CLASSICS 219: THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Precept 9: Death and Renewal

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Readings
*remember to note the assignment before leaving this page, or print this guide first*
Eusebius, History of the Church Book 6. 28 (Penguin p. 203), 34 (pp. 206-207), 39-46 (pp. 208-220);
Book 7. 10-17 (pp. 225-233), 23 (p. 238), *27-31* (pp. 244-250)
Ward, pp. 393-430.
Peter Brown, The World of Late Antiquity, pp. 6-47 [on reserve in Firestone]
L&R sec. 104-133 (pp. 372-441), 172 (pp. 566-568)

The chaos of the fifty years between the murder of Severus Alexander by his successor and the murder of Carinus by his successor (235 to 284) is the least-known period in all of imperial Roman history; in some senses, it is a true Dark Age, much of its basic chronology being obscure to us and many of its chief actors no more than names. It is followed by the great watershed reigns of Diocletian (284-305) and Constantine (306-337). The crisis of the third century and the solution of the fourth mark a pivotal period not only in Roman but in Western history, as we see the final transformation of Augustus' principate, and the emergence of many ideas and institutions which we associate with the Middle Ages.

1. What were the main problems of the third century? When and how had they arisen? How did they combine to make a crisis?
2. Were there any positive aspects of the period that might give hope for the future? Without looking ahead, what would you have done to make things better?
3. Define carefully the position of the Christian Church in the period between 250 and 285. How did it interact with society and the emperor? What might these interactions suggest about the future (note especially Paul of Samosata)?
4. What does Eusebius tell us about the crisis of the third century? Nothing.
5. What were the main reforms of Diocletian? Is there a unified policy behind them, and how far can they be said to be responsible for the end of the crisis? Do short-term gains outweigh long-term losses?
6. What were the main reforms of Constantine? Was he a great innovator, or simply following in the footsteps of Diocletian? Why is he called the Great?
7. What in your view were the main differences between the Principate and the Dominate?

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Last Updated: 2004-04-28

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