The sole power over the empire went to the new emperor very hard, after a long and fierce struggle with the generals at the dawn of the 4th century. The reign of Constantine in the Roman Empire began. He managed to organize his power so firmly and ruled so decisively that the rest of the rulers, both predecessors and successors, could not be compared with him.
Innovations
What form of government did the Roman Empire exercise under Constantine? absolute monarchy. He wanted to have absolute power, and for this it was necessary to change his self-consciousness and, in modern terms, think over a new image. Like his predecessor, the founder of the tetrarchy stylization and a supporter of the rise of imperial power, Diocletian, the new emperor continued and significantly strengthened the direction chosen by his predecessor, from this the distance of the principles of Augustus' rule is even greater.increased.
Under the new imperial rule, the elements of the symbolism of power have undergone changes. Such a grip can only be envied. The innovation was that he adopted ideas from the Eastern, Greek and Christian worlds at once. The contradictions arising from this, Konstantin did not care at all. Naturally, these different components bearing their own traditions could not take root in a harmonious synthesis, therefore, in general, they were associated with the new state founded by Constantine himself.
Outward superiority
These innovations and the success associated with them could not but affect the external features of the emperor, who sought to emphasize his splendor. Constantine no longer wanted to wear a Roman toga, but demanded a richly decorated tunic. He also wanted to change the uniform: he replaced the simple soldier's armor of the emperors with luxurious armor. When he went on a campaign, he wore a shell of gold and a magnificent helmet. A little later, having celebrated his twenty-year reign, he began to appear in public in a diadem, which for Rome acquired the meaning of a symbol of absolute imperial power.
Victory propaganda
External ex altation was expressed in the erection of colossal statues, inscriptions and images on coins. There is also a combination of various details. For example, the proximity to the portrait images of the predecessors, Augustus and Alexander the Great, as well as the appearance of a halo above the head in the images. External claims for global dimensionsempires were reflected in the numerous symbolism of eternity, in which Constantine included himself. The "ruler of the world" was thus glorified as the winner of all peoples.
The Roman Empire under Constantine promoted the victory over the Sarmatians and Goths, Franks and Alamanni. The universal qualities of the winner were also rooted in the minds of people. Interestingly, the title of Konstantin ("Invincible") was replaced by "Winner" - this one sounds more active. Also characteristic is his rejection of the element of divine title or attribute, for he united all religions.
Cult of the Emperor
The Roman Empire under Constantine was faced with a choice: should traditional views on the form of government continue or not? After all, this went into contradiction and would become incompatible with Christian views. God only knows what it cost the emperor to compromise. He allows the construction of a temple in honor of the Flavian dynasty, that is, in fact, in his honor. But with the proviso that the building should not be stained with any criminal and impious superstitions. It also does not prevent the organization of regular theatrical and gladiatorial spectacles.
Justice
The Roman Empire under Constantine began to obey the new laws. The decisiveness of Constantine in power was reflected in the interference in legislation and justice. By a decision that was implemented in 318, he gave the imperial edicts a legal quality,above the accepted standards. The main provisions of the legislation, focus and style were not uniform. They coexisted extreme cruelty with unexpected concessions and humanitarian tendencies with respect for traditional notions of law.
Extreme measures against those who broke the law were distinguished by the Roman Empire under Constantine. Grade 5 is when this topic is studied at school. A punishment could be applied, which consisted of sewing it into a bag of snakes, after which it was thrown into the abyss or the sea. But such radical measures were taken only in relation to the kidnappers of children and cattle, parricides and thieves. The death pen alty was also terrifying. According to the law, adultery, love affairs and marriages with unequals (that is, between free and slave) were punishable by death.
But another edict also said that those who are sentenced to gladiator fights or mines should not receive a stigma on their faces, since the face created in the likeness of heaven should not be spoiled. From the same row, the law that a prisoner can see sunlight once a day.
The Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine remained a slave state, the institution of slavery remained unchanged. But amendments were made, in particular, Constantine called for moderate treatment of slaves, limiting their punishments. Also, slaves who created families could not be forcibly separated during the sale. The social sphere has improved due to guardianship laws that have expanded the rights of guardians. Measures have been taken for the benefit of children,who were planted.
Roman Empire under Constantine
His activities can be briefly described as follows:
- Forced measures to protect the state from the constant incursions of the barbarians was the need to keep large armies on the borders. The Greeks and Romans called barbarians peoples whose language and manners they did not recognize and did not understand, considering them rude and uneducated. The provinces of the western part of the empire were especially hard hit, where the Germanic tribes were vicious. The Roman generals needed a strong one to fight for the throne.
- Attaching columns to the ground. The columns began to live even worse, because now they had to not only give part of the crop to the owner of the land, but also pay tax to the imperial treasury. So they began to scatter in all directions. The emperor issued a decree in which he forbade the columns to leave the areas for which they were assigned. Their children were to receive the same land that their parents cultivated.
- The Roman Empire under Constantine also created the conditions for the development of the Christian faith (grade 5 of the school curriculum provides knowledge about this). When Constantine ruled, there were more Christians. The believers of each city chose a priest. Having gathered together, the priests determined the main, regional leader of the Christians, he became known as the bishop (overseer). The task of the latter was to convince the authorities of Rome that Christians are not dangerous and pray for them and their servants. Ultimately, Constantine realized that they were not calling the people to action against his throne and his empire. So he issued a decree allowing Christians to openlypray and build temples.
New Capital
What else does history tell us about (Grade 5)? The Roman Empire under Constantine was divided into two parts. The emperor himself did not like Rome, so he lived in other cities. He moved the capital from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium, which was located on the banks of the Bosphorus. Two paths crossed here, water and land. The new capital began to transform before our eyes: palaces and houses, water pipes with baths, theaters with circuses, as well as Christian churches were built. The city was luxuriously decorated - the most beautiful statues and columns were brought from the empire. It happened in 330, at which time the capital of the Roman Empire moved to Constantinople.
