An Empire Across Three Continents – The Roman Empire
The whole Roman empire can be divided into two parts The Early Empire and The Late Antiquity. Let us discuss this in detail.
The Early Empire
- The Roman Empire can be divided into two phases: ‘early’ and ‘late’, with the third century marking a significant historical shift.
- It was a blend of territories and cultures, held together by a common governmental system.
- Latin and Greek were the primary languages used for running things.
- Augustus set up the empire’s regime in 27 BCE, known as the ‘Principate’.
- Augustus held all the power and was called the ‘leading citizen’ to keep the Senate happy.
- Besides the emperor and the Senate, the Army was a key institution.
- The Roman Army was professional and paid, requiring a minimum of 25 years of service.
- It was the largest organized group in the empire.
- The Senate didn’t like or trust the army because of its potential for violence.
- At its peak in the second century, the Roman Empire stretched from Scotland to Armenia and from the Sahara to the Euphrates.
Late Antiquity
- Constantine introduced a new gold coin called the solidus.
- The solidus was tough and stayed in use even after the Roman Empire.
- Lots of solidi were made and used widely.
- Records show that Constantine invested in countryside projects like oil presses, glass factories, screw presses, and water-mills.
Introduction to An Empire Across Three Continents
The Roman Empire was big and covered Europe, some parts of the Middle East, and North Africa. By the fifth century, the western part of the empire began to fall apart. The eastern half remained prosperous, and the caliphate continued its traditions. The empire spanned three continents including Europe, Asia, and Africa, with the Rhine and Danube marking its north and the Sahara Desert its south.
In this article, we will discuss An Empire Across Three Continents which was the Roman Empire.