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by Tsamaya is on semi-retirement on September 3rd, 2008

Tsamaya is on semi-retirement

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Why did the Roman Empire fall?

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  • by Tinkerbell on September 3rd, 2008

    Tinkerbell

    There are many reasons. There was an influx of other peoples into Roman territory (Huns, Goths, Vandals etc) which put economic strains on the empire. It was also huge, managing such a large area was nigh on impossible (the Empire wasn't even a single entity at the time of Rome's fall but divided into Eastern and Western - the Eastern persisted for a long time after the collapse on the western).

    There were weak emperors notably Honorius who was emperor when the Goths under Alaric sacked Rome. Centralisation also played a part.

    I could go on for a long while here (and many have) and there is still much debate. Personal thoughts are that it was over-extended, economically unsound and suffered from poor management of the influx of peoples from the East. The history of the Goths makes very interesting reading with regard to that point. Ultimately though no matter how large, powerful and self-described "eternal" something may be nothing lasts forever.

    AN interesting question that I think is sadly beyond the scope of this forum. There are many good books on the subject starting with Gibbon is not a bad idea (not saying I agree but it is a good place to start!) :)

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