Enemies of Rome in the 3rd Century CE: The Greatest Enemy of Rome was Rome Itself

"It has been said that the greatest enemy of Rome was Rome itself, and this is certainly true of the period known as the Crisis of the Third Century (also known as the Imperial Crisis, 235-284). During this time of almost 50 years, over 20 different emperors ruled in quick succession; a statistic that becomes more alarming when compared with the 26 who reigned between 27 BCE and 235 CE."

"These rulers - known as the ' barracks emperors' because they were supported by and largely came from the Roman army - were generally motivated by their own ambition and personal interests and so served themselves before the interests of the state. Although a few of these emperors proved themselves worthy of rule, they could not escape the climate of the times, which rewarded direct and discernible results on the part of leadership, even if those results were not always in the people's best interest."

"The Crisis of the Third Century began when the Roman emperor Alexander Severus (222-235) decided to pay the German tribes for peace instead of meeting them in battle, and his troops, considering this course dishonorable, killed him. Such an action against a sitting emperor would have been considered unthinkable in the past, but it became so commonplace during this period that elevating a man to the position of emperor was almost a death sentence."

"Emperors could no longer rule according to their vision of the best version of Rome; they had to make policy with their popularity among the army in mind. After the death of Alexander Severus, a new paradigm for a ruler became standard - of emperors relying on the goodwill of the military in general and their own commands specifically - and this would characterize the whole of the period."

Between 235 and 284 CE, Rome experienced the Crisis of the Third Century, with over twenty emperors ruling in rapid succession, compared with twenty-six from 27 BCE to 235 CE. Most rulers emerged from the army and relied on military support, earning the label 'barracks emperors.' Personal ambition and troop loyalty drove decision-making, often subordinating state interests. The crisis intensified after soldiers murdered Alexander Severus for favoring payment over battle, normalizing assassination and making the imperial office perilous. Emperors prioritized popularity with their legions, shaping policy to secure military backing rather than pursue a long-term vision for Rome.

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