Late AntiquityWorld History

Diocletian & ConstantineAdministratorsReformers

Rise of the PapacyPope Leo the Great vs. Attila the

Hun◦Taking on the role of secular rulers

Saint AugustineConfessions: the story of his

conversionGreat thinker and theologian

HeresiesPelagianism: no original sin, man

can gain salvation without graceMonophysitism: Jesus has one

divine natureArianism: Jesus was subordinate

to the Father

Early MonasticismAscetic life

◦Poverty◦Chastity◦Obedience (later to a rule and

Abbot/Abbess)

EconomyInflationHuge divide between rich and

poor

Barbarian Kingdoms and InvasionsOstrogoths: took over Italy and

Balkan regionsVisigoths: Modern day Spain and

parts of modern day FranceFranks: Modern day FranceVandals: Northern Africa and

Mediterranean islandsHuns: From Mongolia, went

everywhere

The Fall of RomeToo large to govern effectively?

◦Cost of defense◦Economic inflation◦Political corruption◦Influx of Germanic tribes◦Periodic imperial instability