So, everyone knows I never throw anything away .... I found an old homework assignment from my undergrad days on Greek and Roman history ..... and thought it was interesting with respect to the falls of Rome: Factors leading to the fall of Rome: 1. The Germanic Tribes of Northern Europe (including the Baltics) became strong military forces and conquered Rome in 456. 2. Rome had become weak for a variety of reasons, including the following: a. Sectarian issues had created vast divides within the government b. people had lost faith in the government and had become disengaged c. the divide between the wealthy and the poor had become a chasm, and the poor no longer were willing to sacrifice for Rome d. the wealthy class brought in slaves, taking away jobs from the plebeians. e. trade was continually interrupted by wars, international trade became nearly impossible, hobbling the economy and further impoverishing the lower class f. the ruling classes were focused on the accumulation of wealth and materialism f. the gaps between the rich and poor resulted in significant social unrest, which the rich addressed by hiring mercenaries, both for themselves, and for Rome itself. g. The mercenaries turned on Rome, acted as the lead forces for the Germanic Tribes previously mentioned, and both the ruling classes and the poor lost everything. 3. As a consequence, Western Civilization entered the dark ages a time when learning and education were shunned, and only the teachings of the Church mattered. The Dark Ages lasted roughly 700 years, only truly ending with the combined invention of the printing press and the emergence of Martin Luther. 4. It is estimated by some that the dark ages cost humanity roughly 500 years of progress ... meaning had Rome not fallen, we would be roughly 500 years further in terms of science and discovery. Aint that just a barrel of chuckles, eh? Sure glad we dont have anything in common .... ; >
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 02:09:47 +0000