myöhäisantiikki

Myöhäisantiikki refers to the final period of classical antiquity, generally considered to span from the 3rd century AD to the 6th century AD. This era is characterized by significant political, social, economic, and religious transformations that ultimately led to the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of new cultural and political entities in Europe and the Mediterranean.

The political landscape of Myöhäisantiikki was marked by instability, with frequent civil wars, barbarian invasions, and the eventual division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern halves. The reign of Diocletian and Constantine the Great saw attempts to stabilize the empire through administrative reforms, including the tetrarchy and the establishment of Constantinople as a new capital. However, the Western Roman Empire continued to weaken, culminating in its traditional fall in 476 AD.

Religiously, Myöhäisantiikki witnessed the rise of Christianity. Initially persecuted, Christianity gained official status under Constantine and became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. This shift had profound implications for art, philosophy, and social structures, leading to the development of Christian theology and the establishment of the Church as a powerful institution. Pagan traditions gradually declined, though they persisted in some areas.

Economically, the period saw challenges such as inflation, declining trade, and the growing reliance on large estates. Socially, there were shifts in class structures and the increasing importance of military figures. Culturally, Myöhäisantiikki saw a continuation and adaptation of classical traditions, alongside the emergence of new artistic styles and intellectual currents that would bridge the gap to the Middle Ages. The influence of Roman law, language, and culture remained significant, shaping the development of successor states and the Byzantine Empire in the East.