ANTIGUA ROMA 8: La división del Imperio y la caída de Occidente (Documental Historia Imperio Romano)

The Division of the Empire and Fall of the West

The Constantinian Dynasty

• After Constantine I's death, his sons engaged in a fratricidal war for power, leading to the demise of several relatives.

• Peace among the surviving brothers was short-lived; Constantine II invaded Italy but died in Aquileia, leaving Constans in control of the West.

• Tensions arose between Constans (Nicene Creed supporter) and Constancio II (Arian), with Constancio sending Bishop Ulfilas to convert Goths to Arian Christianity.

• A coup by General Magnentius resulted in Constant's death, allowing Constancio II to reign as sole emperor for a decade before conflict erupted with his nephew Julian.

• Julian, known as "the Apostate," attempted to revive Greco-Roman paganism and emulate Alexander the Great but ultimately met a fatal end.

The Valentinian Dynasty and Theodosius

• Following Julian's brief reign, Valentinian I ascended in 364 alongside his brother Valente; they focused on quelling riots and barbarian invasions.

• The Huns' arrival from Mongolia triggered migrations that forced various tribes, including Goths and Visigoths, into Roman territory.

• Valentiniano I died from anger during negotiations with Quadi; his son Gratian took over while Pannonia declared support for Valentinian II.

• Valente faced significant losses against Fritigern’s Goth forces at Adrianople, resulting in territorial gains for the Goths in the Balkans.

• Theodosius I allowed Goth settlement under a "foedus" agreement, granting them autonomy while requiring military service to Rome.

Religious Transformation Under Theodosius

• Alaric emerged as a future leader of the Visigoths during this period.

• In 380, Theodosius declared Christianity as Rome's official religion through the Edict of Thessaloniki; Pope Damasus I translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate).

• His religious zeal led him to suppress pagan practices aggressively, including animal sacrifices and public cult activities like those dedicated to Jupiter or Sol Invictus.

• Graciano was assassinated by Magnus Maximus after attempting to address threats on multiple fronts; Maximus then moved capital operations to Trier.

The Division of the Roman Empire and Its Consequences

The Rise of New Leaders and the Division of Power

• The kid came a day hanged, and Arbogastes put on the throne to the pagan Professor Flavio Eugenio. Theodosius I pursued him with Estilicón and young Alaric, leading to Eugene's defeat at the Battle of the Frigid River.

• After Theodosius I's death, his sons Arcadius and Honorius became emperors, marking a definitive division in the Roman Empire (395-476). Arcadius was heavily influenced by prefects like Eutropius, while Honorius was still a child under Estilicón’s guidance.

Challenges Faced by the Divided Empire

• Alaric became king of the Visigoths; as emperors refused to pay tribute, he decided to plunder Illyria and Greece. Although they attempted sieges, they could not take Constantinople due to poor preparation.

• To appease tensions, Arcadius appointed Alaric governor of Illyria. However, Alaric moved westward due to debts owed by Honorius. Estilicón had significant military successes against various tribes but was ultimately executed due to rising popularity.

The Fall of Rome

• Following Estilicón's execution in 408 and Arcadius' death that same year, his son Theodosius II took over. He initiated reforms including new walls for Constantinople and compiled laws into the Theodosian Code.

• Honorius made a critical mistake by killing Estilicón; this allowed Alaric easy access to Rome which he besieged for two years before plundering it in 410—a shocking event after 800 years without foreign invasion.

Shifts in Power Dynamics

• Post-sack of Rome: Alaric died shortly after; his successor Ataúlfo kidnapped Gala Placidia (Honorius’ sister), leading to political alliances that shifted power dynamics within Hispania.

• Walia succeeded Ataúlfo and returned Placidia to Honorius. This led to Visigoth settlement in Aquitaine forming their kingdom with Toulouse as capital around 418.

Continued Invasions and Political Turmoil

• Other Germanic tribes established kingdoms during this period: Burgundians in Burgundy and Franks in modern France. Meanwhile, Vandals led by Genserico settled in North Africa after conquering parts of Iberia.

• Chaos ensued following Honorius' death in 423; Valentinian III ascended under regency from his mother Gala Placidia who maintained good relations with Goth leaders.

Encounters with Attila and Final Downfall

• Atila emerged as a formidable threat around 434 AD; he terrorized both Goths and Romans until halted at Chalons where General Aetius achieved one last great victory for Rome.

• After failing at Italy post-Chalons battle, Atila sacked Aquileia but retreated upon meeting Pope Leo I outside Rome—his subsequent death marked a decline for Huns.

Conclusion: Decline of Imperial Authority

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Key Events Leading to the Fall

• The Vandal leader sacked Rome, but Pope Leo I successfully persuaded him to spare the city.

• Avito became emperor, followed by Ricimero, a successful general with Gothic origins who became influential behind subsequent emperors.

• Ricimero raised his friend Mayoriano after Libyan Severo and later Antemio as emperors.

The Decline of Imperial Power

• In 468, an attempt was made to reclaim North Africa from the Vandals; however, this military operation failed disastrously, leading to chaos in Rome.

• Following this failure, Ricimero was poisoned amidst political turmoil involving emperors Olibrio, Glicerio, and Julio Nepote.

• Orestes, the magister equitum (master of horse), placed his young son Romulus Augustulus on the throne as the last emperor of the West in 476 AD.

The End of an Era

• King Odoacer of the Heruli killed Orestes and entered Ravenna, subsequently deposing Romulus Augustulus and crowning himself king.