The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248–260: When the Gods Abandoned Rome

by Paul N. Pearson

“A clear, brisk writer, Pearson is also quite thorough, taking a holistic attitude to the many facets of a confused, turbulent period.” —NYMAS Review

This book is a narrative history of a dozen years of turmoil that begins with Rome’s millennium celebrations of 248 CE and ends with the capture of the emperor Valerian by the Persians in 260. It was a period of almost unremitting disaster for Rome, involving a series of civil wars, several major invasions by Goths and Persians, economic crisis, and an empire-wide pandemic, the “plague of Cyprian.” There was also sustained persecution of the Christians.

A central theme of the book is that this was a period of moral and spiritual crisis in which the traditional state religion suffered greatly in prestige, paving the way for the eventual triumph of Christianity. The sensational recent discovery of extensive fragments of the lost Scythica of Dexippus sheds much new light on the Gothic Wars of the period. The author has used this new evidence in combination with in-depth investigations in the field to develop a revised account of events surrounding the great Battle of Abritus, in which the army of the emperor Decius was annihilated by Cniva’s Goths. The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248-260 sheds new light on a period that is pivotal for understanding the transition between Classical civilization and the period known as Late Antiquity.

Genres: History, Roman History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Historical

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2022

Reviews

[Faustibooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. In this book, Pearson looks at the relatively small time period of 12 years from the celebrations of the first millennium of Rome in 248 AD in the reign of Philip I, until 260 AD, when the emperor, Valerian, got taken captive by the Persians. These years take place in the dramatic and eventful Crisis of the Third Century, a time in which the Roman Empire was embroiled in many different crises. The Empire suffered under political instability, economic decline, constant barbarian invasions, rebellions, climate change and plagues. The many sudden changes and dramatic events make this book feel like some epic tv show. So many things are happening in the Empire, that it’s hard to believe that all of it happened in a dozen years. There are multiple emperors that die in battle, either against barbarians or by one of the many Roman usurpers. Massive plagues spread, killing many, all the while barbarians invade the Empire and sack and enslave entire regions. Every time you think the damage is done and that it can’t get any worse, it gets even worse. It is even more shocking when the book ends and it looks like the Empire is even in a worse position than at the beginning of the book. The fact that the Roman Empire managed to survive for around another 200 years in the West and some 1200 years in the East is quite impressive. Last year I read a book by Peter Heather on the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the events felt eerily similar.

In the preface, Pearson states that this book was written for the general reader and anyone who is interested in ancient history. I believe he did an amazing job in this, as the way the book is written is very clear and direct, while also being very fun and easy to read through. I can definitely recommend this book to everyone. It also really helps that Pearson mentions whether a character has been mentioned previously and gives a quick recap on what they did. This is something some more academical works could do as well in my opinion, as there are many names which you can’t always remember.

I absolutely loved the addition of very recent studies and archeological finds. From the exciting study of a palimpsest which led to the discovery of missing texts (!), to dig sites that are still being excavated at the time of writing this. It gives me hope that we might discover more information on these vague years and indeed on ancient history as a whole. Also the author’s own theories and ideas were a great addition as well. Absolutely loved reading this book and am looking forward to other books Pearson might write in the future. If I wasn’t as busy as I was these days, I definitely would have finished this book a lot sooner. Five stars!

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent telling of a period of the Roman Empire on which there has been little research and Pearson does it full justice. The author writes confidently and in such a way that this book is very accessible for the interested layperson. For students it provides an excellent source of reference for the structure, organisation and control of this vast Empire in the second century. Pearson uses many sources to back up his opinions- all well referenced and with excellent footnotes which add flesh to the bones of the narrative. The narrative flows easily and was fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. My grateful thanks go to Netgalley, Pen & Sword publishers and the author Paul N Pearson for an advanced copy of The Roman Empire in Crisis 248-260

[Flavian-Pavel Chilcoș · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the opening segment, Paul N. Pearson emphasizes that, despite his scholarly background, his intention extends beyond the academic realm. Instead, he strives to connect with a wider audience, including those fascinated by ancient history. As a result, this current work presents a comprehensive overview of crucial events that influenced Roman society from 248 to 260, covering a 12-year period.

