Rome wasn’t built in a day. For hundreds of years, Rome was unstoppable and built up their empire by conquering nations and expanding their territory which covered most of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. They overstretched their capabilities until they were once an unstoppable force that seemed like they could never be defeated but due to poor decisions of the Roman emperors the empire declined. Rome’s glory days of power and greatness shown for hundreds of years but nothing lasts forever. Rome built a great empire but brutal attacks, economic collapse, political violence, and over expansion ultimately led to its decline.
Invasions caused the Roman Empire to decline. The Germanics pushed the Barbarians, such as the Goths, to the Empire’s borders (Andrews). “The Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and other Germanic peoples crossed into Roman territory seeking safety (Esler 175).” The Barbarian attacks on Rome weakened the army. The armies didn’t have quality soldiers like Rome was used to. “These attacks were successful because Roman legions of the late empire lacked discipline and training from which earlier Roman armies had benefited (Esler 176).” Also the armies weren’t loyal to Rome. The soldiers that they trained, destroyed them. Constant attacks from the Barbarians caused a financial drain on the government.
…show more content…
“Again and again, emperors were overthrown by political intriguers or ambitious generals who seized power with the support of their troops.Those who rose to the throne in this way ruled for just a few months or years until they, too, were overthrown or assassinated (Esler 173).” “The government became more oppressive and authoritarian and lost the support of the people. Growing numbers of corrupt officials undermined loyalty, too. “Rival armies battled to have their commanders chosen as emperor (Esler 176).” Everyone wanted to be emperor and rule over the giant empire so civil wars started