The Fall of the Roman Empire

By splashingbrook
  • 235

    Crisis of the Third Century

    Invasion, civil war, plague, military problems, and economic depression. Lasts from 235-284
  • 250

    Plague of Cyprian

    Large part of the Crisis of the Third Century, rages until around 271
  • 260

    Roman Empire Splits

    East (Palmyrene) and West (Gallic)
  • 271

    Plague of Cyprian Ends

  • 273

    Roman Empire Recombines

  • 276

    Political Corruption

    Following the rule of Emperor Aurelian, emperors became more and more corrupt, "evil" background rulers taking over.
  • 284

    End of the Crisis of the Third Century

    Rome managed to orient its economy to defense and the plague has ended.
  • 285

    Roman Empire Splits Again

    Diocletian splits the Roman Empire. This is a major split, as opposed to the minor one earlier.
  • 313

    Constantine Tolerates Christianity

    Economic turmoil ensues-cities lose revenue from taxes
  • 360

    Emperor Julianus

    Tries to clean up... Helps Gaul with money problems and tries to stop Christians from attacking the Pagans.
  • 379

    Emperor Theodosius of the East

    Deals with constant barbarian invasions with little finances.
  • 392

    Theodosius controls East and West

    Last emperor to rule both the Eastern and Western halves of the empire, taking over after civil war with Magnus Maximus. He dies in 395.
  • 395

    Stilicho Takes Control

    He really holds the barbarians off, Rome falls back into chaos.
  • 406

    Crossing of the Rhine

    Climax- Barbarians invade thought to be safe borders
  • 408

    First Siege on Rome by Alaric

    Causes famine within city walls- Plebians pay for freedom with slaves and ornaments stripped from their temples
  • 410

    Sack of Rome

    By the Visigoths (Alaric), 3 days of ransacking following the siege.
  • 410

    Second Siege of Rome by Alaric

    Followed by 3 days of ransacking, but little damage was done. Alaric now has a following of most of the barbarian slaves from Rome.
  • 411

    Alaric Heads to Gaul

    He and his followers leave the Romans alone in search of food.
  • 418

    Settlement of 418

    Barbarians have control of Gaul and Hispania, but they are no longer attacking Rome...
  • 421

    Constantinus Dies

    No heirs or successors are ready, so the empire's government cascades into turmoil for about ten years.
  • 444

    Attack by the Huns

  • 451

    Aetius Defeats the Huns

    But he is put to death
  • 455

    Second Sack of Rome

    By the Vandals
  • 475

    Last Roman Emperor

    Romulus Augustus
  • 476

    Barbarian Overthrow by Odoacer