The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
Expansion of Rome
Rome conquered huge territories. Any citizen between 17 and 60 years old was a Roman soldier. The expansion was conducted in 3 phases:
- Rome became the owner of the Italian peninsula.
- Rome faced Carthage in the Punic Wars. After winning, they imposed their rule over the whole western Mediterranean.
- The Roman legions conquered Greece and the Mediterranean, as well as some eastern provinces of central Europe.
The Romans adopted the Greek pantheon of gods and a good part of its art and culture.
Crisis of the First Century BC
The territorial expansion ushered in the crisis of the Republic. There were huge social conflicts; farmers were ruined and lost their land or work, which led to social conflicts. The conflicts caused the Senate to give judges the power, generating violent warlords and civil wars. In 48 BC, Julius Caesar became dictator for life. Trade and craft industries stagnated, and the population was impoverished.
Octavian Augustus: Emperor
The emperor held all civilian and military authority and became the first emperor. He appointed key religious positions and directed the empire. To explain and transmit his orders, an imperial council was established. There were two centuries of peace along the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The empire reached its peak expansion; wars were scarce, and the conquered lands were Romanized.
Crisis Enters the Empire
From the 3rd century AD, the conquests ceased. It became unsafe due to attacks by the Germanic people (barbarians). Imperial authority weakened, and revolts were frequent. Military leaders were increasing in power, and the army became the only authority in the provinces.
Historical Origin
The Italian peninsula was occupied by different peoples: Latins in the center, Etruscans in the north, and Greeks in the south. Rome became an important commercial enclave.
The Time of the Monarchy
The king held the ultimate power: he sent armies and was the chief priest, with the help of the Senate, consisting of members of the great aristocratic families, the Patricians. Rome’s population was very religious.
Patricians and Plebeians
- Patricians: Aristocratic families who considered themselves descendants of the founders of Rome.
- Plebeians: Group of farmers, artisans, and merchants. They did not own land and lacked political rights.
Struggle for Equality
The government was formed by aristocratic Patricians who exercised justice and monopolized public office. Commoners had to pay taxes and join the army. In the 5th century BC, they won the right to choose a representative, the Tribune of the Plebs, and gained the right to marry Patricians and access public office.
Division of the Empire
To facilitate defense, Emperor Theodosius divided the empire between his sons.
Christianity: The Official Religion
In 313, Constantine authorized Christianity, ending the persecutions.
End of the Western Empire
Invading peoples were installed in the western lands and established independent kingdoms. In 476, Odoacer, a barbarian chieftain, deposed Romulus Augustus. In Europe, a new era started: the Middle Ages.