Photo by ugur uğur
The Roman Empire is one of history’s most enduring and consequential civilizations. Without its existence, the world of today would be quite different. It spanned centuries and continents and left an indelible mark on the world. It’s no wonder why there’s such an abundance of works set during its rise and its fall, from I, Claudius, Lucius: a Soldier’s Search for Truth, and more.
The empire’s rise to power was the result of its military prowess, political acumen, and cultural innovation–even now, its achievements have yet to be rivaled: only striven.
However, time takes its toll on everything eventually and the empire declined and, then, fell. Yet, while the Roman Empire is no longer on this earth, sol adhuc transit. The sun still passes.
Humble Beginnings: A Republic from a Village
Before it was the titan that it was, Rome actually began humbly. In the 8th century BCE, a small settlement rose to local prominence along the banks of the River Tiber. As the centuries passed, it eventually became a powerful city-state, expanding its reach through wars and alliances.
In 509 BCE, the city-state of Rome became the Roman Republic. Many political and social inventions contributed to this matter.
Photo by Edneil Jocusol
The Roman system of governance was a key pillar in its current and future glory. The legal code of Rome, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which was quite comprehensive and influential, provided a framework for when the Republic acquired vast and diverse territories. This allowed for great stability and flexible governance.
The legions of Rome were renowned for their discipline, training, and tactical brilliance. Everywhere they were deployed, they made substantial achievements even if they ultimately lost. Their prodigious ability to adapt and innovate according to the terrain and their enemies made them a formidable force in the classical world. The military prowess wielded by the legions allowed the Republic to leverage its strategic location in the peninsula, controlling vital trade routes and resources.
The Transition to Power: An Empire Rising
When the 1st century BCE rolled in, much of the Mediterranean region was under Roman dominion. From Iberia to the Levant, the eagle of Rome flew. Yet, perhaps because of this hegemonic control, internal political struggles worsened, which led to numerous devastating civil wars. This would have resulted in the Republic crumbling apart were it not for Octavian (later known as Augustus Caesar) who seized power and established the Roman Empire. His rule began a period of peace and prosperity that was known as the Pax Romana.
It was during this period that the Roman Empire reached its utmost high: its borders reaching Britain and the Euphrates. Roman culture, language and laws spread throughout the empire, a legacy still keenly felt even to this day.
Photo by Martin Péchy
Time Takes Its Toll: The Empire Falls
The decline of the Roman Empire did not happen overnight. It was a slow process that most historians agree began in the 3rd century CE. There was no one contributing factor but a series of interconnected issues that ate at the empire from both without and within. Economic instability, political turmoil, and military defeats all added up to the empire’s weakening state.
The economic decline was perhaps the greatest since it led to the diminishing trust of the citizens’ trust in the institutions of Rome. Inflation, devalued currency and burdening taxations strained the economy and the populace. The decline of agriculture only furthered the situation.
The dwindling treasury exacerbated the political instability of the empire. Due to a series of weak and incompetent emperors, civil wars and political fragmentation had almost become commonplace. The famed bureaucracy of the empire became inefficient with corruption becoming rampant.
Military challenges also contributed to the empire’s fall. The Roman legions, once the backbone of the empire, were now facing increasing pressure from external threats. Rome, once feared, had become a dying horse.
Sol Adhuc Transit: The Sun Still Passes
By studying the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, we can gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the rise and fall of civilizations. The lessons of history can help us to avoid the mistakes of the past and build a better future.
Grab a copy of Michael H. Lavery’s book, Lucius, through this link–and learn the profound connection between Christ and Rome!
- Sol Adhuc Transit: On the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire - December 17, 2024
- Roman Legions and Early Church Christians – A History - November 20, 2024
- The Roman Legion Marches Across the World: Veni, Vedi, Veci! - November 19, 2024