This period holds significance within the historical framework known as the Crisis of the Third Century or the era of Military Anarchy. This era, characterized by socio-political turmoil from 235 to 284, commenced under Emperor Maximinus Thrax (235-238). While some scholars trace the roots of instability to an earlier phase, its resolution unfolded with the rise of Emperor Diocletianus (284-305). Over 50 years, Roman society witnessed the rule of 27 emperors and grappled with destabilization caused by around 33 usurpers. The challenges included barbarian invasions, military campaigns against the Persian Empire, natural disasters, and epidemics, such as the Plague of Cyprian (249-270). Additionally, climate change left its mark.

Notably, from 260 onward, the Roman world experienced political fragmentation into three entities. The Gallic Empire, encompassing Gallia, Britannia, and Hispania, featured leaders like Postumus (260-269), Marius (269), Victorinus (269-271), Victoria (271), Tetricus I (271-274), and Tetricus II (273-274). Usurpers like Laellianus (269), Domitianus II (271), and Faustinus (273/274) added complexity. In the eastern provinces, the Palmyrene Empire, led by Zenobia (272-274), emerged. Between these, the Roman Empire, centered in Urbs Aeterna, navigated this intricate political landscape.

Continuing the narrative from the biography of the first soldier-emperor, Maximinus Thrax, the author skillfully crafts a reader-friendly experience in the book. The characters within its pages can be broadly categorized into two groups. On one side, the protagonists are the Romans, guided by key figures like Philip Arabs (244-249), Traianus Decius (249-251), Trebonianus Gallus (251-253), Valerianus (253-260), and Gallienus (253-268). On the opposing side, serving as antagonists in this literary work, are the Goths. Among them, notable figures include Ostrogotha and Cniva. Furthermore, the Persians assume a significant antagonistic role in the narrative.

When assessing the merit of this book, a threefold perspective comes to light. Firstly, the author's writing approach caters to readers unacquainted with ancient/Roman history and students embarking on a journey into this historical epoch, facilitating a comprehensive understanding. Secondly, the book's worth is heightened by the application of a scientific methodology, offering a meticulous and scholarly examination of historical events. Lastly, the author's writing style enhances the overall appeal and comprehension of the narrative, fostering reader engagement with the material.

In his approach to readers, Pearson takes on the role of a professor, skillfully creating an environment reminiscent of a history seminar. With a blend of understanding, patience, and compassion, he adeptly imparts information and explanations that span a diverse range of interests. This teaching style contributes to an enriching and engaging learning experience for the readers.

Pearson employs an analytical and comparative research approach in examining historical phenomena from 248 to 260. He begins with ancient historians and Byzantine chroniclers, explores contemporary perspectives, and concludes with his insights, contributing to a synthesized understanding of the events in question.

In the realm of writing style, Pearson stands out as a masterful wordsmith, adeptly plunging the reader into the vibrant and dynamic landscapes of Roman military confrontations. The narrative skillfully creates an immersive experience, providing the reader with a palpable sense of being a soldier enlisted in the Roman army, actively involved in the pivotal military engagements detailed in the book. Particularly noteworthy is the vivid portrayal of Traianus Decius' campaign against the Goths, depicted with a cinematic quality that captures the intensity and drama of the events.

In conclusion, I strongly assert that Paul N. Pearson's work, "The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248-260: When the Gods Abandoned Rome," merits a significant place in the libraries of both students and professors with an interest in Roman history or those exploring the intricacies of the Crisis of the Third Century.

For the complete review, I am attaching the following link to my academia.edu profile - https://www.academia.edu/113814834/Fl...

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As humans, we tend to suffer a little bit from the “tyranny of the present.” We tend to magnify the present time in various ways, acting as if it has never been this good or bad before. It’s rarely a bad thing for us to get a dose of reality about what people in the past experienced.

