In 300 AD, the Roman Empire is falling apart. Under the rule of Emperor Diocletian, who wants to restore the grandeur of Rome, the empire undergoes significant transformations aimed at stabilizing and strengthening its administrative structure.
Diocletian implements the Tetrarchy, a system where two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares) manage different regions of the empire. This innovation comes in response to the Empire’s economic difficulties, military threats and sloppy administration.
By dividing power and responsibility, Diocletian wants to improve governance and enhance military readiness. Later, this fragmentation leads to more internal conflicts.
The situation of women in the Roman Empire 300 AD is varied. A woman has limited citizenship. She cannot vote or hold office. Famous women at this time include Mary the Jewess and Cleopatra the Alchemist, both in Roman-held Alexandria.
Roman girls marry at about twelve. Women are expected to have children and raise them, assuming the role of mother and housekeeper. However, both men and women have powers of divorce. Many single women own property and conduct their own financial affairs.
In the Late Roman Empire regional governance district is known as the Roman or civil diocese (diocesis). It's composed of a group of provinces. Each province is headed by a Vicarius. The Vicarius is a representative of the Praetorian Prefect, who governs the diocese.
The Praetorian Prefect is originally the leader of Praetorian Guard, the Emperor's bodyguard. The post is a military one. As time goes by the title takes on more responsibility of civil affairs and during the reign of Constantine in the 4th century it becomes a purely legislative office.
Roman soldiers receive 900 sestertii (225 denarii) at the time of Augustus c. 1st century AD. They also get salt, thus the word "saldare" (give salt), which is the origin of the word, salary. 200 sestertii (or 50 denarii) is a subsistence wage per year for adults.
By the time of Caracalla in the 3rd century, soldiers receive 675 denarii annually. There are three to four pay days per year. Inflation continues to rise.
Trade goods exported by the Romans include olives, fish, meat, cereals, salt, prepared foods such as fish sauce, olive oil, wine and beer; animal products such as leather and hides; objects made of wood, glass, or metals. Textiles and pottery are in demand by buyers.
Artisan trade goods include materials for manufacturing and construction, such as glass, marble, wood, wool, bricks, gold, silver, copper and tin. A substantial slave trade is conducted throughout the Mediterranean.
Between 300 and 400 AD, several wars pit the entire military manpower of the Eastern Empire against that of the West. Tens of thousands of Roman soldiers die in bloody battle. The Roman wars of the 4th century AD are:
Perso-Roman wars of 337–361
344 – Battle of Singara – Emperor Constantius II fights an indecisive battle against King Shapur II of Persia
359 – Siege of Amida – Sassanids capture Amida from Romans
Julian's Persian expedition (March–July 363)
363, 29 May – Battle of Ctesiphon – Emperor Julian defeats Shapur II of Persia outside the walls of the Persian capital, but is unable to take the city.
363, June – Battle of Samarra (363) – Julian fights the Sassanids and is subsequently killed in battle. Though indecisive, the battle leads to massive losses for the Roman Empire through a forced peace treaty.
Wars with Alemanni (356–378)
356 – Battle of Reims – Caesar Julian is defeated by the Alamanni
357 – Battle of Strasbourg – Julian expels the Alamanni from the Rhineland
368 – Battle of Solicinium – Romans under Emperor Valentinian I defeat yet another Alamanni incursion.
378 –
May – Battle of Argentovaria – Western Emperor Gratianus is victorious over the Alamanni, yet again.
Gothic War (376–382)
377 – Battle of the Willows – Roman troops fight an inconclusive battle against the Goths
Summer -Battle of Dibaltum –Goths, Alans and Huns defeat Romans.
378 –
9 August – Battle of Adrianople – Thervings under Fritigern defeat and kill the Eastern Emperor Valens
380 – Battle of Thessalonica – The new Eastern Emperor, Theodosius I, is also defeated by the Thervings under Fritigern.
391 – Battle somewhere in Thrace: a band of Goths led Alaric I is defeated by Romans under Stilicho
395-398 Gothic revolt of Alaric I - Revolt of the Goths in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire
Stilicho's Pictish War – 398
The period c. 300 AD also sees the empire grappling with the spread of Christianity, a significant force. Although it remains illegal and Christians face persecution under Diocletian, the growing popularity of Christianity challenges Roman polytheism.
In 300 AD Christians number over six million in the Empire. By 400 AD the population is 25 - 30 million. Legal status of the religion fluctuates. Bishops take office. Parabalani, shady units of Christians, are first implemented c. 250 AD.
They're disbanded by Justinian due to their penchant for mercenary work, riots and acts of violence. Other rising groups such as Gnostics strive to incorporate Christian and Hebrew thought.
In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan, accepting Christianity. Ten years later, Christianity is the official religion of the Roman Empire. In 354, the Romans invent Christmas.
Tension culminates in major changes to religious balance over the decades. The cultural reach of Rome, from the Mediterranean coasts to parts of North Africa and into the hinterlands of Europe, creates a mix of local traditions and Roman influence.
Malaria or Roman Fever begins to show up c. first century AD, after spending time in Greece. By 300 AD it's taken a toll despite earlier attempts to drain the swamps, as Romans believe malaria comes from swamp vapors. Close. Malaria is one of the causes of the fall of Rome.
By the end of the 3rd century, the Roman Empire faces external pressures from groups such as the Sassanid Persians in the East and Germanic tribes to the North. Internal strife compounds the situation. Economic difficulties grow due to inflation and over-reliance on slave labor.
Still the Roman Empire in 300 AD is a formidable power, with impressive military strategies and an extensive network of roads facilitating trade and communication. It keeps going until 476 AD.
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