The World of Late Antiquity A Waning Empire

Thesis: 1) The Roman Empire in the West gradually evolved into the Europe of the Germanic successor kingdoms. Although change was rapid in the fifth century, nowhere did a sharp break occur. 2) The “concept” of Rome was an important legacy which would be important to later generations, and in different periods the meaning and history of “Rome” would reflect the particular aims of those later generations.

Hollingsworth’s argument: 1 st & 2 nd Century “Golden Age” 3 rd &4 th Centuries: “Anarchy & Recovery” The Crisis of the Third Century – leadership crisis – military crisis – economic crisis – social crisis – religious crisis.

Strong Emperors Respond Diocletian ( AD) Tetrarchy and division of the empire (Roman Provinces) Tetrarchy and division of the empire Roman Provinces) “defense in depth” Edict of Prices Restoration of Civic Gods Constantine the Great ( AD) Constantine Legitimating Ceremonial Christianity: “Ruler by the Grace of God.” Constantinople

The Last Century of the Western Empire Germanic migrations Confusion of “public” and “private” Loss of an Army The Roman Heritage – Towns – Roman education and culture