2 Rome & early Middle Ages

Unit 2: Rome & the Early Middle Ages

The Role of Rome in Spanish History

  • Significant Influence:

    • The Roman occupation of Spain lasted more than six centuries, profoundly impacting Spanish history.

    • Latin civilization primarily shaped what Spain is and has done historically.

    • Similarities between Spain's Roman history and that of the broader Roman world.

Conquest & Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula (IP)

  • Phases of Conquest:

    1. Between the 2nd and 3rd Punic War (206-149 BC):

      • Iberian Peninsula divided into two regions.

      • Limited Romanization, mostly along the coastal areas with limited interaction with locals.

    2. Fighting Natives: Lusitanians & Celtiberians (181-133 BC):

      • Multiple Celtiberian revolts in the 180s.

      • Conquest of Lusitanians using local mercenaries.

      • Scipio Africanus the Younger defeats the Numantians in 133 BC, extending Roman influence westward and inland.

    3. Roman Civil War (81-49 BC):

      • Quintus Sertorius revolts against the Senate due to power struggles in Rome. He is ultimately killed.

      • Julius Caesar's revolt against the Senate leads to Pompey's defeat and death.

      • Romanization almost complete; further divisions of Hispania developed.

    4. Cantabrian War (29-19 BC):

      • Occurs when Rome, now an Empire under Augustus, subjugates the last native populations.

Territorial Divisions of Hispania

  • Provinces and Cities:

    • Key towns include Tarraco, Corduba, and Emérita.

    • Roman provinces: Gallaecia, Lusitania, Tarraconensis, Carthaginensis, Baetica.

    • Established major Roman roads and cities facilitating trade and military movement.

Hispania under Rome

  • Influences on Economy and Society:

    • Main goods included olive oil and grain.

    • Strategic importance due to rich mineral resources and trade.

    • Important emperors included Trajan, Hadrian, Theodosius I, and Arcadius.

Late Antiquity & Early Middle Ages

  • Fall of Rome:

    • Last Emperor, Romulus Augustus, deposed in 476 AD.

    • Series of sackings, including those of 410 and 455 AD, highlight the decline of Rome.

  • Division of Empire:

    • Theodosius I's death in 395 AD results in the division of the empire between his two sons: Arcadius in the East and Honorius in the West.

  • Barbarian Invasions:

    • Rise of barbarians like the Vandals, Alans, and Suevi, marking significant migrations into Roman territories.

Transformation of Rome in Late Antiquity (305-395 AD)

  • Diocletian:

    • Represents conservative military leadership, enforcing Roman traditions.

    • Initiated great persecution against Christians.

  • Constantine:

    • First Christian Emperor, established the Edict of Milan (313), granting religious tolerance.

    • Convened the First Council of Nicaea (325) to address Arian controversy.

  • Final Years of Pagan Rome:

    • Julian (d. 363) marks the end of pagan influence, transitioning towards Christianity under Theodosius I.

Edict of Thessalonica (380 CE)

  • Religious Policy:

    • Declares Nicene Christianity the state religion; persecution for pagans.

The Germanic Invasions (AD 378-439)

  • Barbarian Migrations:

    • Vandals, Alans, and Suebi invade the empire around 406 AD.

    • Alaric's Visigoths sack Rome in 410 AD, leading to a persistent decline of central authority in Rome.

The Visigoths and Their Kingdom (400s to 6th c.)

  • Key Leaders and Events:

    • Alaric I led the sack of Rome.

    • The Visigoths established agreements with Rome, leading to settlement in Hispania.

    • Code of Euric combines Germanic and Roman legal traditions, further solidifying Visigoth control.

Al-Andalus: Islamic Influence in the Iberian Peninsula

  • Periods of Governance:

    • 711-756: Early Emirate under the Caliphate of Damascus.

    • 756-929: Independent Umayyad Emirate.

    • 929-1031: Caliphate of Cordoba, notable for cultural and economic prosperity.

    • 1031-1492: Fragmentation into Taifa kingdoms and subsequent reconquest.

Important Figures and Battles

  • Duke Pelayo:

    • Leadership in the Battle of Covadonga (718) which sparked the Reconquest.

  • Count Rodrigo and the Battle of Guadalete (711):

    • Marked the end of a unified Visigothic kingdom, opening the region to Islamic rule.

The Treaty of Tudmir (713)

  • Treaty Establishments:

    • Provided local Christians with religious freedom and protection under Muslim rule in exchange for loyalty and taxes.

Kingdom of Asturias and Subsequent Expansion

  • Alfonso I (r. 739-757):

    • Initiated expansion into Galicia and Leon, establishing stronger Christian footholds.

  • Alfonso II (r. 791-842):

    • Promoted the pilgrimage of St. James, facilitating cultural and economic growth.

The Marca Hispanica

  • Buffer Zone Creation (778):

    • Establishes a buffer zone between Frankish and Muslim territories, critical for defense and expansion strategies.

    • Formation of counties governed by counts to provide local governance and military defense.

Decline of Muslim Power

  • Almanzor's Era:

    • Significant military leader but led to the weakening of the caliphate’s authority following his death, catalyzing the fragmentation into taifas after 1031.