Fall of The Roman Empire...in the 15th Century: Crash Course World History #12

Summary

This episode of Crash Course: World History explores the fall of the Roman Empire, challenging the traditional view that it fell in 476 CE with the deposition of Romulus Augustus. Instead, the video argues that Rome's influence persisted until the 15th century, particularly through the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire. It discusses the role of barbarian invasions, the impact of imperialism, and the incorporation of Germanic warriors into the Roman army, leading to civil wars and instability. The Byzantine Empire's continuation of Roman law, culture, and the legacy of figures like Emperor Justinian are highlighted, emphasizing the empire's enduring influence on European history and civilization.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The fall of Rome is a topic of historical debate, with the argument presented that Rome didn't fully fall until the 15th century.
• 👑 The traditional view of Rome's fall was marked by the conquest of the city by barbarians in 476 CE, leading to the deposition of the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustus.
• 🗡️ Barbarian invasions, such as Alaric the Visigoth's sacking of Rome in 410, were a recurring issue, but the final fall was not due to a single event.
• 🌱 An anti-imperialistic argument suggests that Rome's expansion beyond Italy was its downfall, as it became increasingly difficult to govern distant territories.
• 🤝 The strategy of incorporating conquered people into the empire initially worked but eventually led to 'Barbarians inside the Gates', with loyalty to commanders over Rome.
• 🛡️ The decline of the Roman legions began with the decision to incorporate Germanic warriors, leading to a force loyal to commanders and gold, not Rome.
• 👖 The adoption of pants by Romans symbolizes practicality over traditional values, showing adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.
• 📚 The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, continued Roman traditions, with its capital in Constantinople, and considered themselves Romans.
• 🏙️ Constantinople's growth and Rome's decline in population reflect the shift of the empire's political and cultural center to the east.
• 🏟️ Byzantine society maintained Roman aspects such as law, governance, and public spectacles, including chariot races, which were deeply embedded in their culture.
• ⚖️ Justinian's codification of Roman law in the Digest and the Institutes was a significant achievement, shaping the legal systems of Europe.

Q & A

What is the traditional view of the fall of Rome?

The traditional view of the fall of Rome is that the city was conquered by barbarians in 476 CE, marking the end of the Roman Empire with the deposition of the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustus.

Who was Emperor Justinian and what was his significance in the Byzantine Empire?

Emperor Justinian was a Byzantine Emperor who is famous for his efforts to restore the glory of the Roman Empire. He is known for codifying Roman law, notably through the Digest and the Institutes, and for the construction of the Hagia Sophia.

What argument does Tacitus make regarding the downfall of Rome?

Tacitus argues that Rome was doomed to fall as soon as it expanded outside of Italy because the further the territory from the capital, the harder it is to govern, thus imperialism itself sowed the seeds of destruction.

How did the incorporation of Germanic warriors into the Roman Army contribute to Rome's decline?

The incorporation of Germanic warriors into the Roman Army led to a decline in loyalty to Rome itself. These mercenaries were primarily loyal to their commanders and gold, which resulted in numerous civil wars and instability in the Western Roman Empire.

What was the significance of the shift of the Roman Empire's political center to the east?

The shift of the political center to the east, particularly to Byzantium (later Constantinople), allowed for greater control over richer eastern provinces and re-oriented the focus of Christianity towards the east, as seen with the first Church council in Nicaea.

Why did the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, consider themselves Romans?

Despite being located in the eastern half of the former Roman Empire and speaking Greek, the Byzantines considered themselves Romans because they continued many Roman traditions, including governance, law, and cultural practices.

What was the role of Theodora in the Byzantine Empire?

Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian, began her career as an actress and dancer and possibly a prostitute before becoming Empress. She played a significant role in politics, including saving her husband's rule during riots and advocating for women's rights.

How did the Byzantine Empire differ from the Western Roman Empire in terms of religion?

The Byzantine Empire followed a different form of Christianity known as Eastern or Greek Orthodox, which had a different doctrine and structure compared to the Catholic Church of the West, including the practice of caesaropapism where the Emperor had control over the Church.

What was the impact of the fall of the Western Roman Empire on the Pope's role in Western Europe?

With no emperor in Rome after 476, the Pope became the highest authority in the West, leading to a power struggle between Popes and kings over who held the real power in Western Europe.

What is the significance of the Justinian law code in modern legal systems?

The Justinian law code, which was codified during Emperor Justinian's reign, continues to be the basis for much of civil law in Europe, showing the lasting impact of the Roman legal tradition.

How did the Byzantine Empire maintain continuity with the old Western Roman Empire?

The Byzantine Empire maintained continuity with the Western Roman Empire through political structures, such as absolute military power held by a single ruler, constant warfare, a rich and urban territory, and adherence to Roman law.