Hostile tribes outside of the boundaries of the empire and pirates of the Mediterranean Sea disrupted trade. Having reached their limit of expansion, the Romans lacked new sources of gold and silver Desperate for revenue, the government raised taxes. The economy soon suffered from inflation, a drastic drop in the value of money coupled with a rise in prices. Agriculture faced equally serious problems Harvests in Italy and Western Europe became increasingly meager because overworked soil had lost its fertility Years of war had destroyed much farmland Eventually, serious food shortages and disease spread and the population declined To defend against the increasing threats to the empire, the government began to recruit mercenaries Overtime, Roman soldiers in general had become less disciplined and loyal Feelings of loyalty eventually weakened among average citizens as well. In 284, Diocletian, a strong-willed army leader, became the new emperor D...
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