Everything Everywhere Daily The Crisis of the Third Century (Encore)
Jan 29, 2026
A dramatic retelling of Rome’s near-collapse during the third century. Listeners hear about deadly plagues, rampant currency debasement, and climate-driven crop failures. The narrative covers rapid imperial turnover, army-made rulers, breakaway Gallic and Palmyrene states, and the military and political reforms that ultimately restored stability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The 49-Year Near Collapse
- The Crisis of the Third Century ran from 235 to 284 and nearly collapsed the Roman Empire.
- Multiple systemic stresses combined to create cascading instability across politics, economy, and security.
Plagues Undermined Military Strength
- Recurrent plagues hugely reduced population and military capacity, worsening Rome's vulnerabilities.
- The Antonine Plague and the Plague of Cyprian dramatically weakened cities like Alexandria and the army.
Currency Debasement Fueled Hyperinflation
- Debasement of coinage financed armies but caused runaway inflation and economic chaos.
- Denarii and aurei lost massive precious-metal content, destabilizing prices and trust in currency.