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313
Edict of Milan
Constantine enacted the Edict of Milan, which enacted religious tolerance for Christians after decades of persecution. -
314
Lowering Status of the Emperor
The original Roman religion raised the emperor up to the status of a god.
After the Edict of Milan, Christianity became the biggest religion in the empire. Christianity believed in only one God, realizing the emperor was not a god cause much of the Roman population to lose their faith in their emperor. -
324
Battle of Chrysopolis
Constantine's forces defeated Licinius's army to the east.
This added territory to the great empire. Constantine had Lincinius, who was a close colleague and advisor, executed. -
330
Split of the Roman Empire
Constantine enacted another cause of the Roman Empire, the split. Partially because of it's immense size and partially because of difference of religion.
The Western half was centered in Rome, was Roman Catholic and spoke Latin. Eastern half was centered in Constantinople (Byzantium), was Eastern Orthodox and spoke Greek.
The west declined while the east prospered. -
337
Death of Constantine
Division of the empire between Constantine's three sons: Constantine II (west), Constans (middle), Constantius (east). Execution of all other princes of royal blood, but for the children Gallus and Julian -
338
Death of Constantine II
Constans and Constantine II at war. Battle of Aquileia; death of Constantine II. -
350
Constantius abused empire's money
Created many financial problems that led to a lack of funded military. -
Period: 355 to 475
War against native peoples
Visigoths(Goths), Huns, Gauls, Vandals, Franks and Persians start a series of revolts
The government, which is very poor due to power hungry rulers, have no choice but to hire Goths and other Germanic people to fight the other rebels in return for land. Much of the time, these native people turned on their own Roman soldier and commanders, weakening the central government more. -
Period: 376 to 382
Gothic War
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Period: 390 to 470
Continued Economic misuses
Selfish military leaders and government officials hoarded treasure taken from warlord groups including the Visigoths and Vandals.
The central government also overspent on various military campaigns to gain land, and also spent too much on their lavish lifestyles. -
Period: 394 to 475
Too many Emperors (20 total)
Honorius- 1st Sack of Rome
Constantine III
Constans II- killed by general
Priscus Attalus- banished
Jovinus- defeated
Sebastianus- beheaded
Constantius III- helped Western Empire
Ioannes- mutilated & killed
Theodosius II
Valentinian III- Vandals & Attila the Hun
Marcian- Denied Western Emperors
Petronius Maximus
Avitus- traitor, was a Goth
Leo I
Majoria- won over Vandals & Franks
Libius Severus- Puppet & poisoned
Anthemius- "bewitched"
Olybrius- killed
Glycerius- Exiled
Julius Nepos- killed -
410
Visigoths breach Rome's walls
This was the first time the city of Rome was controlled by a groups over than the Romans.
The Visigoths, led by Alaric, looted, burned and ransacked their way through the entire city. -
418
Visigoths push Vandals out of Spain and conquer
Roman Empire loses the current Spain region to the Goths. -
430
St. Augustine's Death
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435
Vandals treaty of Northern Africa
After 6+ years of ransacking and starting skirmishes, the Roman Empire finally granted some land to the Vandals.
This became a big mistake as they used that land to launch more attacks on Rome, and other major cities. -
Period: 455 to 456
Attempt to recover Africa
The fleet was burned by traitors mentioned before (Vandals and Goths) after regaining control of Sicily.
This military expedition costed a lot of money that the government didn't have and increased uprisings as taxes were raised. -
476
End of the Roman Empire
Odoacer overthrew Romulas Augustulus (age 16) and claimed himself "Ruler over Italia", ultimately ending the Roman Empire.
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