Western Civilization I / Unit 8 WC1 0701 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Crisis of the Third Century: Twenty-Six Emperors
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The idea
From two thirty-five, when Severus Alexander was murdered, the Empire risked collapse for fifty years: the anchor's twenty-six emperors, the Praetorians auctioning the throne, borders breaking, elites retreating to estates. Aurelian, a witness name, rebuilt Rome's walls in two seventy.
In practice
Three rival empires about two seventy-one: Gallic and Palmyrene, witness names.
Where people slip
The system hinged on one man. When he traveled, government stalled.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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