There are many factors that contributed to the decline of Rome. Many things happened at the same time that together, were too strong for the civilization to survive. In addition to the forces from other nations and factors that were out of Rome’s hands, it’s own citizens and problems inside the nation were causing it to collapse on itself.
The biggest threat that Rome did not bring upon itself was that it was being invaded. At approximately the same time, Rome was targeted by many different groups such as the Vandals, Ostrogoths and Visigoths. These Barbarian invasions wore down Rome’s military forces and put a constant burden of defending against invasion on the city.
Prior to the invasions, Rome’s success was already waning. This was due largely to the fact that the society was becoming increasingly more corrupt. Many Romans were becoming greedy and fame-crazed. They were only interested in what would make them richer, more famous or personally advance them in some way. There was little focus on Rome as a civilization and its needs. With so many people trying to help themselves, they were destroying their city.
As if Rome was not already suffering enough, there was another problem that arose from inside its walls. With the military coming back from various places around the world, many things were brought to Rome. Some were good and some were bad. Along with the many imports that benefitted Rome, new diseases were also introduced into the community. Because these germs were entirely foreign to the people of Rome, they had no immunity and were extremely vulnerable. These new diseases attacked Rome’s population and pushed them even deeper into decline.
Rome’s decline was caused by many factors. Even though Rome is so notorious for it’s fall, we still look back on it and are able to learn so much from it today.
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