Based on the reading, what were the political problems plaguing Rome?
Rome had been going through the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, so there was
no real political threats and instability.
Marcus Aurelius has left Rome so ill-prepared, that after his death, the people
decided to reinstate the Republic, and grant citizenship to all foreigners.
Rome was faced with a mass labor shortage, and their economy suffered. The
looked for outside leadership to help guide them. After years of troublesome
emperors they turned to their old rival, Carthage, so guidance.
Following the death of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Peace was ended and due to
inept Roman Emperors, Civil War was so constant, that there was little effort to
protect the Roman boarders.