Why Did Rome Fall Essay

Why Did Rome Fall?

Rome started falling long before it was considered fallen. When barbarians began invading Rome, there was significant unemployment, excessive military spending, public health problems, and the list goes on. Among Rome’s many issues, political corruption, public health problems, and urban decay were the biggest ones. Many Romans lived on the streets, Roman leaders were chosen by the highest bidder, and water pipes were coated with lead giving people lead poisoning. Political corruption, environmental and public health problems, as well as urban decay led to the downfall of the Roman Empire. Political corruption was a huge problem in Rome. The throne was often given to the highest bidder and the emperors were corrupt leaders.

While the wealthy spent their riches on luxury goods, such as gold, jewels, and rare items, the poor were crowded onto streets and into apartments. These areas where the poor lived often suffered from urban decay. The text explains that Rome “was very overcrowded: approximately one million people lived within eight square miles.” Poor Romans lived in multi-story apartments that were in danger of collapse and infested with critters. Additionally, there were no toilets, no running water, and many fires. Others who could not pay rent lived on the streets. The urban decay of these apartment buildings along with the overcrowding on the streets led to the lower classes’ unhappiness. Meanwhile, the wealthy continued to live lavishly. The text states, “Because the rich did not have to pay for labor, many spent their riches on luxury goods.” They purchased paintings and fine art at auctions and bought expensive and rare items such as pearls and silk brought in from Rome’s trade routes and sold at markets. The poor could not afford these luxuries and this caused a gap between them and the wealthy. The wealthy also continued to build villas and other elaborate buildings. This brought about even less space for the poor to live in. This urban decay in Rome is a further example of why Rome