The Fall of Roman Empire

The fall of the Roman Empire could be linked to many different aspects. Such as Army, Citizens and Barbarianism. Personally I think that all these reasons are linked and headed by the decline of the Roman emperor. The deficient Emperor role led to the lacking military response to invasions, civil war and peasant uprisings.

First of all, ever since the adoptive system, which was installed by Marcus Aurelius, was never reinstalled after his death, effective leadership in governing Rome was lacking. It was clearly visible that the Roman Emperor was the backbone of Roman stability and therefore the strength of the Roman army was also crucial in ensuing the empire's stability. But this stability was drastically altered when corruption and “necessary” errors were committed.

Secondly, The Roman Empire was plunged into military anarchy and raided by barbarous Germanic tribes causing a major burden from an economic standpoint. Emperors, feeling pressure from all directions, resorted to manners, which depleted army and citizen moral. The personal dream of empirical leaders was never capable of re-stabilizing the Empire after the invasions. For instance, Constantine created a “substantial field force

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These officers occupied the highest ranks up to that of master of the militia. During the Pax Romana period, the Roman soldier used his superior organization and training to conquer nations. By allowing citizenship to almost anyone it negated the importance the higher-class society had in Rome. ” Valens was a clear example of the corruption in the higher class of the empire. “They would join the army at the age of eighteen. Therefore the emperors to remain on their throne were sometimes obliged to buy the emperor powers from soldiers and other militiamen. In Piganiol's essay he mentions that the, “emperors disarmed the citizens and trusted the defense of the empire to mercenaries. Emperors continued to play a negative role in the allotment of foreigners to take control. He was extremely disciplined and professional. “Aurelius also

Introduced the German element into the Empire. It began as a powerhouse but by some uncontrollable and ignorant errors it collapsed. The legions failed to defend borders; the army began to consist predominately of the peasants (citizenship issue). The lack of soldier loyalty to Rome began with the lack of Rome loyalty towards soldiers. He felt the only way to preserve the Empire was to host all those who wished to live within its territory.

Lastly, before the Civil War the Roman soldier was considered as probably the greatest fighting force in all of the Western World.

Approximate Word count = 1246
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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