Introduction
Ancient Societies existed through a lot of strife politically, economically and socially. This essay explains issues in relation to the creation of a better world through the eyes of Confucius and Socrates. It also examines the crisis of the third century in the Roman Empire as well as the feudalism. States and Empires managed to overcome their challenges through socio-economic, as well as political reforms.
Creation of a better world
Confucius, the most significant Chinese philosopher, believes and teaches that the nature of men is the same but their habits separate them. He also believed that one should not do to others that which he would not want done unto them. The consideration and concerns of others are the aspects that Confucius taught his people would help them to live in e better world. Socrates, a Greek philosopher, also supported Confucius's assertion on people treating others right if they wanted to make the word a better place. Socrates's defense for piety and impiety deeds showed that he wanted people and their laws to uphold fair treatment in order to make the world a better place for all.
The crisis of the 3rd Century and its impact on the Roman Empire
The crisis of the 3rd century in the Roman Empire was a period of about 50 years in the 3rd century when the Roman Empire nearly collapsed under the weight of numerous problems. Although the Romans had been dealing with problems in the past, in the 3rd century they encountered numerous problems and on a bigger scale. They encountered military disasters, famines, plagues, rebellions from provinces, attempted coups, raids, and invasions among other issues.
The problems affected the Roman Empire differently. The northern Frontiers disturbed the peace of the Roman Empire and caused the abandonment of vast agricultural lands following invasions by warlike tribesmen (Southern, bbc.co.uk). The issue caused a significant reduction in food production in the Roman Empire. The Eastern frontier was also under attack from the Persians who defeated the armies of three Roman Emperors. The frontiers caused people in the Roman Empire to have civil strife as they began to mistrust each other with civilians mistrusting their armies (Southern, bbc.co.uk). Eventually, the crisis led to the collapse of the Roman Empire's governmental authority.
How the Roman Empire emerged from the crisis and the changes that developed
The Empire emerged from the crisis when a series of reformist leaders succeeded each other in reforming the governorship of the Empire with each continuing the restoration and reformist agendas of their predecessors. When Claudius II assumed power after Gallieneus. Claudius defeated the Goths who were invading the Empire (Southern, bbc.co.uk). Aurelian, the next emperor, made a significant effort in bringing the divergent parts of the Roman Empire under his control. He also added value to the Roman coins by adding more silver content in order to reverse the devaluation of the Roman currency (saylor.org). Diocletian's ascension to power in 284 AD brought some repairs to the financial and material damages in the Roman Empire. He, for instance, made changes to the powers of the Roman Empire by calling himself Dominus et Deus (Lord and God) (saylor.org). He also introduced elaborate court ceremonies to add powers to Emperorship, which he would use to quell internal rebellion. Constantine's assumption to power in 324AD continued the reform agenda, and he managed to end the civil wars.
Feudalism
Feudalism can be used to mean aristocracy, reactionary, hierarchical, medieval, or simply oppressive political, social, and economic regimes. Feudalism is characterized by serfdom or (ownership of people by feudal lords). The continuation of economic systems that preceded capitalism in the middle ages, as well as continuation of slavery, are other features of feudalism.
Feudalism brought about "backward" societies. The whole issue had numerous embarrassments. It was a "backward" society because it allowed property owners to dominate and oppress other people from whom they demanded rent, labor services, and various other dues (amherst.edu, 2). The civilians were supposed to accord the ruling class great subordination in a manner comparable to slavery. The emergence of capitalism and several economic reforms helped to water down the effects of feudalism.
Conclusion
There were many threats to ancient socio-political and economic establishments. The crises of the third century threatened the collapse of the powerful Roman Empire include external and internal strife, famine among other issues. However, the assumption of power by a series of reform-minded emperors restored the Roman Empire to its glory. In the Middle Ages feudalism, a backward system that allowed for oppression of the poor arose in Europe, and its influence subsided after the emergence of capitalism and economic reforms.
Works Cited
"Feudalism: A Brief History of the Idea." Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <https://www3.amherst.edu/~flcheyette/Publications/Feudalism DHI.pdf>.
Southern, Pat. "Third Century Crisis of the Roman Empire." BBC News. BBC, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/thirdcenturycrisis_article_01.shtml>.
"The Crisis of the Third Century." Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <http://www.saylor.org/site/wp- content/uploads/2013/02/HIST301-7.2.4-CrisisThirdCentury-FINAL.pdf>.
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