Augustus transformed Rome during his reign of Pax Romana to its glory times by providing peace and prosperity. (The making the west)
Despite all the achievements and territorial …show more content…
Soldiers received under his reign a 40 till 50 percent raise in salaries. Additionally, he squandered large sums to fund the buildings projects in Rome. (Hunt 196) Realizing the diminish of government revenues, Caracalla tried in the year of 212 AD to enlist new soldiers and to increase the Empires tax income by offering citizenship to all barbarians (foreigner) except slaves. Although, Caracallas attempt extend of military force to gain new territories, he still failed to magnify the Empire by conquering new land. Instead he cripples the financial and even political system in Rome. Caracalla created an era of civil war and the destruction of the principate. The civil war lasted over a half century catalyzing hyperinflation and economic hardship to its citizens. However, constantly changing Emperor still demanded the collection of taxes and harsh financial burdens on their citizens. Wealthy romans began to move to country side areas to avoid taxmen and to save the little they have left. Clearly, heavy inflation and taxes has increased the gap between rich and poor. Especially the poor suffered under the devastating economic situation. Unable to to trade with foreign vendors, thy were soon left behind economically causing unemployment of the working class. (http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-empire/causes-for-the-fall-of-the-roman-empire.htm)
Additionally to all the financial misery, earthquakes and …show more content…
The christians in the Empire were opposed to Polytheism. Furthermore, they refused to worship the Emperor and the traditional Roman gods. Since, Christians denied the traditional Gods and following civil authorities thy were seen as a threat. Emperor Decius has evaluated this kind of resistance as disloyalty towards the Empire. Consequently, he ordered prosecution for treason, of all christians who refused to maintain the traditions. In the year 303 AD, Dioclation began the largest prosecution against christians. He tore their churches down and stripped them from their property. Christians were outlawed as second class citizens fearing for their lives and blamed for political and economic problems. Despite all the prosecution, the sect continued to grow and converting more and more romans. The new religion attracted romans from all social class, paltrily because of the social contribution and the strong sense on community. (Hunt