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The Later Roman Empire 354-378: A Comprehensive Exploration

Gabriel Hayes

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Published in The Later Roman Empire: (a D 354 378) (Classics)

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The Later Roman Empire, also known as the Dominate, was a period in Roman history from the accession of Constantius II in 354 to the death of Theodosius I in 395. This period was marked by significant challenges and transformations, as the empire struggled to maintain its territorial integrity and adapt to the changing political, economic, and religious landscape.

The Later Roman Empire: (a.D. 354-378) (Classics)

by Ammianus Marcellinus

4.7 out of 5

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Challenges to the Roman Empire

The Later Roman Empire faced a number of challenges, including:

External threats: The empire was constantly under threat from barbarian invasions, particularly from the Germanic tribes on the northern frontiers. These invasions put a strain on the empire's resources and manpower.
Internal divisions: The empire was plagued by internal divisions, including religious conflicts and political instability. The Arian controversy, a dispute over the nature of Christ, divided the empire and led to persecution of non-Arians.
Economic problems: The empire's economy was in decline, due to a number of factors, including inflation, the decline of trade, and the heavy burden of taxation.

Transformations of the Roman Empire

In response to these challenges, the Roman Empire underwent a number of transformations during the Later Roman Empire, including:

The Diocletian Reforms: In 284, the emperor Diocletian introduced a series of reforms designed to strengthen the empire. These reforms included the division of the empire into two parts, the East and the West, and the creation of a new system of government known as the Tetrarchy.
The Rise of Christianity: Christianity became increasingly popular in the Roman Empire during the Later Roman Empire. In 313, the emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan, which granted toleration to Christians. Constantine also played a key role in the development of Christianity, including the convening of the Council of Nicaea in 325.
The Foundation of Constantinople: In 330, Constantine the Great founded a new capital for the Roman Empire on the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. This new capital, known as Constantinople, became the center of the Eastern Roman Empire and remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.

The Reign of Constantius II

Constantius II, the son of Constantine the Great, ruled the Roman Empire from 337 to 361. His reign was marked by a number of challenges, including the Persian War and the Arian controversy. Constantius II was a devout Arian, and he persecuted non-Arians, including the bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius.

In 351, Constantius II defeated the Persians in the Battle of Singara. This victory restored Roman control over Mesopotamia and secured the eastern frontier of the empire. However, the Arian controversy continued to divide the empire, and Constantius II's persecution of non-Arians only served to exacerbate the conflict.

The Crisis of 354-355

In 354, the Roman Empire was plunged into a crisis when the usurper Magnentius seized power in the West. Constantius II was forced to march west to defeat Magnentius, and he emerged victorious at the Battle of Mursa Major in 355. However, the crisis had weakened the empire and left it vulnerable to further barbarian invasions.

The Crisis of 354-355 marked a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire. It showed that the empire was no longer able to maintain its territorial integrity and that it was vulnerable to attack from both within and without. The crisis also led to a decline in the power of the emperor, as the army became increasingly powerful and influential.

The Reign of Julian the Apostate

In 361, Constantius II died and was succeeded by his cousin Julian. Julian was a pagan and he attempted to restore paganism to the Roman Empire. He also launched a campaign against the Persians, but he was killed in battle in 363. Julian's reign was short-lived, but it had a significant impact on the Roman Empire. His attempt to restore paganism failed, but it showed that the empire was no longer a Christian state.

The Reign of Jovian

Julian was succeeded by Jovian, who reigned from 363 to 364. Jovian was a Christian and he ended Julian's persecution of non-Arians. He also signed a peace treaty with the Persians, which ceded Mesopotamia to the Persian Empire. Jovian's reign was short-lived, but it marked a return to stability for the Roman Empire.

The Battle of Adrianople

In 378, the Roman Empire suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Adrianople. The Romans were defeated by the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that had crossed the Danube River into the empire. The Battle of Adrianople was a turning point in Roman history. It showed that the empire was no longer able to defeat the barbarians and that it was vulnerable to invasion.

The Reign of Theodosius I

In 379, Theodosius I became emperor of the Roman Empire. Theodosius was a Christian and he made Christianity the official religion of the empire. He also defeated the Visigoths at the Battle of Aquileia in 382. Theodosius's reign marked a return to stability for the Roman Empire, but it also set the stage for the division of the empire into the East and the West.

The Later Roman Empire was a period of significant challenges and transformations. The empire faced a number of external and internal threats, and it underwent a number of changes in its political, economic, and religious landscape. These changes culminated in the division of the empire into the East and the West in 395, which marked the end of the Roman Empire.

The Later Roman Empire: (a.D. 354-378) (Classics)

by Ammianus Marcellinus

4.7 out of 5