In this way a lot of people could look back on the last twelve years and think it has been pretty terrible with wars and COVID-19 and the like. If you’re tempted toward catastrophic thinking about the past few years, you might want to consider The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248-260: When the Gods Abandoned Rome, by Paul Pearson.

The author could have chosen from any number of years between 165 and 549 to discuss the trials and travails of the Roman Empire, but it’s hard to surpass the twelve years between 248 and 260 for the sheer levels of devastation and death which the Roman Empire experienced in those years.

The events of those twelve years represent the reasons for the ultimate end of the Roman Empire; if anything, one should walk away impressed how the Roman Empire kept going after 260. Would America be so fortunate?

248 was an important year: Rome’s millennial celebration (753 BCE - 248 CE). Philip the Arab was ruling as Emperor, and things were looking up, all things considered.

But then Philip the Arab stopped paying off the Goths to the east.

They invaded; Philip was overthrown, and Decius was made Emperor.

The Goths would overrun Philippopolis, the first time a major city of the Roman Empire had been overrun in a long time.

Decius would be killed in action.

Oh, by the way; while all of this was going on in the northeast, there were insurrections to the west and east. And an Ebola-like hemorrhagic fever began spreading north from Africa into Egypt and beyond: the Plague of Cyprian.

Emperors would rise and fall. The Christians were blamed and persecuted.

And then the Sassanid Persians in the east took advantage. Shapur would invade and destroy Antioch of Syria at least once, possibly twice. He would so thoroughly defeat the Romans that he took the Emperor Valerian hostage in 260.

Thus, in a twelve year period, the Goths continually invaded and were responsible for the end of many emperors; the Persians invaded and overran Roman Syria, taking an emperor hostage; a pandemic likely killed a significant percentage of the Roman population; famines were widespread; emperors quickly came and went.

A century later, the Goths would destroy an entire Roman army and the Emperor Valens, and that was really the end of the Roman Empire as it had been known. Later Germanic tribes would permanently overrun the western half of the empire. The constant changing of emperors did not help. And the ultimate strength of the eastern empire would be sapped by the Plague of Justinian and the constant fighting with the Sassanids in the sixth century, setting the stage for the whole area being overrun by the caliphate in the seventh.

The next time you read the apocalyptic metaphors in Revelation about all the seals and the trumpets, etc., know well how easily such was understood to be reflecting reality on the ground in the Roman Empire in the third century. Did the gods abandon Rome? Romans had reason to abandon their gods after these kinds of events; such was why 10% of the population had become Christian by the end of the third century, and it became possible for Constantine to make Christianity the religion of the Empire in the fourth century.

So, yes, it can be worse. It was worse. You don’t want those kind of days to come again.

[Alex Helling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roman Empire when through a period of disintegration in the third Century AD. Wars were lost, Emperors were deposed and proclaimed at dizzying speed, parts of the Empire became independent of the centre, Plague ravaged the land, and although it was a time of repeated and growing persecution Christianity came out of the ashes strengthened. Paul N Pearson’s The Roman Empire in Crisis 248-260 provides an engaging narrative of the descent into this crisis.

While there are periods of Roman history where we have lots of evidence from archaeology, contemporaries, and later writers the third century is not one of them. Pearson has done an excellent job drawing together all the little threads of evidence that there are to weave into a narrative history of some of the key years of this crisis. This is no easy task. Much of the chronology is disputed, many events may or may not have taken place, even some characters may not have actually existed (e.g. Sponsian). Pearson takes the very sensible decision to plot out a narrative that he sees as the most likely way things happened and explain that narrative. Alternative approaches and much extra discussion on the scraps of evidence are relegated to copious end notes. This means the reader can easily enjoy the narrative helping to make it a good book to read, and then look at the notes to ponder the alternatives without having to be constantly remembering all the possible routes.

The book has extra bits and pieces that are really useful in helping to understand the narrative. There are loads of maps which are nice and clear so we can follow campaigns and cities ravaged. There are pictures of key locations and what images we have of the emperors and claimants (mostly through coins).

