.