Ancient Rome was one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations in history. It rose to become a major superpower, stretching across the Mediterranean and beyond, and had a strong effect on our world today. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Rome. The centuries-long golden age eventually came to an end, and that end was marked by chaos and destruction.
The exact time when Ancient Rome ended is subject to some debate. Some argue that the fall occurred in AD 476 when Odoacer, the King of Italy, deposed Romulus Augustus and established himself as the sole ruler of Italy, heralding the end of Western Roman rule. Others argue that the fall took place several decades later, in AD 565, when the Byzantine emperor Justinian I issued his final edict abolishing all traces of Roman authority in the West.
Nonetheless, most scholars agree that the fall of Rome was marked by a long period of decline and disorganization. Gradually, the Western Roman Empire lost its ability to maintain its economy, military, and infrastructure, leading to its eventual downfall. In 476, the last of the western Roman emperors, Romulus Augustus was deposed, and the western half of the empire came under the rule of Odoacer. Then, in 565, Justinian I issued his edict, removing the last remains of Roman control.
In terms of its effect on the population, the fall of Ancient Rome was devastating. The economy collapsed, cities were sacked, and thousands fled as barbarian invaders swept through the region. Many people who lived through the fall were traumatized, leaving an undeniable legacy of fear and unrest.
The legacy of Ancient Rome continues to live on today. Its achievements in the fields of politics, military strategy, architecture, engineering, and philosophy still shape our modern world. Its decline serves to remind us of how fragile our civilizations can be, and provides us with a valuable lesson about the need for peaceful cooperation, economic stability, and adequate infrastructure.
Funerary Art
One way to see the decline of Ancient Rome is to look at the funerary art that was produced during the period. While many of the sculptures and bas-reliefs of this era are aesthetically beautiful, some of them reveal more than mere artistry. Many of them seem to express sorrow over the decline of Rome, such as the funerary relieves gathered in the Lateran Museum.
The decline of Rome is accurately depicted in many of these sculptures and bas-reliefs, particularly with regards to the warrior class and their experience of combat. For example, the sculptures of the Horatii brothers, three legendary Roman warriors who fought a duel to determine the fate of Rome, clearly depict their struggle and despair as the fate of their city seems to be slipping away.
Later funerary art, such as the scenes of a dying-hero, also express a sense of mourning and sorrow over the decline of Rome. These sculptures can help us understand the mental state of people during this period and the emotional impact that the decline of Rome had on them.
Though the decline of Ancient Rome was a painful experience for many people, its legacy lives on to this day. We can still see its enduring influence in the architecture, art, and culture of our modern world.
Architecture
The decline of Ancient Rome was marked by the decline of its city infrastructure. As the Roman government became increasingly powerless, the city of Rome itself suffered, with many of the grandiose public buildings and monuments being left in disrepair.
However, despite the decline of the city, much of the Roman architecture remains. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum Romanum all remain as testimony to the grandeur of Roman architecture. These monuments are living reminders of the power and glory of Rome, showing how far it had come and how much it had achieved.
In addition, there are numerous Roman ruins spread across the world, from England to the Middle East, that hint at the lasting legacy of Rome’s architecture. These ruins are important reminders of how powerful the Roman Empire once was, and are valuable sources of information for historians and archaeologists.
Though Rome declined, it left an indelible mark on our world. Its architecture, art, and culture are still seen all around us, evoking the grandeur and power of this ancient civilization.
Culture
Rome was known not only for its grand architecture, but also for its rich and diverse culture. During its time, the city of Rome was a center of learning and culture, where many different religions and philosophies met, mingled, and influenced each other.
The decline of Rome did not mean the end of its culture and influence. In fact, many of the elements of Roman culture endured and spread across the Mediterranean and beyond, influencing other civilizations and forming the bedrock of Western culture as we know it today.
From language to law, from the Gregorian calendar to our modern understanding of government and politics, Rome’s influence can still be seen in our world today. We owe much of our culture to the civilization of Ancient Rome, despite its eventual decline.
Technology
The term ‘technology’ may conjure images of computers and the internet today, but Rome was a leader in developing technologies that are still in use today. Rome’s contributions to engineering and infrastructure form the foundation of our modern urban and transportation systems.
Rome is credited with innovations such as the invention of concrete, reinforced arches and domes, aqueducts, and concrete roads. These and other innovations allowed Rome to build its mighty empire, from the most far flung corners of the world to the city of Rome itself.
The decline of Rome was a setback from which it never fully recovered, but its legacy in the world of technology lives on. Modern infrastructure still relies on many of the same principles that Roman engineers developed over two-thousand years ago.
Religion
Roman religion was developed over thousands of years, and it played an important role in the growth and development of the Roman Empire. Many Roman gods and goddesses were thought to have power over the forces of nature and the destiny of mankind, while others were connected to more mundane activities like agriculture and war.
Though the decline of Rome weakened the power of the old religion, its legacy still lives on. Rome’s legacy can be seen in the numerous religions that still exist today, such as Christianity and Islam, both of which have their roots in Roman beliefs.
In addition, the Roman pantheon of gods and goddesses lives on in the form of folklore, literature, and popular culture. Characters such as Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury are still widely known and referenced to this day, and their stories are still as powerful as ever.
Government
The Roman government was highly centralized and structured, with a strong emphasis on law and order. Rome was well known for its legal system, which was based on the codified law of the Twelve Tables. This legal system was adopted by many other civilizations, such as the Barbarians and the Byzantines.
Though Rome declined, its influence on government and politics is still important today. The terms ‘senator’ and ‘consul’ are still widely used, and concepts such as ‘checks and balances’ and the division of powers can be traced back to Ancient Rome.
The fall of Rome provides us with a valuable lesson in the fragility of civilizations, and leaves us with the reminder that the power of our democracy today still rests on the foundations that were built by the Roman Empire.
