Question

What political, military, economic, and social problems did the Roman Empire face during the 3rd century?

Answer 1

Answer: False democratic principles, mercenary army, the decay of trade and crafts.

Explanation:

• The main military problem of the Roman Empire in this period, according to some historians, is the mercenary army. These mercenaries from different parts of the country were not as effective as Roman troops in previous centuries. A large number of legionnaire leaders in distant parts of the Empire gained high power, which led to a split in the Roman army. An interesting theory of one piece of historians is the spread of Christianity among soldiers; that is, religion is guilty of weakening the military. Namely, according to the Christian dogmas in the world, following certain religious principles, eternal life is promised with blessings. Therefore, not much attention was paid to the earthly.

• Speaking of the political problems of the Empire, the rulers skillfully hid their enlightened absolutism behind the ancient republican institutions, that is, the Senate. This created specific issues that the Empire never solved. Theoretically, each new emperor was chosen and endorsed by the Senate and the Roman people. Because of maintaining that mask of democracy in the face of dictatorship, the rules of succession could never be clearly and loudly defined. This, of course, opened the door to upheavals, military coups, and civil wars.

• When the trade began to fail, a large proportion of traders and artisans lost their jobs. In these circumstances, many returned to Rome and sought to make a living from agriculture. The problem was that large landowners had created themselves in the meantime, and there was no land for these people to go around. In these circumstances, there is general dissatisfaction among this part of the population. In such difficulties, many provinces became enclosed environments that only formally recognized Roman rule.