Many factors contributed to the collapse of the Roman Empire. The challenges from barbaric tribes threatening the fourth and fifth century Romans were intensified by a Roman tendency towards an autocratic centralized monarchy.
             Barbarian attacks and inflation forced in increase in salary to soldiers that were becoming more difficult to recruit. To meet the increased salary, taxes were increased, causing a rise in inflation. The Roman Empire became in essence strapped for cash, and as their demands on the Roman citizens became higher discontent and unrest resulted. Claudius and Aurelian managed to stave off collapse for a time, and in the process much of the army became hired mercenaries. Diocletian then divided the empire into four territories and established a co-emperor with two other men who were Caesars. Diocletian hoped this arrangement would encourage a smooth transition from ruler to ruler. This plan failed.
             Diocletian ruled using a civilian bureaucracy to reduce the possibility of a military coup. The empire was divided into four prefectures, which were subdivided into twelve territories called dioceses, which were further subdivided into almost a hundred provinces, each with a governor. The increasingly rigid structure was inefficient and corrupt and the depleted cash reserves of the Empire could not maintain the 400,000-man army, the vast civilian bureaucracy, and the imperial desires for splendid buildings. In this weak economy, the peasants were unable to pay their increasing taxed, and the officials unable to collect the taxes tried to escape. In 324 Constantine defeated his opponents and made himself sole emperor. He ruled by decree and his only consultants were a few high-ranking officials whom he chose himself. He made himself virtually
             unapproachable by the Romans. He also established a new capital called Constantinople in a strategic, easily defended location. Co
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