09-23-2018, 05:48 PM
Well, I don't agree with the 161AD. This can easily creates the idea that the peak of the Roman Empire can be seen in the 161, while we well know that the economy and the trades of the empire continued to grow and be prosperous until the third century. Here a link to the Oxford Roman Economy Project, http://www.romaneconomy.ox.ac.uk/, it is a huge work and includes several publications which show that the economy continued to grow up in the third century, together with an increased use of innovations (probably to face a temporary reduction of the workforce).
Also, the so-called Pax-Romana was quite effective just under Hadrianus and Antoninus. The Parthian problem was a problem that was always there (Crassus, Marcus Antonius, Nero, Trajan). There was not a discontinuity in what happened under Marcus Aurelius period.
And, what made by Hadrian is quite debatable, especially in Dacia. So, if we want to speak about the period of the Pax Romana, we should create another period just for these two emperors.
For all these reasons I consider that the first real division with the start of the military anarchy. In my opinion, it has been triggered by the Severian reforms (mre power to the army and extension of the roman citizenship), but the divisions should be placed when the effects become visible and tangible.
Also, the so-called Pax-Romana was quite effective just under Hadrianus and Antoninus. The Parthian problem was a problem that was always there (Crassus, Marcus Antonius, Nero, Trajan). There was not a discontinuity in what happened under Marcus Aurelius period.
And, what made by Hadrian is quite debatable, especially in Dacia. So, if we want to speak about the period of the Pax Romana, we should create another period just for these two emperors.
For all these reasons I consider that the first real division with the start of the military anarchy. In my opinion, it has been triggered by the Severian reforms (mre power to the army and extension of the roman citizenship), but the divisions should be placed when the effects become visible and tangible.
