Roman
Decline
•The Roman Empire, for many reasons, was in decline from the late 2nd century C.E.
–A shrinking population hindered army recruiting.
–In political life, emperors were poor leaders.
–Disputes over succession led to continual army
intervention.
–Tax revenues fell during hard economic times.
–Expansion of the empire ended after 180, thus closing
the sources of slave labor.
–Environmental deterioration in North Africa diminished
grain supplies and tax
revenues.
–Recurring plagues further decimated the population and disrupted economic life.