Roman Empire, which existed for 16 centuries have seen many rulers: madcap, tyrants, fair, cruel.However, the most important period in the development of the country is considered to be the rule of the so-called Antonine dynasty, went down in history as the "golden age of the Roman Empire."The name itself comes from the name of the dynasty of emperor - Antoninus Pius, ruling the country for 86 to 161 years BC
According to the established tradition in Rome inheritance of power, ruling the state Emperor had to adopt his successor.After the death of "stepfather" adopted son became sole ruler of the country.So, in 98 BCEmperor of Rome was the son of the noble Roman colonists, commander Mark Trajan, who became famous for his fairness and strict observance of the law.Among the main achievements of Trajan - caring for the poor and disadvantaged, the victory in the Dacian wars of conquest banks of the Danube, etc.The life of ordinary people under Trajan became more measured and calm, the Roman Empire ceased to depend on supplies to the Egyptian bread and could no longer feed its own people.
Another notable figure in the reign of the Antonine dynasty was the emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius (161-180 GG) is deceived by writing essays on the theme of the human mind and human equality.It is known that Marcus Aurelius belonged to his fellow citizens, not as in a subject, but as a free people in all respects.
The reign of emperor and philosopher chelovekolyubtsa was marred by attacks of Germanic tribes, or as they called them barbarians in Rome.By the way, the Romans called barbarians all the peoples who do not speak Latin or Greek, and located on the lower level of development.The Gauls and Germans inhabiting the territory of the Central and Northern Europe, also among civilizations lagging behind in their level of development of Rome.The war with rival tribes dragged on for several years and ended only with the permission to live on the Roman Danube Germanic territories.
the last ruler of the heyday of the Roman Empire became Lucius Aurelius Commodus, who became famous persecution of wealthy senators who confiscated ill-gotten property.Supporters and helpers Commodus were simple soldiers and Praetorians, receive for their Services a decent reward.Known for his extravagance was the emperor, and his main hobby - taking part in the circus games in the role of a gladiator, a negative impact on the public purse.Serving in German, Dacian and British troops were paid much less than military service in the capital.The discontent of the people increased even more when the emperor declared himself the son of the god Jupiter and Hercules of Rome and demanded to his divine relationship.Emperor Commodus was assassinated by conspirators among the subjects in the 192 year.Together with his death ended the golden age of the country's development, the treasury was exhausted, and the Roman empire went into decline.Although before the collapse of the state still had at least two hundred years, this event could not have an impact on the approach of the country's split into western and eastern parts.Western Roman Empire lasted until the year 476, East ten centuries later broke up in 1453 after a raid of Turks.
Today credible reasons for the collapse of the Roman Empire is not fully installed.On the one hand, a huge country, conquering new territories, could not last forever.On the other hand, the world is arranged so that the state come and go, but in the history of mankind is practically no effect.Today, it can be argued that the collapse of the Roman Empire meant not likely demise of the individual states, and the demise of the most ancient civilization.
