The Roman empire did not fall till the mid-15th century. A number of factors, majorly the Barbarians’ raid, contributed to the massive and powerful empire’s fall. Following the empire’s extension out of Italy, the territory became far from the capital, making governance a problematic task. However, the focus is on the Barbarians’ raid and the development of Christianity being significant factors that sped up this massive empire’s fall. The Barbarians were Germanic warriors who incorporated into the Roman army. Though this incorporation initially worked during the reigns of other emperors, it became grievous in 476 CE during Emperor Romulus Augustus’s reign. The Barbarians precipitated civil wars, which saw them engage the Romans into constant domestic bliss. The empire weakened further when it split into two; East and West sides (“Fall of the Roman Empire”). The Westside descended into chaos, while the East flourished into the 15th century.
Constantine re-oriented religion by having Christianity towards the East, making it the main religion for the people. Furthermore, political affiliations and sports rivalry in the East birthed two rival groups, the blues and the greens (“Fall of the Roman Empire”). Lives were lost whenever there was an encounter between the two groups. The fall of the Roman empire coincides with the growth and spread of Christianity which started with Judaism. The Hebrews initially practiced polytheism but later developed monotheism, a religious concept that entailed the existence of one God and a covenant. Unlike the Roman and Greek gods, this God did not take pictorial forms (“Christianity from Judaism to Constantine”). Christianity proved to be a threat to Roman leadership as it changed people’s perspective of life, more so, their religious lives. The coming of Jesus in Roman history had a tremendous impact as he influenced many people who turned out loyal and believed in him and his messages.
With this insight into the fall of the Roman empire, we realize that there’s still a cultural line between ancient Rome and the contemporary world. Football rivalry seen in the modern world is based on religion and is similar to sports rivalry experienced in ancient Rome. The Justinian law code still forms civil wars in the contemporary world as it did in ancient Rome. It is true to talk about Christianity and Judaism the same way one talks about Greek and Egyptian Pantheons since they all believe in one God’s existence.
Works Cited
“Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History #11.”YouTube, uploaded by Crash Course, 2012, Web.
“Fall of The Roman Empire in the 15th Century: Crash Course World History #12.”YouTube, uploaded by Crash Course, 2012, Web.