The Provincialization of the Empire (250-350)

Study Notes

The Provincialization of the Empire (c.250-c.350)

The Crisis of the 3rd Century resulted from invasions by Northern barbarians and Eastern Persian forces, exposing the instability of Rome’s centralized government.
Over 20 claimants emerged for the throne from 235 to 284, prompting drastic political reforms.
Key reforms included:
- Establishment of new capitals, starting with Milan by Emperor Maximian.
- Introduction of debased currency leading to inflation.
- Implementation of new taxation policies.
- Division of the Empire into four parts by Diocletian, eventually reduced to two by Constantine.

A New Religion

The Edict of Milan in 313 legalized Christianity and shifted focus from private worship to public relics and Eucharist ceremonies.
Church administrators became central figures in the religious transformation.

Art from the Provinces to the Center

Roman art is noted for its use of light and shadow, atmospheric depth, and a sense of movement.
Figures in Roman art display a “plastic” quality, emphasizing volume and weight without regard for the viewer.
Provincial art favored hierarchy, decorative elements, and teaching elements over naturalistic representation.
By the third century, Roman artists began to imitate provincial styles, exemplified by works like "Embracing Tetrarchs."

The Barbarians

The Goths were a collection of multiethnic groups; Ostrogoths resided in the East, while Visigoths occupied the West.
The Goths initially served as federates for Rome but fragmented under the invasions of the Huns in 376.
The Battle of Adrianople in 378 resulted in the defeat and death of Emperor Valens, highlighting the effectiveness of cavalry in warfare.
Under Alaric, the Visigoths sacked Rome in 410, influencing religious thought through St. Augustine's "City of God."
Important historical dates include:
- 378: Battle of Adrianople
- 410: Sack of Rome
- 476: Deposition of Romulus Augustulus by Odoacer.

The New Order/Ruralization of the West

Barbarians adopted and adapted Roman institutions, leading to the creation of legal codes such as the Visigothic Code and the Burgundian Code, merging Latin with Germanic law.
The urban middle class declined due to new taxation policies which impoverished town councils (curiales), as wealthy landowners avoided taxation.
By the seventh century, tax collection became unnecessary for barbarian kings, transforming cities into centers of religion and learning.
Monasteries gained significance as landowners, facilitating the practice of oblation and community inclusion.
St. Benedict's influence in 550 and Gregory the Great's standardization of Roman liturgy shaped European Christianity.

Retrenchment in the East

Post-476 Eastern Empire displayed both change and continuity; strong rulers like Justinian (527-565) rebuilt infrastructure including Hagia Sophia.
The Justinian Plague in the 540s significantly reduced the population.
Signs of decline included:
- Theodosius II fortifying Constantinople after the Visigoth sack of Rome.
- Neglected infrastructure and decay of roads under Constantine.
- Invasions by Slavic tribes allowed during Justinian's reign.
Important legal frameworks like the Theodosian Code (5th century) and Justinian's Codex (529) and Digest (533) helped reorder Byzantine law.
Byzantine territorial expansion was temporarily achieved along with advancements in architectural grandeur.

Description

Explore the significant transformations in the Roman Empire around the 3rd century, highlighting the impact of barbarian and Persian invasions. This quiz delves into the political turmoil and reforms initiated to address the instability of centralized rule. Test your knowledge on the key events and figures involved during this pivotal period.