| Actually, historically, it was more a matter of decentralization that hurt Rome, as the separate portions of the Empire became somewhat competitive; the frontiers became difficult to defend, so that Rome began buying off potential invaders; taxation was privatized and given to "tax- farmers", who were supposed to extract a profit without adequate accountability to the government; and the Western court became increasingly decadent, and inattentive to government business, leaving it to the bureaucracy. Also, of course, the Romans became less willing to serve in the army, and increasingly used semi- barbarian mercenaries. This was the ultimate cause of the death of the Western Empire, when Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, took over because of non- payment of monies owed, sacking Rome and eliminating the Emperor...... |
