The Fall of the Roman Empire
- The end of the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180) marked the end of two centuries of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana
- Hostile tribes outside the boundaries of the empire and pirates on the Mediterranean Sea disrupted trade
- The economy soon suffered from inflation, a drastic drop in the value of money coupled with a rise in prices
- Eventually, serious food shortages and disease spread, and the population declined
- Over time Roman soldiers in general had become less disciplined and loyal
- To defend against the increasing threats to the empire, the government began to recruit mercenaries, foreign soldiers who fought for money
Emperors Attempt Reform
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