Describe the Roman Republic. After viewing the video “Republic of Virtue,” answer the following. In your educated opinion, were Tiberius Gracchus’ actions altruistic and selfless, or were they for personal gain and reputation? Explain your answer. Moving on nearly 500 years, Rome fell in the West. In your educated opinion, what caused Rome to fall? Did internal decay or barbarian attacks lead to the demise of the western half of the empire? How do you explain the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire? Was the Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity genuine or was it based in self-promotion? Why does the Church refer to Constantine as the 13th disciple? After the fall of Rome, what contributions did the Germanic peoples make to the political, economic, and social conditions of early medieval society? Below are my essay and sources; I just have to add in-text citations. The Roman noble Tiberius Gracchus was a member of the ruling class. With the help of his integrity and family reputation, he saved an army of Romans from destruction at Numantia. Tiberius alienated himself from the Scipionic faction in the Senate and drew closer to his Claudian friends after the Senate disputed the agreement at the insistence of Africanus. Mancinus, the defeated consul, was returned to his captors without his staff or troops. By increasing his recognition, Tiberius Gracchus increased the glory of his family. Invasion of barbarians and military losses against outside forces contributed to the collapse of Western Rome. The Roman Empire had a long history of clashes with German tribes, but by the 300s, barbarian groups like the Goths had encroached on its territory. Rome was not only under attack from outside forces but also crumbling internally because constant wars and overspending had significantly drained imperial coffers. At the same time, oppressive taxation and inflation had widened the gap between the rich and the poor. Several wealthy classes fled to the countryside and established independent fiefdoms to evade taxes. A labor deficit rocked the empire at the same time. When Roman expansion ended in the second century, Rome’s supply of slaves and other war treasures dried up. It relied on slaves to till its fields and worked as craftsmen, and its military power provided a fresh influx of conquered peoples. Due to the efficiency of the Roman Empire, Christianity spread rapidly; however, its principles are sometimes misunderstood, and membership can be hazardous. Despite Jesus’ death, his message lived on, and Jewish communities throughout the empire heard of his teachings. Paul and the Roman Empire’s modern communications helped this, as well as energetic apostles like him. Traveling across the Roman Empire for 30 years, Paul logged around 10,000 miles. As a preacher, he traveled to the cities most important to the empire. While some places looked splendid, they were also home to tens of thousands of poor, desperate people who were perfect targets for Christian teachings. After observing a cross in the sky alongside his entire army, Constantine became the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. I believe Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity was genuine because he observed a cross in the sky. I look at it as if it was a message sent to him. The Great Persecution resulted in the death of many Christians under Constantine, who is often considered the 13th Disciple. Constantine made Christianity legal with the Edict of Milan, and he avowed himself to be a living embodiment of Jesus Christ in calling the Council of Nicaea the first ecumenical council of the church. Works Cited Andrews, Evan. “8 Reasons Why Rome Fell.” HISTORY, 21 July 2022, www.history.com/news/8-reasons-why-rome-fell#:%7E:text=1.,encroached%20beyond%20the%20Empire’s%20bordersLinks to an external site.. “The Roman Empire: In the First Century. The Roman Empire. Early Christians | PBS.” Early Christians, www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/christians.html#:%7E:text=Although%20Jesus%20had%20died%2C%20his,communications%20of%20the%20Roman%20Empire.&text=Over%2030%20years%2C%20Paul%20clocked,traveling%20across%20the%20Roman%20Empire. Accessed 28 July 2022. Acreman, Thomas. “Roman Emperor Constantine’s Conversion to Christianity.” Classic History, 14 Jan. 2019, www.classichistory.net/archives/constantine-christianity#:%7E:text=Constantine%20is%20the%20first%20Roman,with%20this%20one%20dramatic%20eventLinks to an external site..
