Various parts played an intricate role leading to the fall of the Roman Empire specifically the western half. These parts consisted of social, economic, political, and invasions of foreign barbarian tribes. Initially, in 180 CE, Marcus Aurelius, emperor of that time, died leaving a battalion compromised of over a half a million men who watched over the border spanning several thousand miles. Pax Romana was still a force within these borders. Beyond this perimeter, there were barbaric powers uniting for a cue. Along with these barbarians there were many Germanic Tribes who had visions of applying pressure out west among the Franks, Alemanni, Burgundians, Ostrogoths, and Visigoths. A deep-rooted Persian empire, now evolved to form the …show more content…
Some deduce the point in time where the Roman Empire fell as September, simply because around 476 CE, Rome was “dethroned” at the hands of the barbarians, since they reveled in glory of being a super power. Although, this may seem like an appropriate deduction, it wasn’t all true. The senate of Rome granted the barbarian tribe’s spearhead the title of emperor and fundamentally invited the barbarian tribes in the hierarchy of Rome. The end of Rome cannot be pinpointed to one life-changing moment. On the contrary, Rome in a sense devolved and stepped down due to the pressure and adversity they faced in the presence of the barbarian and Germanic, tribes which persistently conquered Rome territories, and in turn assumed their life style, ironically preserving the culture. Majority of the Germanic tribes adopted Christianity and referred to themselves as Christian kings, leading with the backing of God. They essentially assumed the role that Constantine established in his time after the division of Rome, remembered for his role in the inauguration Christianity as the legal religion of the Roman Empire. The belief that the Roman Empire stood strong and was resurrected was a fairy tale which many chose to have faith in. This lasted a substantial amount of time following the fall of Rome. Soon enough the Eastern Roman Empire would become known as the Byzantine Empire, and …show more content…
In their glory days they conquered many territories leaving people defeated and starved for vengeance. I am a strong believer of karma, and because of this I feel that the Roman Empire’s decline was inevitable. However, I feel that it’s decline could have been postponed if the Roman Empire had been left with some guidance upon the death of the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Though it was imperative to keep soldiers around the perimeter, I believe that too much efforts were depleted on that assignment leading to the fall in economy and society. There should have been a plan set in the event that such a tragedy would take place, especially when the knowledge of revenge from enemy territories would have been so eminent. Arrogance was a major cause of their decline, along with the division of the empire, when emperors Diocletian and Constantine went their separate ways. It may be a popular saying, but hold much truth, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Greed was their demise, the hunger for ultimate power, when the only entity who sees such power is God. If they would have consolidated their experience and wisdom, they could have possibly prolonged this unfortunate fate as well. This hopefully is not our fate as Americans. Of course, it is also evident that we as the superpower of the present day are not liked by many and are trillions of dollars in debt, but the difference, and hopefully the difference that sets us