Decline and Transformation of the Roman Empire
Division of the Roman Empire
The vast Roman Empire faced challenges in political organization and control throughout its history. Various governance systems were attempted, but by the 3rd century, the empire was dysfunctional, divided, and led by less capable figures.
Economic, religious, military, and political crises made reunification difficult. Anarchy prevailed due to weak leadership and power struggles among generals and governors.
Diocletian (285-305) reformed the empire by reorganizing the army, separating military and civil powers, and diminishing the Senate’s influence, transforming Rome into an absolute monarchy. He doubled the provinces, introduced new taxes, and persecuted Christians to revive paganism.
Diocletian divided the empire, appointing two emperors (Augusti) and two co-regents (Caesars), known as the tetrarchy. This marked the beginning of the empire’s formal division, with Nicomedia as the eastern capital.
The tetrarchy aimed to ensure smooth succession, but power struggles ensued. Constantine emerged victorious, reuniting the empire briefly and moving the capital to Constantinople. The West declined due to barbarian incursions.
After Constantine’s death, civil wars reignited. Theodosius (379-395) was the last emperor to rule both East and West. In 380, he declared Christianity the official religion. In 395, he divided the empire between his sons, leading to a permanent split.
The Western Roman Empire, ruled from Milan and then Ravenna, fell in 476 due to invasions and internal strife.
The Eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople, thrived as the Byzantine Empire until 1453, when it fell to the Ottoman Empire.
Emergence of Christianity
Roman religion was polytheistic, incorporating emperor worship.
Christianity, initially a branch of Judaism, spread from the 1st century AD, appealing to lower classes with its message of redemption and salvation. Jewish hostility and Roman persecution didn’t hinder its growth.
Christians were persecuted for rejecting Roman gods and emperor worship. Nero blamed them for the fire of 64 AD.
Despite persecution, Christianity grew, even within the Roman administration and military.
Diocletian’s Great Persecution in the 3rd century aimed to eradicate Christianity but strengthened it.
In 311, Galerius issued an edict of tolerance. In 313, the Edict of Milan by Constantine and Licinius granted religious freedom and restored Christian properties.