Contextualizing Imperial Disruption and Upheavals and their Associated Research Challenges

The volume explores the period from the 1st century BC to the 4th–5th centuries AD, focusing on upheavals and disruptions in Roman Crete, including the Roman conquest, the creation of the Roman Province, and the division of the Roman Empire. It highlights the establishment of a Greco-Roman culture and society that replaced the Hellenistic predecessor. Significant disruptions and interventions, such as military invasions, earthquakes, religious changes, resource fluctuations, population movements, monetary devaluations, trading network shifts, and tectonic activity, are discussed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2024
Publisher: Oxbow Books

The 13th International Cretan Congress, held in 2022, was a significant event that brought together scholars from around the world to discuss the history of Crete during the period from the 1st century BC to the 4th–5th centuries AD. The volume that follows on from this conference covers a wide range of topics related to upheavals and disruptions in Crete during this time, with a particular focus on the arrival of Rome, the creation of the Roman Province, and the division of the Roman Empire. The volume is set against the backdrop of the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC, which marked the end of the power and control of the Greek city-states and the beginning of a new era in Crete's history. The changes that took place during this period were long and complex, but they ultimately resulted in the establishment of a Greco-Roman culture and society that was distinct from its Hellenistic predecessor.

One of the most significant disruptions in Crete during this period was the military invasion of the island by Rome. This invasion occurred in 67 BC and resulted in the destruction of many Greek city-states and the establishment of Roman rule. The Romans brought with them a new set of laws, customs, and practices that were unfamiliar to the Cretans and that had a profound impact on their daily lives. The Romanization of Crete was a long and gradual process, but it eventually led to the adoption of Roman culture and language by the Cretans.

Another significant disruption in Crete during this period was the AD 365 destructive earthquake. This earthquake caused widespread damage to the island and resulted in the loss of many lives. The earthquake also had a significant impact on the economy of Crete, as it caused a decline in agricultural production and trade. The Romans responded to the earthquake by rebuilding many of the damaged buildings and by providing assistance to the affected population.

Changes to religion and religious practices were also a significant disruption in Crete during this period. The introduction of Christianity in Crete in the 1st century AD was a major event that had a profound impact on the culture and society of the island. Christianity was initially met with resistance from the Greek Orthodox Church, but it eventually became the dominant religion in Crete. The introduction of Christianity also led to the development of a new set of religious practices and beliefs that were different from those of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Fluctuations in natural resources that affected agricultural production and thus local economies and trade were also a significant disruption in Crete during this period. The island was rich in natural resources, including minerals, timber, and agricultural land, but these resources were not always available in sufficient quantities. The Romans introduced new farming techniques and irrigation systems to improve agricultural production, but these techniques were not always successful. The fluctuations in natural resources also had a significant impact on the trade routes that connected Crete to the rest of the world.

Monetary devaluations in Rome also had a significant impact on Crete during this period. The Roman Empire was a powerful economic force, and its currency, the denarius, was used throughout the Mediterranean region. However, the devaluation of the denarius in the 1st century AD had a negative impact on the economy of Crete. The devaluation of the denarius made it difficult for the Cretans to purchase goods and services from other parts of the Roman Empire, and it also led to a decline in the value of their currency.

Movements of populations were also a significant disruption in Crete during this period. The Romans introduced a new system of taxation that required the Cretans to pay taxes to the Roman government. This system of taxation was unpopular with the Cretans, and it led to a number of uprisings and rebellions. The Romans responded to these uprisings and rebellions by sending troops to Crete to suppress the rebellion.

External shifts in trading networks were also a significant disruption in Crete during this period. The Roman Empire was a major trading power, and it had a network of trading routes that connected it to other parts of the world. However, the Roman Empire was also vulnerable to external threats, such as piracy and invasion. The Romans responded to these threats by building a network of fortifications and by sending troops to protect their trading routes.

Multiple instances of tectonic activity in the Imperial period also had a significant impact on Crete during this period. The Imperial period was a time of great geological activity, and it resulted in the formation of many volcanoes and earthquakes. These events had a significant impact on the landscape of Crete and on the lives of the Cretans. The Romans responded to these events by building a network of fortifications and by providing assistance to the affected population.

In conclusion, the 13th International Cretan Congress, held in 2022, was a significant event that brought together scholars from around the world to discuss the history of Crete during the period from the 1st century BC to the 4th–5th centuries AD. The volume that follows on from this conference covers a wide range of topics related to upheavals and disruptions in Crete during this time, with a particular focus on the arrival of Rome, the creation of the Roman Province, and the division of the Roman Empire. The volume is set against the backdrop of the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC, which marked the end of the power and control of the Greek city-states and the beginning of a new era in Crete's history. The changes that took place during this period were long and complex, but they ultimately resulted in the establishment of a Greco-Roman culture and society that was distinct from its Hellenistic predecessor.

Weight: 888g
Dimension: 222 x 289 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789259988