Conversion & Fragmentation of the Roman Empire (c. 300 CE-500 CE)

Introduction to the Period

• Focus on the conversion of Constantine and its implications for the Roman Empire.

• Discussion of conversion, fragmentation, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Civil Unrest and Diocletian's Reforms

• Following emperor Commodus's death in January, a century-long chaos ensues, marked by civil unrest and war.

• Emperor Diocletian's reign begins in February, and he initiates various reforms:

  • Increased the size of the imperial administration to help prevent rebellion and streamline tax collection.

  • Divided the Roman Empire into two halves:

    • Western Roman Empire: Primarily Latin-speaking.

    • Eastern Roman Empire: Primarily Greek-speaking.

  • Established the tetrarchy (rule of four) with two emperors (Augustus and Caesar) governing each half, akin to a president and vice president.

Constantine’s Rise and Legalization of Christianity

• Constantine first becomes emperor of the West in 306.

• His rise was controversial; Galerius, the Eastern emperor, only recognized him as Caesar (junior emperor).

• Constantine consolidates his power and defeats rival Maxentius:

  • Allegedly sees the Christian symbol chi rho before battle and hears a divine command to conquer.

  • Attributes victory to God and subsequently legalizes Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313, though it isn't made the official religion yet.

• By 324, Constantine defeats the Eastern emperor, becoming the sole ruler of the unified Roman Empire.

• Moves the capital to Constantinople, founding a city that remains central to the empire for over a millennium.

The Question of Motivation for Conversion

• Discussions surrounding the political motivations behind Constantine's conversion:

  • At the time, Christianity was still a minority religion. Not clear what political benefit Constantine had by converting.

• Impact of conversion leads to Christianity becoming a major movement within the Empire.

• Complexity of Constantine's dual roles as both Christian and pagan priest:

  • Maintains pagan roles as part of his duty to the Empire.

Early Church Conflicts: The Arian Controversy

• The Arian crisis initiated by priest Arius from Alexandria, who argued that Jesus isn’t God:

  • Opposition: Bishop Athanasius argues for the necessity of Jesus being both man and God for redemption.

  • This theological conflict holds significant implications for the relationship between Christianity and Rome.

• Council of Nicaea (325):

  • Convened by Constantine to resolve the conflict between Arius and Athanasius.

  • Results in the Nicene Creed, affirming the belief in Jesus as both divine and human (homoousios).

  • Condemnation of Arius and his teachings, illustrating the ongoing struggle for doctrinal clarity.

Transition of Power and the Growing Power of Christianity

• By the end of the 4th century, under Emperor Theodosius I, Christianity is declared the official religion, outlawing pagan practices.

• Shift in power dynamics:

  • Christians who once faced persecution now have political power to advance their interests against paganism.

• Organizational Structure: Bishops wield significant influence; the pope lacks comprehensive authority over the early church.

Practices and Beliefs in Early Christianity

• Infant Baptism: Common practice for Christian parents during this era.

• Prayers for the Dead: Developed due to the belief that most individuals would take time to reach heaven.

• Veneration of Saints and Martyrs:

  • Recognizing saints, with a focus on relics, defined early Christian practices.

  • Celebrating feast days and praying to saints for intercession with God.

Fragmentation of the Western Roman Empire

• Christianity gains dominance, yet the Western Roman Empire eventually fragments leading to chaos by the mid-5th century.

• Key factors in the fragmentation:

  • Influx of Germanic tribes into Roman territories, sparked by the Huns' arrival.

  • Romans fail to honor agreements with Germanic tribes, leading to rebellion, exemplified by the Goths' victory at the Battle of Adrianople (378).

  • Substantial differences in resources between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires exacerbate tensions.

The Decline and Fall of the Western Roman Empire

• Goths rebel and sack Rome in 410, demonstrating a stark decline in power.

• The Eastern Empire continues to thrive with resources and more populous armies, while the West deteriorates.

• The Western Roman Empire is eventually divided and ruled by different Germanic tribes, who adopt Roman customs.

• End result: The Western Roman Empire's formal authority disappears by the 5th century.