![]() (It would be hard to believe his account if it had been told by anyone else. While he was fervently praying, an incredible sign appeared to him from heaven. The following historical account was recorded at that time by an ancient writer as follows: "Constantine was praying to his father's god, beseeching him to tell him who he was and imploring him to stretch out his right hand to help him in his present difficulties. That would all change in 324 A.D.Ĭonstantine was encamped with his army at the Milvian Bridge, heavily outnumbered by the armies of his challenger Maxentius, across the river. Up to that time, Christians were heavily persecuted by many of the previous emperors and the religion was outlawed. No event in Roman history was probably more pivotal than that of the Christian conversion of the emperor Constantine. At one point, 5000 people A DAY died in Rome! Half the population of the slums of Alexandria perished from the illness. Civil war and the plague ravaged the countryside. The longest lasting emperors were successful generals, mainly of provincial and non-aristocratic stock, vying for the loyalty of the troops with promises of money. Of this number, only two died of natural causes, the rest falling victim to violent deaths, many being assassinated by their own troops. During this time, there were 34 regular emperors and at least 50 usurpers. is known as the period of the "Barracks Emperors". ![]() ![]() was a particularly turbulent time in Roman history. From simple inventions such as blown glass and underground sewer systems to major concepts in civil engineering and the Roman calendar. Our modern world today benefits much from a host of technological innovations first given to us by the ancient Romans. The technology and strength of the Roman military was the guardian of this great society for some 500 years. Those that were brave (or foolish) enough to go up against Rome's military were quickly made examples of to the rest of the world. Many tactics and weapons were first pioneered by this massive military force and just the thought of having to challenge this entity thwarted many a foreign enemy. Much of the success of the Empire can be attributed to the protection afforded by its near invincible war machine, the Roman army. From that point on, the emperor was referred to as "Augustus", his immediate heir "Caesar" and imperial wives were titled "Augusta". In 27 B.C., the Empire was formally established with the title of "Augustus" given to its then ruler Octavian. and in its earliest times, was ruled by kings and chieftains. The Roman Republic was founded in 509 B.C. At its peak rule, the Roman Empire stretched from Spain to Syria and England to Egypt. What had been a patchwork of Hellenistic monarchies, independent city-states, and Celtic tribes was miraculously united into one great political entity. The Roman Empire was a unique association of peoples and places such as the Mediterranean World had never seen before.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |