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There are those that would have you believe that corruption, decadence and debauchery were the downfall of Rome. Rome like any of the great and dominant civilizations before it and after it collapsed because it no longer it support its own weight. The Egyptians, Greeks, Mayans, Aztecs, succumb to the same fate as Rome. They just didn't care anymore.

Rome was an empire that ruled the world. It provided Pax Romana, Roman Peace. Peace with the force of an occupation force. The Roman soldier was tough and well trained. Pax Romana was a way of life in the world for centuries. The skirmishes and battles were in distant places had little effect on the normal life in Rome or any of the Roman resorts.

Rome was a republic. Its senate had influence over the emperor. There were emperors who usurp power for a time and there were senates that control emperors. The decadence of the Caesars were in the middle days of the empire. The debauchery of Caligua period did set a template for future emperors. So why did the Roman Empire collapse?

The rise of Christianity undermined the violence that had bred the power and ruthlessness of the Roman Empire. Support of the military eroded as did the drive of the upper class. It was Christianity that ended the popular entertainment. Pacifism replaced warmongering. Apathy replaced the desire to rule and serve. Rome was prime to collapse.

The end of gladiator competition occurred in 404. Six years later, the barbarians attacked Rome and sacked Rome. Eighteen years later the Coliseum is heavily damaged by an earthquake. Fifty-one years later the Vandals were sacking Rome. The last Roman emperor was deposed and the empire was over.

There are those that tie the end of the empire to the end of the games. This was a an arrow that pointed to the reason for the fall. The Roman empire died because of apathy. The same reason can be found in each of the great civilizations and it is the path that brought down the greatness of what was once great. During Pax Romana the citizenry and the government were interested in maintaining a world of "bread and circuses."

The failure of the Roman occupation army to hold the provinces gradually resulted in a shrinking empire. The lack of interest of young men in becoming military leaders resulted in poor leadership. The armies of Rome were no longer the power that was. Battered by barbarian forces the Roman army pulled back to the borders of Rome. Support was no longer provided for an already demoralized army.

Public entertainment ended, the Roman Empire was no longer protected by an Army, and the fear and panic of attack was now on the doorstep of the city. The citizens cowered in corners as the barbarians charged into the streets of Rome. The Vandals brought down the emperor and the empire ended.

Learn more about this author, Fran Moriarty.
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