The Transformation of the Roman Empire

284–600 C.E.

The Roman Empire had faced many challenges since its formation at the end of the first century B.C.E., but by the fourth century C.E., the forces of change proved too powerful to resist, as the documents in this chapter attest. Christianity was spreading far and wide, even gaining the allegiance of the emperor Constantine (r. 306–337 C.E.). In the process, Christians also attempted to define doctrine and combat heresy in the Nicene Creed; it did not, however, end controversies. Although polytheism persisted, over the course of the fourth century Christianity gained the upper hand by calling on its followers to surrender themselves to God in both body and will. The success of this message permanently transformed Roman culture and society. At the same time, waves of Germanic peoples penetrated the empire’s borders and migrated westward, eventually establishing their own kingdoms that replaced imperial government. These new regimes became the heirs of Roman civilization in the West, setting the stage for the development of medieval Europe, whereas in the East the imperial legacy lived on in the Byzantine Empire.