A book I would thoroughly recommend. I am sure that even those who know Roman history really well as this is shining a light on one of the dusty corners. It is however an incredibly interesting period despite that. This book has been exceptional in providing an easy to read and understand narrative of this understudied period. I can only hope that Pearson follows up with a sequel on how the empire is put back together again.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Pandemic, insurrections, invasions, economic down turns, supply chain issues, religious strife - is it the 2020's? No, its the Roman Empire in the mid-3rd century when they were hit on all sides by all sorts of problems.

People tend to blame fiddle-playing, grape-eating emperors for the fall of the empire, but Pearson shows here there were plenty of other factors that lead Rome from greatness to ruin.

A fascinating macro military history of the Roman Empire as it leaves its glory days in the past.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting discussion of the turmoil in the Roman Empire at the height of the "crisis of the third century" Paul Pearson does a good job of teasing out information from scanty sources, and explains a very confused and ill documented period.

I do question his end date for this, as there is another almost 25 years of tumult before things finally settle down somewhat.

In any case, it is definitely worth a look if you have any interest in the subject, as the book is well footnoted, and has an excellent bibliography.

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing on new source material, this books offers deep insights into the period and presents new theories for readers to ponder. The writing style will appeal to many readers as it is so easy to read that I found myself forgetting, at times, that it is not a novel. Really great to see this type of information presented in such an accessible way.

[Rich Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roman Empire in Crisis 238–260 by Paul N. Pearson

Summary: If there’s one lesson I learned from this book on this period of Roman history, it’s this: if you’re emperor, do not leave a strong general unsupervised. Don’t leave him in Pannonia. Definitely don’t leave him on the Rhine. And absolutely do not station him in the eastern provinces. Because sooner or later, he will proclaim himself emperor. A lifelong lesson I will stick with me.

Pearson covers the chaotic years following the death of Gordian III (who, in essence, becomes the emperor after Maximinus once the dust settles), where constant civil war, plague, and invasions made governing the Roman Empire nearly impossible. That claustrophobic feeling I mentioned in my previous Maximinus review is multiplied by 10 here.

I won’t spoil too much of this often-skipped era, but it truly reads like historical fiction. Yes, there are moments where the author has to fill in gaps due to limited sources, but there is actually enough surviving material to allow for grounded, probable scenarios. One really cool resource used by Pearson is the newly recovered fragments of Dexippus, a contemporary historian whose work was overwritten centuries later and only recently brought back to light through imaging.

Another piece that stood out to me about Pearson's pages are the maps (us non-fiction nerds love maps!) and cross-references. Any time battles or previously mentioned people popped up, Pearson links it cleanly back to earlier campaigns and mentions. It was very helpful in following the fast-paced events.

I recommend this book, but after reading about the previous decades to get a feel for how Rome ended up in this spot.

[A M Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historians often gloss over the mid 3rd century when covering Rome. It lacks the great names of the periods before or after and emperors come and go more frequently than most bus services.

And yet it is crucial. Diocletian was a very different emperor to Marcus Aurelius for example. And this period 248-260 is key to understanding why.

As Paul Pearson explains the crisis was due to Rome facing new threats on its eastern and northern borders and the presence of a major plague, putting pressure on the economy.
Pearson slows down the story and goes into some detail to explain a period that is confusing if glossed over.

He has a simple, clear style which is easy to read and very engaging. Nearly every reviewer is giving this book 4 or 5 stars because it is a good book.

[David Brimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars: A perfect overview of the so-called “crisis of the third century.” Come here for the bloated, corrupt corpse of the Roman Empire, perhaps the most fascinating era of the empire’s long history.

[Miroslav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aj keď je táto kniha veľmi úzko profilovaná a v podstate končí veľmi rázne a v tom najlepšom (pre Rím v najhoršom), je neskutočne precízna, detailná a takouto formou by som chcel čítať o celej tisíc ročnej histórii Ríma. Viac takých...

[Mrs Karen Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book very interesting
Never knew much about this time in history but this book was written in a way that help me learn