The Ancients Rome's Crisis of the Third Century
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Jan 9, 2025 
Dr. David Gwynn, a Reader in ancient and late antique history, joins Tristan Hughes to dissect the Crisis of the Third Century in the Roman Empire. They explore the eerie frequency of emperor murders, highlighting figures like Maximinus Thrax. The conversation dives into civil wars, economic collapse, and the external threats from the Sassanians and Goths. A pivotal moment discussed is Emperor Valerian's capture, illustrating the era's chaos. Christianity's rise amidst plagues and hardships reveals a significant shift in societal values during this tumultuous time.
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Nature of Civil Wars
- Civil wars during the crisis were often small-scale conflicts between rival armies.
- These conflicts primarily involved power struggles between barracks emperors and their armies.
Breakaway Empires
- The Gallic and Palmyrene Empires emerged as successful breakaway states.
- These breakaway states provided localized defense that the central Roman Empire couldn't maintain.
Multiple Frontier Threats
- The Roman Empire faced simultaneous threats on multiple frontiers.
- The Rhine frontier saw the emergence of new Germanic groups like the Franks.