Collapse and Recovery of the Roman Empire

By Michael Grant

Book Overview

Collapse and Recovery of the Roman Empire presents a study of third century Rome, which is lavishly illustrated and a lucid read, typical of Michael Grant's inimitable style.
In Collapse and Recovery of the Roman Empire, Michael Grant asserts that the fact that the Roman empire of the third century AD did not collapse is one of the miracles of history. He argues that at that time the empire seemed ripe for disintegration and expresses amazement that it continued, in the west, for another two hundred years, and in the east, for far longer.

Michael Grant examines the reasons for collapse, including analyses of the succession of emperors, the Germans and the Persians and also, the reasons for its remarkable recovery, including discussions of strong emperors, a reconstituted army, finance and coinage and state religion.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 041517323X
• ISBN13: 9780415173230
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Slim volume, brilliant thesis

The book taken for what it is--a broad consideration of the topic presented in the form of a brief essay--can only be considered a masterpiece. Now. Be warned. This is just an essay, not a detailed treatment of any particular Imperial device. The emphasis here is not on details of military activity, of social life, of religion. The idea of the book is this: Rome was falling apart in the early third century due to the juxtaposition of many complex factors--porous borders, rigid bureaucracy, weak leadership, factional politics, economic stagnation. Strong emperors, such as Diocletian and Constantine, reversed the trends by recognizing them and instituting reforms that restored the confidence of the citizens and strengthened the Pax Romana. This book is a masterpiece for that simple insight. It is a vivid portrait of how cult of personality, therapeutic politics, popular religion, and self-serving consumer economics can soothe the anxieties of a vast empire otherwise consumed with corruption and ennui. Doesn't this scenario sound familar? Grant's ability to grasp the archetypes amid the chaos is astonishing, and his presentation is lucid and powerfully argued.