Chapter 10 the late empire and Christianity

Chapter 10: The Late Empire and Christianity

Introduction

• The Roman Empire faced significant crises in the mid-3rd century CE but ultimately did not collapse.

• Unlike narratives of simple decline, this era experienced complex political dynamics and a resurgence.

• Christianity originated as a minor cult in Roman-controlled Judea and transformed into a major religion across the Empire.

Crisis and Recovery (235-284 CE)

• Nature of the Crisis

  • Internal political instability marked by the assassination of emperor Severus Alexander in 235 CE.

  • Twenty-six emperors ruled in fifty years; most died from violence or battle.

  • Political degeneration manifested with the Praetorian Guard auctioning off the throne.

• External Pressures

  • The rise of the Sasanians in Persia, who were more aggressive than the prior Parthians, leading to constant warfare on the eastern front.

  • Germanic tribes along northern borders were becoming larger and organized, aided by improved agricultural techniques.

• Consequences

  • Loss of battles and territories, illustrated by the capture of emperor Valerian by Shapur I.

  • The construction of new walls around Rome to fend off northern invaders (270 CE).

The Persian Threat

• Sasanian Empire

  • Known as Iran, characterized by centralized governance and significant religious and cultural developments.

• Zoroastrianism: Became the official state religion with codified texts.

• The economy thrived through agriculture and long-distance trade, contrasting Rome's declining stability.

Diocletian's Reforms (284 CE)

• Tetrarchy: Diocletian established a power-sharing system with co-emperors and junior emperors.

  • Aimed to reduce civil strife and ensure smoother succession.

• Administrative Changes

  • The division of provinces for better governance.

  • Military reorganization, including larger army sizes and improved infrastructure for troop movements.

• Economic Policies

  • Taxation reforms, an official census for equitable tax collection, but faced resistance leading to ineffective price controls.

  • Heavy impacts on peasants, many became serfs due to exploitative tax practices.

Religious Tensions Under Diocletian

• Persecution of Christians

  • Attributed the empire's struggles to the neglect of Roman gods; executed thousands of Christians.

  • Failure of these policies: Strengthened Christian resolve and community.

Constantine's Reign (306-337 CE)

• Unification and Religious Shift

  • Conversion to Christianity, becoming the first Christian emperor.

  • Issued the Edict of Milan for religious tolerance.

• Foundation of Constantinople

  • Renamed Byzantium to Constantinople; strategic location for trade and defense.

The Rise of Christianity

• Religious Diversity in Rome

  • Roman elites tolerated a variety of pagan and mystery religions, alongside Christianity.

• Jewish Resistance

  • Significant uprisings led to the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE and dispersion.

Early Christianity

• Establishment of Doctrines

  • Diverse interpretations of Jesus' teachings led to debates on the nature of God and Jesus.

  • Gnostic beliefs: Focused on secret knowledge and mystical interpretations.

• Women in Early Christianity

  • Prominent roles in early church communities as benefactors and leaders.

  • Examples: Paul’s letters highlight women's active roles.

Monasticism

• Emergence of Monastic Communities

  • Influenced by figures like Antony of the Desert, who exemplified asceticism.

• Monasteries became centers of learning and illuminated manuscripts.

Theological Developments

• Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

  • Established core Christian doctrines under Constantine's guidance.

  • Nicene Creed confirmed Christ's divine nature.

• Role of Theodosius I (347-395 CE)

  • Made Nicene Christianity the official state religion; widened the divide against pagan practices.

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE)

• Multiple Factors Leading to the Fall

  • Economic decline due to reliance on slave labor and agricultural stagnation.

  • Pressure from invasions by Germanic tribes and weakened military.

• Significance of 476 CE

  • Even after the deposition of Romulus Augustulus, many Romans did not perceive the Empire as having fallen.

Legacy of the Roman Empire

• Byzantine Empire

  • Continued to preserve Roman culture and governance after the fall of the western half.

• Cultural Influence

  • The transformation following Rome’s fall influenced the development of modern European identity.