SoA Forum

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Imperial Dave on May 30, 2025, 08:25 PM

Title: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on May 30, 2025, 08:25 PM
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/head-head/why-did-rome-fall

Lights blue touch paper and then legs it....
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: stevenneate on May 30, 2025, 11:44 PM
It can't have fallen as it's very much alive to us. Maybe just under new management?
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 04:57 AM
 ::)
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Jim Webster on May 31, 2025, 05:36 AM
Loved the phrase 'The Empire was an exercise in managed devolution'

We have lived through a similar process with the managed devolution of the soviet empire, so now, a rump state with a smaller population than Bangladesh, and a smaller GDP than Brazil claims to be a world power

Following the managed devolution argument, it might just be possible to point out that Carthage didn't really fall, because in 400AD a lot of the population still spoke Punic, and were dominating the Empire wide theological debate under Augustine of Hippo, and whoever controlled Carthage decided whether Rome ate or not.  8)


Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

Empires fall, cities burn, people are killed, enslaved, or flee. But in their falling, empires create an industry of post hoc justifications and explanations of the situation  ;)

Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 10:28 AM
I've fallen at least once whilst in Rome...
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Duncan Head on May 31, 2025, 10:52 AM
Quote from: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 10:28 AMI've fallen at least once whilst in Rome...
"When in Rome..."

Did you decline beforehand?
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 03:51 PM
I think i tripped over a vestal virgin
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Cantabrigian on Jun 01, 2025, 12:12 PM
Quote from: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 03:51 PMI think i tripped over a vestal virgin

That's nothing.  I once tripped over a plaque on the deck of HMS Victory.
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Nick Harbud on Jun 01, 2025, 02:11 PM
Keep your eye on that one Nelson!

;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Duncan Head on Jun 01, 2025, 02:14 PM
Quote from: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 03:51 PMI think i tripped over a vestal virgin
Not many of those left - was probably a vestigial virgin.
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Erpingham on Jun 01, 2025, 02:20 PM
Quote from: Duncan Head on Jun 01, 2025, 02:14 PM
Quote from: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 03:51 PMI think i tripped over a vestal virgin
Not many of those left - was probably a vestigial virgin.

Didn't they all leave for the coast?
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on Jun 01, 2025, 04:28 PM
Quote from: Duncan Head on Jun 01, 2025, 02:14 PM
Quote from: Imperial Dave on May 31, 2025, 03:51 PMI think i tripped over a vestal virgin
Not many of those left - was probably a vestigial virgin.

Boom tish...
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Cantabrigian on Jun 02, 2025, 09:54 AM
Quote from: Erpingham on Jun 01, 2025, 02:20 PMDidn't they all leave for the coast?

Because the coast is where you can get a Darker Shade of Ale?
Title: Re: Why did Rome fall - History Today article
Post by: Imperial Dave on Jun 02, 2025, 10:13 AM
 ::)