by Jonathan Waagner Jessen

Created on: July 27, 2010

There are several reasons for the beginning of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

The conversion of Rome from a republic to an empire definately was the most important reason for the fall of the empire. Instead of a gathered republic to agree on military decisions, the military superiority was given to a single man, a man not necessarily a good strategist. Many military decisions after Julius Caesars death was not well thought through, some decisions being very damaging for the empire.

Many people often hailed Julius Caesar as the greatest conqueror in history, that is right, he was a combination of a brilliant strategist and a great politician, but no other Roman emperors were like him. The authority being given to an incompetent leader and general for a generation, could take another brilliant leader and general a generation to rectify.

Another reason was the uprising of the population of the different Roman colonies and occupated areas, such as Britain, France, Belgium, and the colonies in Africa. Also the continued war with the ever stronger growing Germanic tribes. These factors led to the breakdown of the west part of the Roman Empire in 476. The reason the East Roman Empire could last so much longer (330-1453) was its geographical position, which was a good position to have until the Ottomans invaded from the east. Furthermore, the East Roman Empire did not have the problems the West Roman Empire had concerning its colonies and occupated areas. The occupated areas of the East Roman Empire were held in a tight grip for centuries, without great problems. The East Roman Empire was also more lucky about their leaders. The leaders of the Empire was very stabile.

Also the taxation of the people of the empire was high, and for the people living in the country, or in many areas outside todays Italy, their taxes would go to the construction of prestige projects, causing anger and hatred for the Roman Empire. The punishment for not paying taxes were death. Had the Romans not underestimated the power of a supressed people, and treated them better, the Roman Empire could have been prolonged.

Though there were fine leaders and generals among the Roman emperors, there were also many emperors not qualified to fit the role as an emperor. The gains and hard work of one emperor could be thrown away by the next emperor. The major reason for the fall of the Roman Empire started with Julius Caesars declaration of the conversion from republic to empire.

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