Problems and Upheavals - Diana Pineda

 Problems and Upheavals

In the course of the third century, the Roman Empire came near collapse. Following a series of civil wars, a military government under the Severan rulers restored order. Septimius Severus told his sons “enrich the soldiers, and ignore everyone else,” setting the tone for the new dynasty. After the Severan rulers, there was more disorder. For almost 50 years, from 235 to 284, the Roman throne was occupied by whomever had the military strength to seize it. During this period, there were 22 emperors, most of whom died violently.


At the same time, the empire was troubled by a series of invasions, no doubt encouraged by the internal turmoil. In the east, the Sassanid Persians made inroads into Roman territory. Germanic tribes poured into the Balkans, Gaul, and Spain.


Invasions, civil wars, and plague almost caused an economic collapse in the third century. A labor shortage created by plague—an epidemic disease—affected both military recruiting and the economy. There was a decline in trade and small industry. Farm production declined as crops were ravaged by invaders or the defending Roman army. Armies were needed more than ever, but financial strains made it difficult to enlist and pay more soldiers. By the mid-third century, the state had to hire Germans to fight. These soldiers did not understand Roman traditions and had little loyalty to either the empire or the emperors. 

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