Notes - Chapt 1 - The extent of the Roman Empire - Age of the Antonines

Gibbons starts out by describing the Age of the Antonines as a happy period of more than 80 years, covering the administrative periods of Nerva (96-98), Trajan (98-117), Hadrian (117-138), Antoninus Pius (138-161) and Marcus Aurilius (161-180). The first 3 chapters deal with this period of prosperity and peace, nestled in between the infamous administrations of Domitian (81-96) and Commodus (180-192).

It is interesting that this is considered a time of prosperity and peace. It may have been for the inhabitants of the empire, but it certainly was not for those on the outskirts. Granted, the age of imperialism and expansion was passed.

Trajan was a soldier engaged in campaigns most of his life. In 106 he engaged in a campaign against the Dacians, which is present day Romania. Traian is still a name commonly given to children in Romania. He also campaigned against the Parthians, who resided in what is presently Iran and Iraq (Persia).  Hadrian is famous for his escapades in the British Isles, where a wall was built in his name. During his administration there was also a major rebellion by the Jewish Province (Bar Kokhba's revolt (132-5).

Antoninus Pius (86-161) was born in Nîmes in southern Gaul, presently southern France.  Interestingly enough, François Guizot, 22nd Prime Minister of France from 1847-8, who translated Gibbon's work into French in 1812, was also born in Nîmes, France. During his administration there were 2 'necessary' or 'defensive' wars against the wandering Moors who were driven into the solitudes of Atlas (I cannot find this), and against the Brigantes (a powerful Celtic tribe) of Britain, who had invaded the Roman province.

Gibbons describes that the military strength of the Roman empire was sufficient to keep the 'barbarians' at bay. It was Marcus Aurelius, the stoic philosopher, who was provoked by their hostilities and in a show of power justified his suppression of them as a 'just defence'.

While this may be typified as a time of peace and tranquility in ancient terms, I would say there was still a long way to go. They did not live in peace with their neighbours. Rather, they considered their neighbours as barbarians and uncivilized, who lived in fear and perhaps respect of the military might and superiority of the Roman Empire. 

What is interesting is that the majority of the first chapter is describing the military prowess of the Empire. The strength of the army was what kept the neighbouring tribes and kings at bay. Legions were established throughout the empire to 'keep the peace', and to keep the savages from rebelling.

It is interesting that Gibbon's perception of peace is far from what we would consider a peaceful co-existence of neighbouring countries. He only considers the peace within the empire which is kept by might. Indeed, instead of proving how peaceful the empire was during this period, he makes a strong case for saying that rule that is achieved by might, can only be maintained by might.

Gibbon continues to describe the extent of the empire - Britain to Romania, and northern Africa to the banks of the Rhine and Danube. Not much else to report.