University:
Tyler Junior College
Course:
HIST 1301 | History
Academic year:

2024
Views:

297

Pages:

2
Author:

Dave D.

EMPIRES OF FAITH HIST 1301 | History Introduction A critical period in human history, the later Roman Empire was characterised by significant political, theological, and cultural shifts that continue to be felt throughout history. In particular, the third century CE proved to be a boiling pot of upheaval, with the empire being constantly battered by the winds of fate. The Sasanian conquest of Emperor Valerian served as a sobering reminder of the brittleness of Roman authority and the empire's susceptibility to the shifting tides of geopolitics. From the foggy coasts of Britain to the scorching terrain of Syria, the Roman Empire was embroiled in an ongoing war for supremacy along its eastern and western boundaries. A new age of uncertainty and challenge was ushered in by the approaching threat of the Sasanians, as well as the incursion of many Germanic kingdoms to the west and the powerful Palmyra to the east. The empire saw a significant realignment during these turbulent times, shifting its emphasis eastward and establishing Constantinople as its new imperial capital. This tactical manoeuvre represented a larger realignment of power relations inside the empire in addition to a geographic shift. The locus of influence shifted eastward along with the centre of gravity when the Byzantine Empire gained prominence in the eastern Mediterranean. The movement of different ethnic groups across their lands and the disintegration of the western empire into a patchwork of autonomous republics presented the Byzantines with a multitude of difficulties even as they attempted to solidify their rule. Aside from the Mediterranean region, other political entities developed to assert their position in the historical arena. The kingdom of Aksum thrived in sub-Saharan Africa, its riches and power reaching well beyond its boundaries via a web of trading networks that covered the continent. The Kushan Empire gained popularity in central Asia by spanning its vast dominion and bridging the gap between the Mediterranean and the Far East. Despite their geographical separation, these emerging powers were closely connected by networks of commerce and diplomacy, creating a complex web of interaction across the Late Antique globe. However, the unstoppable rise of Christianity persisted despite the ebb and flow of empires and kingdoms. Christianity grew from its small origins as a persecuted religion to become a powerful force that influenced every aspect of late antique life. Its rise not only changed the theological landscape but also had a significant impact on the political and cultural arenas, reshaping the whole environment in which it thrived. The Roman Empire stood at a crossroads in Late Antiquity, unable to cope with the winds of change coming from all directions, with its fate hanging in the balance. The old order gave way to the new, and the shapes of the contemporary world started to take shape during this turbulent and transformative period, which saw the heights of imperial splendour and the lowest points of international unrest.